The capital was shifted from Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa by King Bhuvenakabahu in 1272 and continued to serve as one till 1284. The ruins of the then capital offer now a great view for a traveller.
The main feature here is the 90 meter tall rock which stands out in the surrounding plains. There is a staircase which leads to the top of the rock. The stairway is extremely beautiful masterpiece with carvings and stone sculptures. On top the rock there is a stupa, cave and a Bo tree, which can be a part of a monastery complex. On the base of the rock there is an enclosed area with two moats and ramparts. The area has Buddhist shrine along with other structures. Yapawwa Rajamaha Vihara is a Buddhist temple that was built during the Kandyan period and features Kandyan paintings.
Hidden Gems!
When to go
How to reach
Yapahuwa is 58kms from Kurunegala on the road to Anuradhapura.
