Yapahuwa: The Staircase Fortress
Moderate · North Western Province
Yapahuwa is a granite rock rising almost 100 m above the lowlands between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura, fortified by King Bhuvanekabahu I around 1273 as a short-lived capital. Its ornamental staircase is one of the most striking pieces of architecture in the country, and its lion appeared on the old ten-rupee note.
What you’ll walk through
The staircase climbs in three flights. The most famous is very steep, around 70 degrees, lined with carved makara balustrades and lion figures. At its head stood the temple of the Tooth Relic, kept here until it was seized after the king's death in 1284. A path continues from there up the rock to views over the lowlands.
The main flight is very steep. Use the handrails, especially coming down.
Access & permits
We could not confirm the managing body or any fee from an official source.
On the map
Pin 1 is Yapahuwa. The others are the nearest places in our trail directory.
- Yapahuwa: The staircase fortress.
- Dolukanda: The lone mountain in Kurunegala District. About 25 km away.
- Dambulla Cave Temple: The five painted caves. About 37 km away.
- Ritigala: Summit reserve; the monastery ruins are on the eastern slope. About 50 km away.
Key landmarks & features
- Ornamental staircase - A steep flight of about 70 degrees with carved balustrades.
- Yapahuwa lion - The figure once shown on the ten-rupee note.
- Tooth Relic temple site - Where the relic was kept from 1272 to 1284.
- Summit - Views over the lowlands.
When to go
Early morning, before the heat.
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Nearby in the directory
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