Ancient sites · Maho
Yapahuwa: The Rock Fortress with the Ornate Stairway
By Days of Iru and Opa
Yapahuwa is a steep rock rising from the plains near Maho, briefly a royal capital in the 13th century and once home to the sacred Tooth Relic. Its highlight is a dramatic ornamental stone staircase.
The stairway
A steep, richly carved stone stairway climbs to the palace and temple ruins, decorated with lions, dancers and mythical figures. It is one of the finest pieces of medieval stonework in the country.
The climb
Beyond the ornamental stairs, a rougher path continues to the summit for a wide view over the surrounding plains.
Getting there
Yapahuwa is near Maho junction, off the main routes, which keeps it peaceful compared with the big Cultural Triangle sites.
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