Yapahuwa | Anuradhapura

Yapahuwa | Introduction

Yapahuwa, an ancient rock fortress situated in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, holds a rich historical significance. Standing majestically at 90 meters above the surrounding plains, this fortified citadel was once the capital of the island during the 13th century. Its strategic location and architectural marvels make it a key landmark in Sri Lanka's historical and cultural landscape.

Historical Background

Yapahuwa was established by King Bhuvanekabahu I in the year 1272 AD as his capital. During this period, the country was under constant threat of invasions from South India, particularly the Pandyan Empire. The natural defenses provided by the towering rock of Yapahuwa made it an ideal location for the king to safeguard the kingdom and its most precious treasure—the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, a symbol of the sovereignty of the Sri Lankan kings.

Before becoming the royal capital, Yapahuwa served as a military outpost under King Vijayabahu IV, who also used the fortress to defend against invaders. The rock itself had been a place of significance even earlier, serving as a refuge for Buddhist monks during times of strife. However, it reached its pinnacle as a royal capital during the reign of Bhuvanekabahu I.

Architecture and Significance

The most iconic feature of Yapahuwa is its impressive stone staircase, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. These stairs lead to the upper part of the fortress where the Sacred Tooth Relic was once housed in a temple. The carvings on the staircase are among the finest examples of Sinhala art from the medieval period, showcasing a blend of Buddhist and Hindu influences, which were prevalent during this era due to interactions with neighboring cultures.

At the summit of the rock, remnants of the ancient palace and other structures offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the kingdom. Defensive walls and moats further illustrate the fortress's strategic importance. Although the Sacred Tooth Relic was later captured by the Pandyans and transported to India, the site remains a symbol of Sri Lanka’s resilience and rich cultural heritage.

Yapahuwa Today

Today, Yapahuwa stands as one of Sri Lanka's most important archaeological sites, attracting historians, archaeologists, and visitors interested in exploring the island's ancient past. While much of the royal city is in ruins, the rock fortress and its magnificent stone staircase remain intact, offering a glimpse into the architectural prowess and cultural heritage of 13th-century Sri Lanka.

The site is a tranquil retreat for those seeking to understand the island’s historical transitions and its efforts to preserve its cultural and religious treasures through challenging times. Visitors to Yapahuwa not only experience a significant historical monument but also a spiritual connection to Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist traditions.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or a traveler seeking to explore the lesser-known corners of Sri Lanka, Yapahuwa is a must-visit destination that speaks volumes about the island’s rich and complex history.


Anuradhapura | Introduction

Anuradhapura, one of the most venerated and historically significant cities in Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Located in the North Central Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka and the heart of early Sinhalese civilization for over a millennium. Today, Anuradhapura is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, Buddhist monuments, and as a pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.

Historical Background

Anuradhapura was established as the capital in the 4th century BC by King Pandukabhaya, marking the beginning of its over 1,000-year reign as the political and religious center of Sri Lanka. The city flourished under a succession of Sinhalese kings, reaching its zenith during the rule of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. It was during this time that Buddhism was introduced to the island by Mahinda Thero, the son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka. The spread of Buddhism became a defining moment for Sri Lankan society, and Anuradhapura quickly developed into a hub of Buddhist learning and culture.

Over the centuries, Anuradhapura saw the construction of magnificent stupas, monasteries, palaces, and reservoirs, some of which are still visible today. The city’s hydraulic system, featuring large artificial lakes (known as tanks) and intricate irrigation networks, showcased the advanced engineering skills of the time. This system supported agriculture and helped sustain a thriving population.

Despite its prosperity, Anuradhapura faced repeated invasions from South India, particularly from the Chola dynasty, leading to its eventual decline. The city was finally abandoned in the 11th century AD, after the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa for better defense against invaders.

Religious and Cultural Significance

Anuradhapura is deeply intertwined with the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. One of its most sacred sites is the Sri Maha Bodhi, a fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree in India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. This sacred tree, planted in 288 BC, is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date, and continues to be a revered symbol of the Buddhist faith.

Other important religious monuments include the Ruwanwelisaya, one of the largest stupas in the world, built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC. It represents the spiritual and architectural grandeur of the ancient kingdom. The Jetavanaramaya stupa, constructed during the 3rd century AD, is another monumental structure that remains one of the tallest brick structures in the world.

The Abhayagiri Monastery and the Thuparamaya, the first stupa built in Sri Lanka, are further reflections of Anuradhapura’s role as a center of Buddhist learning and monastic life.

Architecture and Innovations

Anuradhapura’s architecture showcases a unique blend of religious devotion, engineering ingenuity, and artistic expression. The stupas, or dagobas, are designed with symbolic meaning, representing the cosmos and serving as reliquaries for sacred Buddhist artifacts.

In addition to its religious structures, Anuradhapura was famed for its elaborate irrigation systems, which were among the most advanced in the ancient world. The Kala Wewa and Tissa Wewa reservoirs, constructed by early kings, were part of an extensive network that supplied water to the city and its surrounding farmlands, ensuring sustainable agriculture in a region with limited rainfall.

Anuradhapura Today

Today, Anuradhapura remains a living historical site. It draws both pilgrims and tourists eager to witness its ancient ruins, sacred relics, and stunning monuments. Its serene atmosphere offers a spiritual experience to those visiting the ancient temples and stupas, while the archaeological wonders provide a glimpse into the sophisticated civilization that once thrived here.

The city is not only a site of historical significance but also a place where Sri Lankan culture continues to thrive. Annual religious festivals and daily rituals around the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi continue to reflect the deep connection between the present and the city’s storied past.

For history enthusiasts, religious pilgrims, and travelers seeking to explore Sri Lanka’s roots, Anuradhapura offers a profound journey into the island’s ancient civilization, its enduring Buddhist traditions, and its pioneering achievements in art, architecture, and engineering.



Place To Visit | Activities​​

Religious Places


Historical Places


Water Lakes

Activities