A royal residence in 13th century Yapahuwa was able to preserve some interesting remains. While many traces of other ancient defenses are still be seen, an ornamental stairway remains it’s the main draw.
Located at Kurunegala, North Western Province of Sri Lanka, Yapahuwa ancient fortress rises to a height of 90 m above the surrounding plains. Built by King Buwanekabahu the First as the capital of Sri Lanka in 1301, today, the Royal residence, the Temple of Tooth Relic, the battle defences are in ruins. While many traces of other ancient defenses are still be seen, an ornamental stairway remains it’s the main draw.
The ruined walls of Yapahuwa form a rough semicircle. The ends join the foot of the high steep-sided rocky granite outcrop. The outer fortification, an earthen rampart extends to about a mile is about 20feet in height. Over the rampart are the ruins of a brick wall that was erected for defences. Around the rampart was a moat. Around the rampart was a moat. Access to the fortress was by means of the three gates that connected to three causeways. Within this rampart was an inner fortification: a stone wall 12 feet in height and about 500 yards long with a moat outside it and with two gates.
The homes of the ordinary people would have been between the outer and inner walls while king’s palace, administrative buildings and of course the Temple of the Tooth were within the inner wall.The Stone stairway originally comprised of three flights of stone stairs, one above the other, however the lower one has disappeared and been replaced by cement steps. The walls on either side of the stairway form pavilions in each of which is a graceful female figure. Above these sculptures are sculptures of stylized goggle-eyed spring and the in balustrades above these, the head of lions have transformed into the Elephants with their trunks extended. Beautiful rock carvings of jubilant musicians, dancers and drummers decorate the last staircase and the porch above them.
Finally at the top of the stairway the pilgrim will reach the impressive and harmoniously conceived doorway that once led into the Temple of the Tooth. Passing through the door the pilgrim will see directly in front of him or her the foundations of the temple. The rough path to the top of the rock is to the left. It is a steep climb but well worth the effort. From the palace and temple a The rough path to the top of the rock is to the left. It is a steep path leads up to terrace on which there are some unidentifiable remains and a modern dagaba. The view, however, is sufficient reward for the strenuous climb.