Yapahuwa is a rock fortress turned into the 3rd Capital of Sri Lanka by King Bhuvanekabahu the 1st in the 13th Century AD after Polonnaruwa was captured and destroyed by the South Indian invaders. It’s not a site visited often by tourists on a normal rout but is a place with much to see for the history and archeology enthusiasts. Yapahuwa is located off the Kurunegala – Anuradhapura Road, 46km north of Kurunegala.

Unlike Sigiriya, the Palace was not built at the summit of the 300-foot rock, but, instead, two semi-circular walls, two moats and a mud moat was build to protect the Royal Palace Complex and the Tooth Relic Temple.

The stone staircase, reminiscent of Cambodian style, is among the handsomest on the island. Beautiful rock carvings of jubilant musicians, dancers and drummers decorate the last staircase and the porch above them. At present this area is a part of the Buddhist Temple that was built later in time.

Also of interest are the small site museum at Yapahuwa with more than 1300 Chinese coins and Ceramic, a beautiful stone window-the best available in the country, old paintings in the Cave Temple, remains of the Tooth Relic Temple and other ruins.