subject: Yapahuwa- The Majestic Ruins Of An Ancient Kingdom [print this page] Located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, Yapahuwa bears to this day, the rocky monuments and ruins of its somewhat short lived but glorious days as one of the Kingdoms of Medieval Sri Lanka. After Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and Dambadeniya were abandoned in turns due to foreign invasions, both rulers and Royalty thought it fitting to set up their camp in this Rocky elevation that stands about 100 metres from the low lands that surround it. Indeed the rocky fortress has served the perfect venue for a Kingdom as well as a military centre.
The citadel of Yapahuwa lies between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura and is in a prime location to observe invader activities from many directions due to its rocky rise above the surroundings. King Bhuvanekabahu the first was responsible in establishing the royal kingdom and government seat in this elevated plot of land, during the 13th century and has also transferred the sacred tooth relic from Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa in the hope of protecting it.
A semicircle of rocky ruins encircle the remaining structures of the Yapahuwa kingdom today. It has an earthen outer fortification that is about 20 feet high. The inner fortification is made up of a stone wall. There are three gates that lead to the entrance of the fortress and connect it to the causeways. The most ornamental item in vicinity is definitely the stairway which while it consisted of three flights earlier is now only two flights as the lower most has been destroyed and replaced instead by a cement stairway. The walls on either side serve the purpose of a pavilion, holding a graceful female figure in each side while the last stairway is decorated with statues of drummers and musicians on each side. At the top of the stairs one can pass through the harmonious doorway and catch a glimpse of the foundation of the temple. This was served as the temple of the sacred tooth relic.
It maybe a little complicated for a foreigner to reach or to learn to access Yapahuwa. However it need not be, with a little assistance that can be obtained from a Sri Lanka car rental service. A traveler can entrust the service of the famous Malkey Rent A Car that is renowned even among the locals as one of the most reliable and convenient quality services in Sri Lanka. It is also a leading service provider in airport transfers Sri Lanka and is known for its reliability which is a very important factor especially for a foreign visitor to the country.
