Ambuluwawa Tower -

A Sky-High Adventure in Sri Lanka

• LocationAmmbuluwawa, Sri Lanka
• Duration0.5 days
• Rating★★★★
• Average CostLKR 1000

The Ambuluwawa Tower, a distinctive landmark in Gampola (an hour's drive from Kandy), is set on the Ambuluwawa Mountain, which rises about 3560 meters above sea level. The tower itself reaches a height of around 48 meters.

How we got there

We started our journey from Kandy in the morning, which took about an hour to reach the mountain where the Ambuluwawa Tower is located. There's a parking lot at the top of the mountain. Tickets are available for purchase at the base of the mountain where security is present. As we self-drove our rented car, we were cautioned about the last 100 meters of the road, which was extremely steep and required careful driving. Indeed, it was the steepest road we've ever encountered and our car (probably the cheapest rental) didn't have enough power to ascend. Consequently, we had to park our vehicle near the top and trek for 15 minutes to reach the tower.

Climb up the tower

When we made our visit, it happened to be a weekend. The place was teeming with local tourists, creating a lively atmosphere that was both exciting and overwhelming. The throng of people added a layer of authenticity to our visit, as we found ourselves immersed in the local culture. Navigating our way to the top of the tower proved to be an adventure in itself. The staircase was narrow, only accommodating one person at a time. This resulted in a bit of a bottleneck, with us inching our way up in a slow but steady stream. The journey to the top took about an hour, but it was far from tedious.

In fact, the unique experience of squeezing our way up the tight staircase added to the charm of the visit. It was almost like stepping back in time, navigating the kind of narrow, spiralling staircases common in ancient buildings. As we ascended, our efforts were rewarded with a beautiful view that grew increasingly spectacular with each step we took. The vista unfolded before our eyes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area that were absolutely breathtaking.

Despite the crowded conditions, we found the people to be incredibly friendly. The locals greeted us warmly, often sharing smiles and kind words. The camaraderie among the visitors enhanced the overall experience, making the long climb feel more like a shared adventure.

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For more of my adventures in Sri Lanka, check out the rest of my posts!