Lakpura
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Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom from Dambulla

Explore the rock fortress of Yapahuwa, the Sasseruwa ruins, and the Aukana Buddha on a private 10-hour guided day trip from Dambulla.

Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom from Dambulla Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom from Dambulla Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom from Dambulla Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom from Dambulla Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom from Dambulla Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom from Dambulla

About this experience

Step into your private, air-conditioned vehicle from your Dambulla hotel and head out on a 10-hour journey through the lesser-visited heartland of Sri Lanka's ancient history. Your English-speaking chauffeur guide leads you first to Yapahuwa, where a dramatic rock fortress rises from the jungle — the short-lived 13th-century capital that once sheltered the sacred Tooth Relic. Nearby, the remote ruins of Sasseruwa reward the detour with a towering, unfinished standing Buddha carved directly into the rock face, rarely crowded and quietly atmospheric.

The final stop is the Aukana Buddha Statue, one of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan stone carving — a 12-metre standing figure sculpted with remarkable precision. Your guide provides context at each site, and two 500 ml water bottles per person are provided for the road. Hotel pickup and drop-off, plus all transport, are included. Meals and gratuities are not. Minimum age is 7. Private tour throughout.

Duration10 hours
LanguagesEnglish
Group typePrivate — your party only
Min age7 years
ReferenceLK3XSCAX2Q

What’s included

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.

Not included

  • Meals where not specified.
  • Gratuities
  • Expences of Personal Nature.

Please note

  • Public transportation nearby
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Your hotel in Dambulla

Cancellation policy

  • More than 24 hours notice: full refund
  • Less than 24 hours notice: no refund

To cancel, reply to your booking confirmation email or message us on WhatsApp.

Traveller reviews

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4.4 of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor
4.4 / 5 · 28 reviews
#2 of 4 things to do in Yapahuwa

Ratings, photos and reviews provided by TripAdvisor for Yapahuwa Ancient Kingdom.

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