Yapahuwa Rock Fortress and Sasseruwa Ruins: Witness Sri Lanka's Ancient Buddha Statues
Yapahuwa
Explore the ancient rock fortress of Yapahuwa, the remote ruins of Sasseruwa, and the perfectly sculpted Aukana Buddha Statue on this historic tour of Sri Lanka.
Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Yapahuwa Rock Fortress - You will be picked up from your hotel in Sigiriya at 7:00 am. You can bring a packed breakfast to eat along the way; as it will take up till 9:00 am to reach your first destination, Yapahuwa.

The giant rock of Yapahuwa has a history dating back to the 13th century; when King Buvenekabahu (1273-1284 AD) made it the seat of his capital. He noted its defensive abilities and created a stone fortress on the rock; which withstands the sands of time to this day. You will be able to explore the ancient stone ruins and the place where the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha was ensconced during the Yapahuwa era. You will be leaving for Sasseruwa at 11:00 am.

  • Reswehera (Sesseruwa) Rajamaha Viharaya | /රැස්වෙහේර (සැස්සෙරුව) රජ මහා විහාරය - At 12:00 pm you will get to Sasseruwa, where the Ras Vehera Statue is. This lesser known statue is almost as tall as the Aukana Buddha at 36 m tall, though it remains incomplete. However, the style of the statue is completely different from the Aukana Buddha. Little is known about who created it and why it was abandoned halfway; though archaeologists have confirmed that it is at least seven centuries old. You will be able to see remains of the image house that the statue originally stood within, and view the ruins of the monastic complex and cave temples around the statue. You will finish your tour of the statue by 12:45 pm and will be retiring for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. After an enjoyable meal you will restart your tour at approximately 3:00 pm.

  • Awukana - You will get to your final destination, the Aukana Buddha Statue, by 3:40 pm. This statue gets its fame from the perfection used during sculpting it from the rock. The Aukana Buddha statue is the largest standing Buddha statue in Sri Lanka at 46m of height; and is believed to be from the 6th century AD, while there are some who say it may also be from the 13th century AD. While you’re there, you will be able to visit the Aukana Greta Royal Temple and view the ancient rock inscriptions on its premises. At 4:30 pm you will be completing your tour of the Aukana Buddha Statue and will be returning to your hotel.

The entire tour will end once you get dropped off back in Sigiriya by 6:00 pm.

What's Included
  • 1-liter water bottle per person.
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide service.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant.
What's Not Included
  • Meals where not specified.
  • Gratuities.
Additional Information

This unforgettable journey brings you to some of Sri Lanka’s historical landmarks. Observe the ancient rock stronghold from the Yapahuwa kingdom. Explore the isolated yet picturesque ruins of Sasseruwa with its mammoth unfinished standing Buddha sculpture. Pay a visit to the renowned flawlessly carved Aukana Buddha Statue. Discover more about Sri Lanka’s history with this tour.

Location
Yapahuwa Rock Fortress
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
June 2024
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