23
Mar

Ambuluwawa Tower, Gampola

Ambuluwawa Tower makes me think of the “Jack and the Beanstalk” fairy tale every time I hear about it. Our destination shows off its stunning beauty, becoming a tourist attraction for years. It’s more than just a tower. Hurry up, everyone! Join me to discover the wonders that make this place so special.

The History of the Ambuluwawa Tower.

I bet you’ve seen countless pictures of the place, kissing the blue sky through the white clouds. Did it give you goosebumps? If heights don’t scare you off, you’ve got to climb to the top at least once in your life.

The history of this place dates back to the 13th century, during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV. He chose this location because it’s the highest point around. The late Prime Minister W.J.M. Lokubandara initiated the tower’s construction in 1997 and completed it in 2006. The Ambuluwawa Tower height is 54.55m. It is 3657 feet above sea level. Furthermore, it’s more than 1000 feet from Gampola town.

Getting to Ambuluwawa Tower

Ambuluwawa Tower belongs to the Kandy and Kegalle districts and is between Central Province and Sabaragamu Province. If you’re coming from Gampola Town, it’s approximately 6km away. Once you turn onto the Gampola-Hemmathagama road, you’ll see a lot of greenery there. There’s a bit of an uphill climb, around 3km, leading to the parking area, starting from the entrance. As you get closer to your destination, you’ll notice that the slope is increasing. So, walking might not be the best idea. You can hire a tuk-tuk or rely on your vehicle to reach the summit. You’ll need to walk the remaining way to the tower. If you’re on a scooter, make sure it has an engine of at least 110 cc or larger.

When you plan a trip to Nuwara Eliya or Nawalapitiya, Ambuluwawa could be a delightful detour. If you opt for public transportation, Gampola is the nearest train station. When traveling from Colombo, both the bus and the train take around 3 hours. From the Gampola station, a tuk-tuk ride of about 20 minutes will cost around 1000 LKR. In the same way, the journey from Kandy takes about 50 minutes, and the distance from Ambuluwawa Tower to Kandy is 25km.

The Unique Design and Architecture

You may see a tower. But this is mainly a temple. “Govijana Vihara” is another name for the Ambuluwawa Tower in Gampola. Its design tells a story about Sri Lanka’s agriculture-based economy. First, it resembles a paddy storage (wee bissa) for rice. Next, a pumpkin shape signifies vegetables and a cocoa shape represents tasty fruits. And at the pinnacle, there is this shiny crest gem. Again, the staircase follows this spiral model from bottom to top.

Importance of Ambuluwawa

Ambuluwawa is the only lonely mountain that doesn’t belong to any mountain range in the Central Highlands. Accordingly, when you reach the tower’s top, you’ll see every summit around you without being covered by another peak. Piduruthalagala, Bible Rock, Adams Peak, and many more can be seen within this 360-degree view. Also, you’ll see the longest river, Mahaweli, and Ma Oya from the tower.

Not only the mountains, but this place is also a cultural center. Besides the temple, you’ve got a mosque, Kovil, and a church. As a multicultural country, this is the first multi-religious place in Sri Lanka. Oh, and speaking of Buddhism, this place is extra special. Buddhists believe the Sri Maha Bodhiya is very sacred to them. Moreover, you’ll find a branch of Sri Maha Bodhiya here, plus a moonstone.

Be Cautious!

The real adventure lies in climbing along this spiral staircase. It gradually narrows as you ascend towards the top. In certain spots, there’s not enough space for at least two people. Therefore, you must wait in those small room spaces, allowing the other person to pass. Up to the fourth floor, the staircase runs through the inside of the tower. Once you reach the fourth floor, you have the option to go both inside and outside. The tower is always bustling with people who capture moments through photos and videos. However, time is limited, and there’s another queue waiting. So, it’s essential to be considerate.

Looking down can be dizzying at times. The wind gains strength as you climb higher, intensifying the thrill. It’s advisable not to lean too heavily on the railings. We can’t guarantee they’re 100% super strong. In addition, avoid taking risky shots. Your life is far more valuable than any picture. You’ll lose your balance at any moment. Thus, let’s not take any unnecessary risks, okay?

Ambuluwawa Tower Opening Hours

Don’t select weekends if you aim to reach the top. Even on weekdays, try to be here before 9 a.m., as it gets busier later. Generally, it’s a quick 10-15 minute climb to the top of the tower. However, if there’s a traffic jam of people, be prepared for a longer journey.

We recommend 1-2 hours to fully explore the Ambuluwawa Tower, Sri Lanka, and the biodiversity complex. The place opens at 8.30 and closes at 5.30. Plan your visit during the dry seasons, roughly from January to April. Because even with the slightest rain, the wind power can be high at the top. A sunny day is the perfect backdrop for that dreamy kissing snap with your partner against the beautiful blue sky and white clouds. It’s always the ideal setting for a picture-perfect moment!

Ambuluwawa Tower Ticket Price

At the Ambuluwawa-decorated arch entrance, you’ll find the ticket counter. If you’re a local adult, it’s just 100 rupees, and for the kids, it’s a budget-friendly 30 rupees. Next, for our international pals, the ticket price for adults is 2000 rupees, and for the little ones, it’s 1000 rupees.

When it comes to parking, here’s the lowdown: Bikes are 100 rupees, tuk-tuks are 150 rupees, cars and vans are 350 rupees, and buses are 500 rupees. Also, for our foreign friends, it’s 600 rupees per bike, 650 rupees per tuk-tuk, and 850 rupees for cars and vans. Easy peasy!

Exploring Surrounding Attractions

When you’re about to leave, don’t forget to visit the souvenir shops on the ground floor. They have handmade toys, masks, art pieces, and many more, showcasing Sri Lankan culture.

This land is very extensive. On the other hand, this is a biodiversity complex. This forest preserve is home to 200 plant species, birds, and over 120 animal and insect species. They belong to different types of climates. The trails running through the hills will allow you to explore all that diversity.

This is an ICC Forest Reservation. (International Coordinating Council). Most importantly, there’s more. On these grounds, you’ll find a Samadhi statue, a Saman and Vishnu devala, two reservoirs, twin ponds, summer huts, a helipad, an adventure park, an international convention center, bungalow-staying facilities, and much more. There’s a whole world waiting for you to discover.

End Notes

Let’s keep the tower’s magic alive for the future. While some have carved their names, let’s promise to protect them and pass them on. Let’s make sure of care and appreciation. Here’s to preserving our shared history for the joy of those who follow. In brief, cheers to keeping the spirit intact!

FAQ

What is the story of the Ambuluwawa Tower?

The late prime minister W.J.M. Lokubandara started the project in 1997, which was completed in 2006. It is functioning as both a biodiversity and a multi-religious complex.

How much is the ticket for Ambuluwawa Tower?

Local adults pay 100 rupees, and children pay 30 rupees. International adults: 2000 Rs; children: 1000 Rs.

Parking rates: bikes 100 Rs, tuk-tuks 150 Rs, cars and vans 350 Rs, buses 500 Rs. For international visitors, bikes cost 600 rupees, tuk-tuks cost 650 rupees, and cars and vans cost 850 rupees.

Is Ambuluwawa Tower worth visiting?

Yes. Apart from the tower, this nature reserve has been recognized as an ICC Forest Reservation. It’s the only spot where you can see mountains without anything blocking the top. Also, there are many hidden areas to explore on the site.

How do I get to Ambuluwawa Tower?

If coming from Gampola Town, it’s 6km away on the Gampola-Hemmathagama road. From Colombo, the journey is approximately 3 hours by bus or train. The trip from Kandy is 50 minutes, covering a distance of 25km.

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