Yapahuwa is a 13th-century rock fortress and ancient royal capital that rises from the north-central plains, crowned by the ruins of a grand staircase and ornately carved stone portal that once housed Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist relic. Yapahuwa’s imposing scale and intricate stone carvings – depicting elephants, musicians and celestial figures are exceptional by any measure. The climb to the summit rewards visitors with commanding views across the flat, semi-arid landscape of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province.