Anyone travelling through Sri Lanka will soon discover that besides beautiful beaches and impressive temples, this country also has some surprisingly unique places. One of these is the Ambuluwawa Tower, an extraordinary tower that rises above the hills! It's not just the climb up that makes this place so special, but also the cool views that await you along the way and at the top of the tower. Whether you love adventure, spectacular panoramas or are just looking for a special stop during your trip, Ambuluwawa Tower is a fun destination to add to your itinerary through Sri Lanka.
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Why you should not miss the Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is full of impressive temples, mountains and tea fields, but Ambuluwawa Tower is slightly different. Towering high above the mountains of Gampola, this tower is known for its narrow spiral staircase and the cool view you get at the top. It is one of those sights that is not on every travel itinerary, but right, we really recommend this one.
Tip: We combined a visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower during our journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya!
What is the Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka?
The Ambuluwawa Tower is part of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, a natural and religious park on Ambuluwawa Mountain. The tower itself is about 48 metres high and stands 1,087 metres above sea level. This means you can literally look out over the surrounding area above the clouds. In clear weather, you can see not only the surrounding mountains and valleys, but sometimes even as far as Adam's Peak.
Besides the tower, you will find temples, a mosque and a Buddhist stupa in the park. These different religious structures give a nice picture of Sri Lanka's diversity and tolerance. Still, the tower is the highlight of your visit. We have
Where is the Ambuluwawa Tower located in Sri Lanka?
The Ambuluwawa Tower is located on Ambuluwawa Mountain at Gampola, a town about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandy. From Kandy, it is about an hour's drive, depending on traffic. We combined a visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower during our trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya!
How do you get to the Ambuluwawa Tower?
Most travellers combine Ambuluwawa Tower with a stay in Kandy or as a short stopover when travelling from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. From Kandy, you can:
- By car or taxi: this is the fastest and most comfortable option. The ride takes about 1 hour.
- By train to Gampola: From Kandy, you can catch the train to Gampola. This takes about half an hour. From Gampola station, then grab a tuktuk or taxi to the entrance.
- With your own Tuktuk: A lot more fun is when you travel around Sri Lanka in your own tuktuk! We did our entire trip through Sri Lanka by tuktuk and it was without a doubt the most fun way to travel around. It is not only practical, but also an adventure in itself! We hired our tuktuk via tuktukrental.com, an absolute must that will make your trip really extra special. And with the discount code ‘THOUSANDTRAVELMILES‘ you also get a nice discount!
Get dropped off or park your tuktuk, down the mountain, at the entrance to Ambuluwawa Tower. From here, you have the choice of continuing by your own tuktuk, walking or taxi-tuktuk. Below, we explain the three options for you.
Tip: Click through the link in this blog to the website of Tuktukrental, then the discount will be applied automatically. Convenient, right?
Own tuktuk, taxi or hike to the Ambuluwawa Tower?
Many visitors choose to be dropped off at the entrance or park their tuktuk there. That's how we did it too. We then had a ’taxi-tuktuk’ take us all the way up from the entrance for 1,500 LKR (€4.20). These ’taxi-tuktuks’ are souped-up tuktuks that allow them to make the climb easier. You can find this ’taxi-tuktuk’ at the beginning of the entrance and the people are all incredibly friendly. They helped us secure our luggage and kept an eye on us as we went up.
Option two is to drive on by yourself with your ‘own’ tuktuk, but we definitely do not recommend this. The road is steep and the tourists we saw driving up had to stop halfway up anyway and park their tuktuk to continue walking.
The last option is to walk to the top. Again, we do not recommend this as it is quite a tough climb. The road is steep, tuktuks race past you and the heat makes it extra tough. We spoke to a few Dutch people who regretted walking quite a bit. Are you fanatical or do you like a challenge? Then of course you can give it a try. We are curious to hear about your experience!
Tip: Going for a walk? Then take plenty of water with you! We recommend these Dobber drinking bottle or this drink bottle from Stanley to, as these will keep your water wonderfully cool for hours! Ideal during hot travel days or a tough climb!
Tips for your visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower
You pay 2000 LKR (€5.59) p.p. entrance fee at the park entrance. You can pay the entrance fee with cash or via pin. If you then want to be taken upstairs, you pay the tuktuk owner another 1,500 LKR (€4.20). And believe us, this is worth it!
Tip: The ’taxi tuktuks’ you can only pay in cash. So make sure you have enough contact money in your pocket.
The complex is open daily from 07:30-17:00 but we recommend going in the morning. This is because the climb and the views are especially beautiful in the morning or afternoon, when the sky is often clear. Allow around 2-3 hours in total for your visit, including the climb and some time to walk around.
2. The ascent: a unique experience
Climbing up the Ambuluwawa Tower to the top is perhaps the most exciting part of your visit. The narrow spiral staircase winds around the tower and gets narrower the higher you go. In a few places, you can get ahead of oncoming traffic by swerve to a small plateau. As a result, it can be a bit challenging, especially if you suffer from vertigo.
Yet this is also what makes the tower so special. As you climb higher and higher, you see the landscape below you sink further and further down. Once at the top, a 360-degree panoramic view awaits you. The feeling of literally standing at the highest point in the area is very cool!
3. Best time to visit the Ambuluwawa Tower
Morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit the Ambuluwawa Tower. It is less hot then and the sky is clear. In the middle of the day, it can be foggy, so you can't see as far.
4. Combine with other activities in the area
A visit to Ambuluwawa Tower can be combined well with a stay at Kandy Or a stopover on the way to Nuwara Eliya. From Gampola, you can also explore the tea plantations in the area. It's a fine day trip if you want something different from the well-known highlights.
5. Insider tips for your visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower
- Go early in the day to get ahead of the crowds and haze.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the path and stairs can be slippery.
- Bring water and possibly a snack.
- Hold your camera or phone firmly as the wind can be brisk at the top.
Is the Ambuluwawa Tower safe?
The tower is safe to climb, but the narrow staircase can be a bit exciting for some. It may not be the best activity for small children or people afraid of heights. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water for the way.
Read also: What to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka? Discover 6x the best tips!
Read also: 6 tips for your visit to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka
Stay overnight at the Ambuluwawa Tower or in Kandy
Most travellers stay in Kandy, because you have a lot of choice in hotels and guesthouses here. If you want to stay close to the tower, you can also choose to stay in Gampola. This is handy if you want to get an early start or want to catch the sunset at the tower. We often book last-minute and save accommodations in our favourites lists. These were our favourites for Kandy:
- SWP Eco Lodge: This accommodation is located right on Kandy Lake, overlooking both the water and the Temple of the Tooth. You will stay in a comfortable room with a large balcony.
- Kandu: Simple and budget-friendly guesthouse about a 15-minute walk from the city centre. Rooms are spacious and breakfast is included.
- Theva Residency: A stylish boutique hotel on a hill just outside the city centre. Here you can enjoy spectacular views over the city and cool off in the small pool after a hot day. A great option if you're looking for comfort and tranquillity.
- Sweet Cinnamon Kandy: Small guesthouse with a peaceful garden. The atmosphere is homely and relaxed, making this place perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
- The Summit: We actually already knew in the Netherlands that this stay would not fit into our budget. But well... one can wish anyway! Especially the roof terrace is a highlight in our opinion, ideal for admiring the sunset.
- Feel Home: A quiet accommodation with large rooms five minutes' drive from the city centre. An affordable place with nice views.
- Mcleod-Inn: This hotel is just a bit higher up on a hill, giving you nice views over the city. You have to climb a bit for it (or take a tuktuk), but in return you get peace of mind and a nice location close to the city centre.
Plan your trip with our Sri lanka map!
Plan your ideal itinerary through Sri Lanka with our handy Google Maps map. Discover the best local eateries, iconic sights and hidden gems. With this map, you'll have all hotspots at your fingertips and won't miss a single highlight of this beautiful country.
Frequently asked questions about the Ambuluwawa Tower
1. How long is the climb to the Ambuluwawa Tower?
From the park entrance, you can count on 20-30 minutes by taxi tuktuk, and another 15-20 minutes or so for the climb up the tower itself.
2. What is the cost of admission to the Ambuluwawa Tower?
You pay 2000 LKR (€5.59) p.p. entrance fee at the park entrance. If you then want to be taken upstairs, you'll pay the tuktuk owner another LKR 1,500 (€4.20). And believe us, this is worth it!
3. Is Ambuluwawa Tower suitable to visit with children?
Younger children can come along, but keep in mind that the stairs are narrow and steep. Good supervision is important.
4. What is the best time of day to Ambuluwawa Tower to visit?
Early in the morning or towards sunset, when the sky is clear and the views are at their best.
In short, Ambuluwawa Tower is one of Sri Lanka's most extraordinary sights. The combination of a challenging climb, phenomenal views and its special location make it an experience you won't soon forget. Whether you are travelling from Kandy, Nuwara Eliya or Gampola, this tower definitely deserves a place in your itinerary. Still have questions? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram or via [email protected].
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