What Are The Ambuluwawa Tower Timings, History And Important Things To Know?

Feb 18, 2026

Last Updated on: May 29, 2026

Travel Guides

During my last trip to Jaffna, I got an idea about the inclusive soul of Sri Lanka.

The Ambuluwawa Tower is another prominent example of how the country practices a peaceful, multi-religious coexistence. 

Along with the top Hindu temples in Jaffna and the Ritigala Forest Monastery, this 48-meter-tall tower has been a highlight of the religious scene in Sri Lanka for me. 

This tower has Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim sites.

Also, it rises above the mountain and is truly called “Nature’s Stairway to Sri Lanka” for the views of the Knuckles Range and other surrounding mountain ranges. 

Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka.

Let’s find out how it combines the beauty of nature with the excellence of human craftsmanship. 

I will cover topics such as the location of the tower, how to reach it, what is so special about it, safety tips, and more. 

What Is The Ambuluwawa Tower? 

What Is The Ambuluwawa Tower

Ambuluwawa Tower is a human-made structure atop the magnificent Ambuluwawa Mountain, which has a height of 3,567 feet. 

It is a part of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, which celebrates nature and the diverse religious philosophies. 

Along with the surrounding mountains and peaks, on a clear day, you can see even Adam’s Peak from this tower. 

Furthermore, the park has different religious sites, as I have mentioned. 

Also, once you climb up the tower, you can experience the true beauty of Ambuluwawa and see how the clouds kiss the mountains. 

Ambuluwawa Tower Quick Facts 

Completed in 2006
Height48 Meters
Elevation from the Sea Level1087 Meters
Number of Stairs to Climb 55
ViewA 360-Degree Embracing View
Hours Open7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee2,750 LKR or Around 806 INR 
• With Bike: 2850 LKR
• With Car: 3200 LKR

Where Is Ambuluwawa Tower Located? 

Where Is Ambuluwawa Tower Located

Atop the Ambuluwawa Mountain, Ambuluwawa Tower is in Gampola, Sri Lanka. It is in the southwest of Kandy. The distance is around 20 kilometers. 

It takes around 1 hour by road to reach the Ambuluwawa Tower from Candy. The duration may differ based on the traffic conditions. 

You can even combine your visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower with the places to see in Kandy.

As Jaffna is famous for its Tamil culture, Kandy remains a rich hub of history and Buddhist religious attractions. 

The places to visit in Candy are the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the International Buddhist Museum, the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, etc. 

You can even extend your itinerary by planning a trip to Nuwara Eliya, the coldest place in Sri Lanka. 

How To Reach The Ambuluwawa Tower?

Ambuluwawa Tower is a common stopover when someone is traveling from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.

1. By Car Or Private Taxi 

You can take a taxi or car to reach Ambuluwawa from Kandy in 1 hour. The cost will be around INR 3500. 

However, the travel time can be more than an hour depending on the traffic conditions. 

2. By Train

However, I took a train from Kandy to Gampola. It is lighter on the pocket, and the commute time is a little less. 

Moreover, it is perfect for someone like me who believes in the philosophy of TheLow DownUnder Travel

Trains depart from Kandy to Ambuluwawa three times a day. 

The first train departs at 3:35 AM and reaches Ambuluwawa at 4:18 AM. Furthermore, the next train departs at 8:47 AM and reaches Ambuluwawa at 9:32 AM. 

However, the fastest train from Kandy to Ambuluwawa departs at 11:10 AM and reaches at 11:36 AM. Also, the average ticket price for this train journey is around INR 380. 

Moreover, tuk-tuks are easily available from the Gampola Station to the Ambuluwawa Tower. You have to negotiate a bit, and for me, it cost around INR 400.

From the station, you will reach the tower entrance in 15-20 minutes. 

3. Reserve A Tuk-Tuk 

Tuk-Tuks are the best for exploring Sri Lanka. A ride in Tuk-Tuks is fun and adventurous. Also, today, there are platforms such as tuktukrental. com to make your rides easier. 

A reserved tuk-tuk ride from Kandy to Ambuluwawa will cost around INR 1500. 

If you have reserved a tuk-tuk, the entry fee to the park for one adult will cost 2900 LKR, which is around INR 850. 

Furthermore, you can get dropped off at the entrance and then book a taxi-tuktuk or walk the rest of the distance. 

Reserved Tuk-Tuk, Taxi Tuk-Tuk, And Walk: Which Option Is The Best For You? 

I got down at the entrance of the Ambuluwawa Park and then took a taxi tuk-tuk. It cost me around INR 400, and these are the best options because they are souped up and they can climb up the mountain faster. 

I found these taxi tuk-tuks at the entrance, and the drivers were friendly. The price was around 400 INR or 1500 LKR. 

You can even take your own tuk-tuk. However, I saw many tuk-tuks getting stuck in the middle. Then, the passengers had to walk for the rest of the route. 

Now, walking here or on the ascent is not everyone’s cup of tea. It is very steep. 

Visiting The Ambuluwawa Tower? Keep These Tips In Mind 

Visiting The Ambuluwawa Tower Keep These Tips In Mind

Early morning or late afternoon (just before sunset) is the best time of day to climb up the Ambuluwawa Tower. Moreover, in the middle of the day, the view can become foggy. 

So, here are a few more things to remember. 

1. Enjoy The Unique Ascent Experience At The Ambuluwawa Tower

You have to climb up 55 stairs to reach the top of the tower. 

However, the staircase is narrow and spiral, and as I kept climbing up, the staircase started getting narrower. 

Still, enjoy the 360-degree view before your eyes as you keep climbing up the stairs. 

2. Combine Your Tower Visit With Other Activities

Once you are done visiting the tower, you can visit the nearby Java Lounge or souvenir shop. You can also have an adrenaline rush at the Adventure Park.  

Furthermore, you can combine a historical and cultural tour of Kandy with a visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower. You can even travel to Nuwara Eliya. 

Moreover, there are many nearby tea plantations to explore.  

3. Insider Tips 

Layered clothing and comfortable shoes are a must as you need to climb up 55 stairs. Also, at the top, it is very windy. 

Moreover, you have to hold your mobile phone or camera firmly as the wind is harsh at the top. 

Also, you need to carry enough water and snacks.

Is It Safe To Visit The Ambuluwawa Tower? 

Is It Safe To Visit The Ambuluwawa Tower

Yes, the Ambuluwawa Tower is safe to climb. However, the staircases are narrow and can sometimes be slippery. 

Also, sometimes the crowd can move in the wrong direction, creating unnecessary traffic in the staircase. 

Furthermore, it may be difficult for you if you have health issues such as vertigo and spondylitis. 

Nevertheless, wear comfortable and sporty shoes and stay hydrated to eliminate most hazards while climbing up the stairs. 

Where To Stay Near The Ambuluwawa Tower? 

You can stay in Kandy or Gampola for a comfortable visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower.

However, Kandy is a better option to find an accommodation if you want to combine the tower visit with other day trips. 

Nevertheless, there are some of the best places to stay in Kandy. 

1. Kandu

This guesthouse is simple, and it is ideal for budget-friendly travelers. Furthermore, it is very close to the City Center, and you will get a complimentary breakfast here. 

2. SWP Eco Lodge

It is the most scenic of all the accommodations in Kandy, as it is on the Kandy Lake. So, it overlooks the Temple of the Tooth and the lake. 

Furthermore, the rooms here have large balconies. 

3. The Summit

The Summit is known for its beautiful terrace. However, it is a bit pricey. So, it is ideal for luxury travelers. 

4. McLeod-Inn

I stayed at McLeod Inn. I chose it because of its location up the hill. Tuk-tuks are frequently available, and they took me to the McLeod Inn. 

Moreover, the ambiance was very peaceful there, and the views were amazing.

Ambuluwawa Tower: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Ambuluwawa Tower. 

1. How Long Does It Take To Climb The Ambuluwawa Tower?

As you take the tuk-tuk from the entrance, you will reach the base of the tower in 20-30 minutes. 
Furthermore, from the base, it will take around 15-20 minutes to climb up the tower.

2. Can I Visit The Ambuluwawa Tower With Children?

Yes, you can visit the tower with young children. However, one has to climb 55 steep stairs to climb up the tower, and the stairs can be narrow. 
Also, it is very windy atop. So, I think, bring your children at least when they are 6-7 years old. 

3. Who Built The Ambuluwawa Tower? 

The completion of the Ambuluwawa Tower was done in 2006. The Local Government of Gampola and the Central Environmental Authority started the construction of this tower. 
Moreover, celebrating the religious harmony and inclusive spirit of Sri Lanka was the main intention behind the construction of this tower. 

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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BY  Sibashree Nov 13, 2023

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Tourists get the unique opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It is also an amazing idea for people with a business mind. Yes! You can also launch a business in Cape Town with some key considerations. Unique and incredible things to do: Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for stunning views of Cape Town and its surroundings. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and learn about South Africa's fight for democracy. Take a walk along Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Real tourist statistics: To put its popularity in perspective, over 4 million people visit Cape Town each year. It is the second most popular tourist destination in South Africa, after Kruger National Park. Cape Town is one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations. 4. Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt Location: Giza, near Cairo, Egypt History: Built over 4,500 years ago, the pyramids are a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization. The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  In 2021, Giza welcomed over 14 million tourists (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Must-Visit: Explore the Sphinx and Valley Temple. Take a camel ride around the pyramids. 5. Kruger National Park, South Africa Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. For safari enthusiasts, Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest and most popular game reserves. Established in 1898, it is one of Africa's oldest and largest game reserves. For Safari enthusiasts, Kruger National Park is also one of the world's most popular safari destinations. Over 2 million people visit Kruger National Park each year. You’ll meet an incredibly wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go on a safari to see Kruger’s incredible wildlife. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. Take a ride on a hot air balloon over Kruger National Park and take in the stunning, breathtaking landscape from above. 6. Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania Location: Off the coast of Tanzania The Zanzibar Archipelago is a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania. Known for its spice trade, Zanzibar blends African, Arab, and European influences. Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and rich culture. If you’re a scuba diver looking for greater experiences, by all means, visit Zanzibar. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go Scuba diving in Zanzibar and its sister Islands like Pemba Island. The region is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Africa. Relax on Zanzibar's beautiful beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Visit Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a spice tour around Zanzibar’s colossal spice farms. Learn about some of the world’s most used spices and take special cooking lessons directly on the farms to discover the best of East African food. Interesting Facts & Figures about Zanzibar It is the second most popular tourist destination in Tanzania, after the Serengeti National Park. Zanzibar is one of Africa's most popular beach destinations. Over 500,000 people visit Zanzibar each year. 7. Chobe National Park, Botswana Location: Chobe District, Botswana Next on our list is Chobe National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in Africa and is known for its large elephant population. It is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope. Unique and incredible things to do: Take a boat cruise on the Chobe River and see elephants swimming and bathing. Go on a game drive and see Chobe's incredible wildlife up close. Visit the Savuti Marsh, a unique ecosystem that hosts abundant wildlife. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 490,000 people visit Chobe National Park each year. It is the second most popular tourist destination in Botswana, after the Okavango Delta. Chobe National Park is a popular safari destination for tourists from all over the world. 8. Okavango Delta, Botswana Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland ecosystem in Botswana. The Okavango River feeds it, flowing from Angola into the Kalahari Desert. Moreover, the Okavango Delta is a piece of hot cake, famous for its variegated wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope. Unique and incredible things to do here: Take a mokoro boat ride through the Okavango Delta and see wildlife up close. Visit the Moremi Game Reserve, a protected area within the Okavango Delta. Ultimately, go on a helicopter safari and see the Okavango Delta from above. Nature walks Go camping at the 60 or so camps and lodges in the Okavango Delta. Make sure you choose the right tour guide for camping. Here are skills to look for in your tour guide. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 100,000 people visit the Okavango Delta each year. It is Botswana's most popular tourist destination. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa. 9. Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar Location: Menabe Region, Madagascar People say Madagascar is the 8th continent, not for its Geographic isolation from Africa, but for its uniqueness– being home to some of the rarest animal species in the world. So, if you’re curious about wildlife in the universe, by all means, visit Madagascar. Moreover, the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone karst formations. The stingy are sharp limestone pinnacles that can reach up to 40 meters in height. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and birds. Must-do tourist activities here: Hike through the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and see the incredible limestone karst formations up close. Visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha Special Reserve, a protected area within the national park. Go on a boat cruise on the Tsiribihina River and see wildlife from the water. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 87,000 tourists visit Madagascar and the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Madagascar. 10. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Location: Ngorongoro District, Tanzania The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world's largest intact caldera. The crater is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Unique and incredible things to do: First, go on a game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater and see wildlife up close. Visit the Olduvai Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where early human fossils have been found. Lastly, take a hot air balloon ride over the Ngorongoro Crater for a top view of the entire wildlife. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 600,00 people visit the Ngorongoro Crater each year. It is a popular tourist destination for tourists from all over the world. Here are your top 10 must-visit places in Africa for 2024! Add these to your bucket list. 11. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the world's most popular safari destinations. It is a haven for lovers of wild beasts and the Great Migration, an endless, majestic voyage of wild beasts —which cuts across Tanzania and Kenya. On your safari tours, you’ll come close to incredible animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and leopards. Moreover, the annual wildebeest migration takes place between July and October. Must-do tourist activities here in Kenya: Go on a game drive through the Masai Mara National Reserve and see wildlife up close. Secondly, visit the Mara Triangle, a protected area within the national reserve. Go on a ride on a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara National Reserve for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife. 12. Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest lakes in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and UNESCO describes the National Park as an area decked with nature’s beauty and bounty, along with the rugged landscapes around it. It contrasts with the lake's clear waters. Lake Malawi is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Speaking of fishing, the area hosts hundreds of varieties of cichlid fish. Not only that, nearly all the fish are endemic to that of the  Lake Malawi. Remember to practice sustainable fishing! Must-do Tourist Activities on Lake Malawi National Park: Visit Likoma Island, a beautiful island in Lake Malawi. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Malawi and see a variety of marine life. Take a boat trip on Lake Malawi and enjoy the stunning scenery. 13. Rainbow Mountains, Morocco The Rainbow Mountains are a unique geological formation in Morocco. The mountains are made up of a variety of colorful rocks, which give them their name. Moreover, the Rainbow Mountains are a popular tourist destination for photographers and hikers. Here are some must-do tourist activities: First, hike through the Rainbow Mountains and see the incredible colors of the rocks up close. After that, you can take a photo of the Rainbow Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical colors. You can also visit the nearby Berber villages and learn about the local culture. 14. Dogon Country, Mali Dogon Country is a region in Mali known for its unique culture and architecture. People here are known for their cliffside villages and their traditional masks. The Dogon Country is a popular tourist destination for people interested in learning about African culture. Incredible things to do here: Visit the Dogon people's cliffside villages and see their unique architecture. Secondly, learn about the Dogon people's culture and traditions. You can also see the Dogon people's traditional masks. If you’re planning for International Travel in 2024, here are 9 great tips for a more authentic travel experience. 15. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia The Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning scenery and population of gelada baboons. Moreover, the Simien Mountains are also home to a variety of other wildlife, including mountain nyala, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves. Unique and incredible things to do: Hike through the Simien Mountains and take in the incredible scenery, including Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Visit the gelada baboon population and see these fascinating creatures up close. Lastly, take a photo of the Simien Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical beauty. 16. Dahab, Egypt Location: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Originally a Bedouin fishing village, now a popular diving destination. Dahab attracted over 1 million visitors in 2021 (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Dahab is known for the Blue Hole, a renowned diving site that attracts thousands of scuba divers around the world. Things you just can’t miss: Dive or snorkel in the Blue Hole. Explore the Desert of Sinai on a camel safari. 17. Etosha National Park, Namibia Etosha National Park is a large national park in Namibia, known for its salt pan, one of the largest in the world. The park has become Namibia's top tourist attraction, with more than 140 000 visitors recorded annually. Beyond the salt pan, Tourists visit Etosha National Park to experience a diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. Unique and incredible things to do: Visit the Etosha salt pan and see the animals that come to drink from the waterholes. Go on a game drive through the Etosha National Park and see wildlife up close. Visit the Okaukuejo waterhole and see the animals that come to drink at night. 18. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa Addo Elephant National Park is one of South Africa’s proud National Parks,  reputed for hosting arguably the largest population of elephants in the world. If you’re a fan of these giant creatures, you should be visiting South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park in 2024. About 120,000 people visit this park every year. The park is also home to a variety of other impressive wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and buffalo. Things you can’t miss here: Go on a game drive through the Addo Elephant National Park and see elephants up close. Visit the Shamwari Game Reserve, a private game reserve within the Addo Elephant National Park. Take a helicopter safari over the Addo Elephant National Park and see the wildlife from above. 19. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Location: Southwestern Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests. Just realized we haven’t talked about Gorillas so far. Thankfully, there’s the Bwindi National Park, which is popular for the 400 Bwindi Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. It is also home to many types of birds and butterflies. Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. Stuff you can’t miss here: Go on a gorilla trekking tour and see mountain gorillas up close. Visit the Mubwindi Swamp, a unique ecosystem within the national park. Take a hike through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and enjoy the stunning scenery. 20. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Location: Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania We’re ending the list with a place that’s known as Africa’s roof – Kilimanjaro. A dormant volcano, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and attracts around 50,000 climbers/hikers each year. As you hike the largest free-standing mountain in the world (20,000 ft), you’ll experience multiple climatic zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic ice cap. Visiting Kilimanjaro is different from hiking other mountains in the world, such as the Seven Magic Mountains in Vegas, because almost every variant of the ecological system is found on the mountain. Not only that, but they are also found in the rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, cultivable lands, and an arctic summit. Did you know? Nearly every climber who has summited Uhuru Peak has recorded his or her thoughts about the accomplishment in a book stored in a wooden box at the top. Activities you can’t miss here: Trek to the summit for a sunrise view. Explore the diverse flora and fauna along the trails. Need help planning your trip to Africa? Check out our Top planning tips for your next trip abroad. Read Also: Maldives’ Luminescent Secret: The Mesmerizing Sea Of Stars! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!