Ambuluwawa Tower is a popular tourist destination that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes. This tower is located near the town of Gampola, in the central province of Sri Lanka. The tower is built on top of the Ambuluwawa mountain, which is part of the Ambuluwawa forest reserve. The distance to the place from Kandy is 24 km, from Gampola it is 9 km, and from Colombo it is 120km.
The Ambuluwawa forest reserve is spread across an area of about 327 acres and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest reserve is located at an altitude of about 3567 feet above sea level, and it is one of the few remaining natural forests in the central province of Sri Lanka. The forest reserve is also home to several ancient temples, which are believed to date back to the Kandyan period.
The Ambuluwawa Tower is a unique structure that was designed to resemble a stupa, a traditional Buddhist structure. The tower is 48 meters high, and it has nine levels, each of which represents a stage in the Buddhist path to enlightenment. The tower is made of steel and concrete, and it is surrounded by a winding staircase that leads to the top of the tower. The staircase has a total of 760 steps, and it can be quite challenging to climb for those who are not used to such adventurous activities.
To get to Ambuluwawa Tower, you can take a train or a bus to Gampola, which is about 17 kilometers away from Kandy, the capital of the central province of Sri Lanka. From Gampola, you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi to the foot of the Ambuluwawa mountain. From there, you can start your ascent to the tower. The climb can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level.
As you climb up the tower, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The tower offers a panoramic view of the central province of Sri Lanka, including the Knuckles mountain range, the Mahaweli river, and several other towns and villages in the area. The view from the top of the tower is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset, when the sky is painted in shades of orange and pink.
In addition to the tower, the Ambuluwawa forest reserve also has several other attractions that are worth exploring. There is a small park at the foot of the mountain, that has a playground for children and several picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. There is also a small temple at the foot of the mountain that is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.
In conclusion, Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for those who love adventure, nature, history, and culture. The tower is a unique structure that offers a panoramic view of the central province of Sri Lanka, and the surrounding Ambuluwawa forest reserve is home to several other attractions that are worth exploring. So, if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to include Ambuluwawa Tower in your itinerary, and prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable experience.