Yapahuwa is one site not to be missed though it is located 46km north of Kurunegala, and almost half-way to Anuradhapura. It is a massive 100m high rock with a golden history that soars dramatically above the surrounding area as magnificent as Sigiriya. Yapahuwa was ruled by Bhuvanekabahu I (1272 – 84), the younger son of Parakramabahu II, who moved the royal capital from Dambadeniya to Yapahuwa which was a stronger base.

 
The symbol of Yapahuwa is the beautiful ornamental stairway that climbs to a natural terrace where the tooth and alms bowl relic of Lord Buddha were once kept. There are three flights of very steep stairs, of which the last is flanked by stone carvings of lions leading to an ancient stone doorway. Passing through this doorway you will witness the ruins of the building which was once used to house the sacred tooth relic.  At the base of this massive rock is a shaded circular path that takes you past stone walls, moats and ramparts. The setting is beautiful and there are many colourful birds and butterflies to be seen as you stroll around.
 

Unfortunately, Yapahuwa was only a royal capital for a short time since it was abandoned after the invading Pandyas of southern India seized the sacred tooth relic soon after Bhuvanekabahu’s death in 1284. It is said that Parakramabahu III, his successor, went in 1288 to the Pandyan court in India to successfully negotiate for the return of the tooth. It was brought eventually to Polonnaruwa after a brief stint in Kurunegala.
 

There is a museum near the entrance housing many relics discovered at the site. There are statues, and some china and Chinese coins that suggest there were diplomatic relations with China at the time. The most important relics have been removed to the Colombo Museum, though there is an exquisite granite window intricately carved with dancers and animals that protected the tooth relic.
 
(Content Source : Travel Sri Lanka Magazine)