2025 Gampola Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

The Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, located in central Sri Lanka, is a unique destination that combines natural beauty and biodiversity. Situated at a high altitude, it offers visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about various flora and fauna while enjoying the magnificent mountains and surrounding natural landscapes. When you arrive at Ambuluwawa, the first thing that will catch your eye is its spectacular tower. This tower is located at the top of a hill, and visitors need to walk along a winding path to reach it. Once you climb the tower, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view, where you can see the surrounding tea plantations, forests, and distant mountains. The scenery here is breathtaking, especially during sunrise or sunset when the changing light creates a mesmerizing effect. This place is not only great for sightseeing but also a treasure trove for learning about Sri Lanka's biodiversity. Ambuluwawa is home to a variety of plants and animals, from alpine meadows to wetland ecosystems, showcasing a rich diversity of species. Visitors can learn about the local plant species and how they adapt to the high-altitude environment. For those who love hiking, the trails here are a great choice. The paths wind through forests, allowing you to explore the pristine natural landscape and encounter various wildlife along the way. Hiking here not only provides physical exercise but also offers a deep sense of tranquility in nature. Additionally, the facilities here are very convenient. Visitors can find a small tea house at the entrance, offering traditional Sri Lankan tea and snacks, allowing you to relax and enjoy a moment of leisure after hiking or touring. Overall, the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex is a perfect destination that combines natural scenery, cultural learning, and outdoor activities. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or a photographer, this is a must-visit spot that will leave you enchanted.

#FreeHotelStay This is a hidden gem recommended for Sri Lanka enthusiasts: Ambuluwawa Tower! Some people may be wondering what this building is, but it's actually a stupa. It's not well known among tourists yet, so there are a lot of locals! It's crowded with locals all day on weekends, so it's recommended to go on a weekday.

1. You can easily go there by yourself from Kandy without a tour 2. Rent a tuk tuk instead of the car and bargain the price till the highest stop. If you go by car they will drop you by the ticket counter and from there you have to either walk sharp high for about 40 mins or rent a tuk tuk from there. 3. If you are scared of the height be ready that you will not go up till the end) but if you do the views will be just stunning #getgoing2025

Kandy, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit destination that deserves a few extra days on your itinerary. 🏞️ Attractions to Explore: Temple of the Tooth 🌟🌟🌟: Home to the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, this temple is a revered site for Buddhists worldwide. It also houses the World Buddhist Museum and an elephant exhibit. Beyond the relic, the temple itself is worth exploring. Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟: Initially, expectations might be low, but from the moment you enter, you'll be captivated by its beauty. Every step offers a picturesque view, making it a must-visit for those with ample time. Ambuluwawa Tower 🌟🌟🌟🌟: Located about 28 kilometers from Kandy, this tower is on the way to Nuwara Eliya. At the mountain's base, you must switch to a tuk-tuk for 1500 rupees round trip, or you can hike up and down. The small tower to the left of the main tower offers a panoramic view, and the French-style garden is charming. The café at the top provides a great view, though the coffee isn't the best. 🏨 Queen's Hotel: This nearly 200-year-old hotel is located opposite the Temple of the Tooth. Its vintage decor and facilities are photogenic, but the soundproofing is poor, and comfort levels don't match newer hotels. If rest and comfort are priorities, it might not be the best choice. 📷 Photo Spots: Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens Ambuluwawa Tower Kandy City Queen's Hotel #SriLankaTravel #SriLanka #Kandy #TempleOfTheTooth #RoyalBotanicalGardens #AmbuluwawaTower

Ambuluwawa Tower, located near Gampola in Sri Lanka, is part of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, a unique multi-religious and ecological site situated on top of Ambuluwawa Mountain, about 1,087 meters above sea level. The tower itself is a striking white, spiraling structure that resembles a stupa or pagoda but with a unique design. It stands approximately 48 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the central highlands, the Mahaweli River, and nearby towns and villages. Key Features: 1. Architectural Design: The Ambuluwawa Tower is notable for its spiral staircase that wraps around the exterior, offering an exhilarating climb to the top. The narrow staircase becomes steeper and more challenging as you ascend, but it rewards visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views. 2. Biodiversity Complex: Ambuluwawa is known not just for the tower but also for its biodiversity. The area is home to a variety of plant species and a small wildlife reserve. The biodiversity complex promotes the conservation of native flora and fauna. 3. Multi-religious Sanctuary: At the base of the tower, there are shrines and places of worship representing Sri Lanka’s four main religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. This symbolizes the peaceful coexistence of the country’s different faiths. 4. Scenic Views: From the top of the tower, visitors can see vast mountain ranges, tea plantations, and the Mahaweli River winding through the valleys below. On clear days, it’s possible to spot distant landmarks such as Adam’s Peak and the Knuckles Mountain Range. Ambuluwawa is a popular destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those looking for spiritual tranquility. The climb is a bit challenging but very rewarding, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most unique landmarks. To reach Ambuluwawa Tower from Colombo, here are the directions: 1. Start from Colombo: Head out of the city and get onto the Colombo-Kandy Road (A1), which will take you toward Kandy. 2. Drive to Gampola: • Follow the A1 road toward Kandy for about 116 km. • As you approach Peradeniya, take the road toward Gampola, which is about 17 km from Kandy. 3. Head to Ambuluwawa Tower: • From Gampola town, take the Ambuluwawa Road, which will lead you up the mountain to the Ambuluwawa Tower. • It’s about a 5 km drive uphill to reach the top. The road to the tower can be narrow and winding, so drive carefully. It’s a beautiful area, and the views from the tower are spectacular, with vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys. #Ambuluwaawa #friendstravel #enjoythejourney 💞Reasons to Recommend: relaxing places

The Ambuluwawa Tower, often referred to as the Karin Tower from Dragon Ball, is located south of Kandy, in the outskirts of Gampola, Sri Lanka. Standing at an altitude of 1,000 meters, this 111-meter tall white tower, inspired by a Buddhist stupa, offers a thrilling climb to the top! The lower half of the tower is cylindrical, and you ascend via internal stairs. However, midway through, you step outside to climb a spiral staircase that wraps around the spire. As you ascend, the stairs become increasingly narrow, making it difficult to pass others! It's an exciting spot where you can enjoy a thrilling view♡ 【Hours】7:30 AM - 5:00 PM 【Access】Since it's located on a mountain and difficult to reach by train or bus, it's recommended to charter a car. 【Entrance Fee】2000 LKR

The full name of Sri Lanka's Ambuluwawa Tower is Ambuluwawa Tower. A white spire built on the top of a mountain, also known as the Sky Tower. This tower is located about 28 kilometers from Kandy, and you will pass by it on your way to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy. Ambuluwawa Tower is located at an altitude of 3567 feet in Gampola, a magnificent building that is especially elegant and charming. The view of the valleys and mountains around the top and the distant rainbow is mesmerizing. This is the only solitary mountain in the Central Province, not covered by any other mountain ranges. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook a large expanse of lush greenery, the crisscrossing streets of the distant town of Gampola, and vast rice fields. Ambuluwawa Tower is the main attraction here. When you reach the top, you will see stunning views. If you have a fear of heights, you should still climb up to see the magnificent natural scenery, but a small number of people might get weak in the knees. The spiral staircase is relatively narrow and gets more oppressive as you go up, but the view from the top is truly worth it. Do you dare to challenge it? Tips: Ambuluwawa Tower requires a 2000 rupee entrance fee, and a round-trip tuk-tuk ride costs 1500 rupees. Of course, you can also choose to walk up the mountain, which is about 3 kilometers.

Ambulawawa Tower’s impressive architectural combination of its 48-metre-high cone with an increasingly narrow spiral stairway was what immediately grabbed my attention when I first learnt about its existence. Within seconds, I had an additional activity on my bucket list - climbing to the tower top. Besides offering a panoramic view of the surrounding natural landscape, the most unique aspect of this tower lies in its symbolic purpose of representing Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and unity. Consisting of a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple, a Christian church & a Muslim mosque, it provides a multi-religious haven for followers of all faiths to congregate in peace 🙏💖 This is something which I view & treasure so preciously, for in this bloodthirsty world that we live in, such instances are unfortunately rare 🥹

#SriLanka Location: From Kandy to Gampola, there is a bus to Ambuluwa from the Gampola bus station. From the entrance where you can buy tickets, it takes about 40 minutes to walk up the mountain path to the tower. If you are not confident in your physical strength, it is better to catch a tuk-tuk. There is a restaurant and cafe at the top of the mountain where you can take a break. Recommended reason: The tower's shape is unique. It can be quite scary when it is windy and raining, but it will be a fun experience.

"Ascending Ambuluwawa Tower was a journey of awe and wonder. As I climbed higher, each step unveiled a new vista, a breathtaking panorama of Sri Lanka's verdant landscapes and rich history. From the lush greenery to the ancient ruins below, every moment was a testament to the beauty and resilience of this remarkable island. Standing atop the tower, surrounded by the gentle breeze and panoramic views, I felt a profound sense of peace and gratitude. Ambuluwawa Tower is not just a destination; it's an experience that touches the soul and leaves an indelible mark on the heart. Truly, a must-visit for anyone seeking serenity and inspiration amidst nature's embrace."#instatravel #instatravel #trip #attraction #srilanka