Ambuluwawa Tower: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Ambuluwawa Tower, perched on a hill in Gampola, Sri Lanka, is a memorable white monument known for its spiral structure and breathtaking 360-degree views. Rising from the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, the tower offers a unique experience combining nature, cultural landmarks, and a sense of adventure as you ascend its winding staircase.
With its blend of religious symbols and the surrounding lush greenery, Ambuluwawa Tower is not just a scenic viewpoint but a symbol of harmony and diversity. Perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike!
Ambuluwawa Tower
Thinking of visiting Ambuluwawa Tower? This makes for a great half day trip from Kandy. I’ve created this easy to navigate guide with my best tips and tricks to make sure that you make the most of your visit.
History
Ambuluwawa Tower, built from 1997 to 2006, is located within the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex. The tower lies on Ambuluwawa Mountain, which it is named after and is located in Gampola, Sri Lanka.
Standing 48m tall, Ambuluwawa Tower offers stunning, panoramic views of Sri Lanka’s picturesque landscapes, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Its elevated position provides unobstructed vistas of the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the area.
Ambuluwawa Tower: Entrance Fees & Visiting Hours
The entrance fee is 2000 LKR for foreign tourists and 1000 LKR for children. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance and can only be paid in cash! Credit and debit cards will not be accept so make sure you have enough cash on you.
What if I want to purchase an online ticket for Ambuluwawa Tower?
Online tickets for Ambuluwawa Tower can be purchased on the official website here. Make sure to change nationality to “foreign” if you are not Sri Lankan, and input the date that you are planning to visit.
Hours of Operation: 7:30am-5:00pm Monday to Sunday
How To Get There
Kandy to Ambuluwawa Tower
Located about 25km away from Kandy, there are various ways you can get to Ambuluwawa Tower. Luckily, public transport is a simple and convenient opinion. I went as a female solo traveller and had no issues throughout my entire trip in Sri Lanka.
By Bus: Kandy to Gampola
Wake up bright and early and take the public bus to Gampola. From the Kandy Bus Station, take the #718 bus to Gampola, I paid 109 LKR. If you need help, ask the locals for directions, they are very friendly and will make sure that you get on the right bus. They might even walk you directly to the correct bus!
By TukTuk: Gampola to Ambuluwawa Tower
Once at Gampola you have two options, you can either take a public bus and walk up a very steep slope to the tower, or hire a tuktuk. I opted to go with the tuktuk as they will drive you all the way up to the top, you will beat the crowds, and save your energy.
When you get off at Gampola station, you will see rows of tuktuks waiting for people going to the tower. Always agree on a price before you set off on your journey to avoid any miscommunication.
The road to the tower and steep and windy. There were many times when I thought we wouldn’t make it, the engine sputtering and fighting for dear life the whole way up. Somehow, the mighty tuktuk pulled through and we made it to the top.
Tip: Make sure you negotiate for a round trip with the tuktuk driver and they will wait for you while you’re at the tower. I paid 1500 LKR for a round trip as a solo traveler.
Taking a Tour from Kandy
Looking for a hassle free trip to Ambuluwawa Tower and want the planning done for you? Consider booking a guided tour from Kandy – your guide will handle transport and show you around for a smooth and scenic experience.
Climbing Ambuluwawa Tower
Can I climb to the top?
Climbing Ambuluwawa Tower isn’t physically exhausting but it can be a mental test between the mind and a fear of heights. Whether you climb all the way to the top is up to you. I don’t recommend small children or the elderly to climb to the top.
The path at the top can get quite narrow and steep. If you are claustrophobic, I wouldn’t recommend going all the way to the top as it can be a tight squeeze! Certain times of the day also draw large crowds making for even less space.
Tip: There is a smaller tower right beside Ambuluwawa Tower which I recommend checking out as well. It’s a great alternative for those with a fear of heights but still want to climb to the top of a tower. Be cautious as there are few railings and you could easily fall and possibly injure yourself.
What to Expect
The tower has multiple viewing platforms along different heights, making sure that you don’t miss out on the beautiful scenery. The bottom of the tower starts off with wide indoor staircases and a spacious viewing platform that wraps all the way around the tower.
As you climb higher up the tower, there becomes a mix of indoor and outdoor staircases. The path gets narrower to the point where no one can pass and you can only move in one direction. There were even points where I had so turn sideways because my hips were too wide.
Closer to the top of the tower there were handles for support to keep you from falling back. I recommend using them because they made me feel a lot more secure. Trying to film the whole experience with one hand also wasn’t helping.
It felt like a never-ending winding staircase until I finally reached the top and saw that I couldn’t go any further. I’m not particularly afraid of heights but even I felt a little scared at the top. I had a tight grip on the rail the entire time.
I was very lucky because I was the only person climbing to the top at the time. It allowed me to climb at my own pace and not have to worry about navigating the narrow path with people going in the opposite direction.
The Top of the Tower
Reaching the top of the tower is an accomplishment in itself but you will also be rewarded with some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful landmarks. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to see Pidurutalagala Mountain, Bible Rock, Adam’s Peak, and the Knuckles Mountain Range. A chance of seeing just one of these is incentive enough to attempt the climb.
Ambuluwawa Tower is quite high with many stairs to climb. I made it all the way to the top and it was terrifying, I felt like I could’ve easily fallen over the rail. The views from the top were very beautiful but I don’t recommend going all the way up if you have a fear of heights or have small children.
You can watch my TikTok video sharing my climbing experience here.
Tip: I recommend visiting early on a weekday, try and get there right at opening time. It is a popular tourist attraction and trust me when I say you don’t want to be climbing a crowded tower with a narrow one way path near the top.
Best Tips for Climbing Ambuluwawa Tower
✅ Wear appropriate footwear – something that is comfortable to walk in
✅ Wear sunscreen – protect yourself from the UV rays
✅ Bring a hat or sunglasses – the sun can be quite blinding at the top
✅ Pack Light – the path to the top is quite narrow so you don’t want a bulky bag weighing you down.
✅ Know your limits – if you have a fear of heights or claustrophobia, don’t push yourself. As you go up the path gets very narrow, it is barely big enough for one person. There is a chance you’ll have to wait to go down if there is a large crowd.
✅ Be aware of your surroundings – take care of your little ones and the elderly. Don’t lean over the rail for that selfie, it is quite low and you might fall over.
More Things To Do
Visit the Souvenir Shop
Once you finish admiring the views from the tower you will pass by the souvenir shop on your way out. The shop is located inside of the tower itself so you can’t miss it. Check out the souvenirs to see if you want anything to commemorate your climb while listening to some catchy tunes.
Rest at Java Lounge
Check out Java Lounge and enjoy a beverage and dessert with stunning views. This trendy coffee shop is a great place to kickback and relax after climbing Ambuluwawa Tower.
Visit the Multi-Religious Centre
At the multi-religious centre you will find a temple, a mosque, a church, and a kovil side by side. These four religious structures symbolizes the harmony among the different faiths.
Ride the Giant Swing
Looking to take some memorable pictures with lush greenery? Ride the giant swing overlooking the mountain range creating a picturesque moment. You can even rent a dress as an extra touch.
Visiting Ambuluwawa Tower: FAQs
How much time does it take to climb Ambuluwawa Tower?
Climbing Ambuluwawa Tower takes about 15-20 minutes with optimal conditions. On a clear sunny day, the views are spectacular and you’ll want to keep stopping to take pictures. Take your time and appreciate what nature has to offer.
How tall is Ambuluwawa Tower?
Ambuluwawa Tower is about 48m tall. Since it is located on top of Ambuluwawa Mountain, it gives you the impression of being on top of the world.
Where should I visit after Ambuluwawa Tower?
If you are heading back to Kandy, I highly recommend stopping by the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. You can catch the bus bound for Kandy and let the ticket seller know that you are going to the garden. They will help you get off at the right stop since they don’t announce them. For a complete itinerary you can check out How to Spend 2 Days in Kandy: Best Itinerary and Travel Tips.
Conclusion: Ambuluwawa Tower
Ambuluwawa Tower offers a unique and adventurous experience with its striking design, scenic views, and cultural significance. The climb to the top may challenge your fear of heights, but the breathtaking panoramic views of Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes make it well worth the effort.
Whether you’re there for the thrill, the spiritual significance, or for the nature, Ambuluwawa Tower provides an unforgettable experience. Plan ahead with these tips to make your visit smooth, and don’t forget to savor the incredible sights from one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks.