Ambuluwawa Tower is one of Sri Lanka’s most unique attractions, famous for its striking white spiral staircase and incredible mountain setting. Located within the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex near Kandy, the site is also home to Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim places of worship.
The real adventure begins as you climb higher and the staircase becomes increasingly narrow. At around 48 metres high, it can certainly test your nerves if you’re afraid of heights, but make it to the top and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views across the surrounding mountains and countryside.
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Brief History of Ambuluwawa
The Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex sits high above the town of Gampola, around 20 km from Kandy. Opened in 2009, the complex is unique in bringing together places of worship for four major religions, including a Buddhist stupa, Hindu kovil, Christian church and Muslim mosque, representing religious harmony and unity.
The mountain itself also has a long history, dating back to the Kingdom of Gampola, and is known for its rich biodiversity, with more than 200 varieties of plants found throughout the area.
What It’s Like Climbing Ambuluwawa Tower
Once you arrive at the base of Ambuluwawa Tower, the climb itself is relatively quick and not particularly strenuous. How long it takes will really depend on how often you stop for photos and to take in the incredible views along the way.
The first section takes you through the inside of the tower before you eventually emerge onto the outdoor spiral staircase. This is where the experience really begins and, trust us, things get much more interesting from here!
As you wind your way higher around the outside of the tower, the staircase gradually becomes narrower and the views become increasingly spectacular. Towards the top, the walkway becomes extremely tight, to the point where two people can’t comfortably pass each other. Thankfully, there are small openings and sheltered sections along the way where you can step aside and let others through.
If you’re not a fan of heights, this final section may test your nerves. With the staircase wrapping around the outside of the tower and very little separating you from the drop below, it can definitely feel intimidating. Take your time, let others pass if needed, and don’t feel pressured to rush.
Make it to the top, though, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views across the surrounding mountains and lush Sri Lankan landscape. For us, the views and the experience of climbing that famous spiral staircase made Ambuluwawa Tower well worth adding to our Sri Lanka itinerary.
Other Things to do at Ambuluwawa Tower Complex
While the tower is the main attraction, there’s more to explore around the Ambuluwawa complex. Take some time to wander around and you’ll discover four different places of worship:
- Buddhist stupa
- Hindu kovil
- Muslim mosque
- Christian church
There’s also a smaller tower you can climb, which offers beautiful views without the crowds, as well as a viewing platform behind the main tower where you can take in the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Most visitors make a beeline for the famous spiral tower, so exploring the rest of the complex is a great way to find a quieter side of Ambuluwawa.
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
The ticket price and entry for the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex is 2,750 LKR (USD $8) per adult for foreigners as of 2026.
The ticket office and gates are open from 8.30 am to 5 pm every day. The road up to the tower is closed after these hours and while card is accepted, cash is preferred.
How to get to Ambuluwawa Tower from Kandy
Getting to Ambuluwawa Tower from Kandy is relatively straightforward, and there are a few different ways to make the journey depending on your budget and preferred mode of transport. Located approximately 25 km south of Kandy, near the town of Gampola, Ambuluwawa Tower can easily be visited independently using public transport or by organising your own transport. Alternatively, you can join an organised day tour if you’d prefer a more hassle-free option.
By Bus from Kandy
If you’re travelling on a budget, catching a bus from Kandy to Gampola is an affordable and convenient option. Head to the main bus station in Kandy and look for the buses travelling towards Gampola. The buses are generally lined up along Station Road, so if you’re unsure where to go, simply ask one of the locals for directions.
Bus number 718 operates between Kandy and Gampola, with regular departures throughout the day. The journey takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic and the number of stops along the way. Once you arrive, you’ll be dropped off at Gampola Bus Station, which is centrally located in town.
From Gampola, you can catch another 718 bus back to Kandy when you’re ready to return.
By Tuk Tuk from Gampola
Once you reach Gampola, the next part of the journey is getting up to Ambuluwawa Tower itself. The entrance is approximately 6 km from the bus station, along a steep and winding road that climbs into the hills.
There are usually plenty of tuk tuks waiting outside the bus station, making it easy to organise a ride. However, make sure you agree on a price before setting off, as fares can vary depending on the driver and how long you need them to wait.
As a guide, we came across reports of travellers paying around 1,500–2,000 LKR for a return journey, including waiting time. It’s worth negotiating a fare that works for you before getting in.
Driving Your Own Tuk Tuk from Kandy
We had our own tuk tuk during our time in Sri Lanka, so we decided to drive ourselves from Kandy all the way to Ambuluwawa Tower. We found the journey relatively straightforward, with roads clearly signposted along the way.
One of the biggest advantages of having your own tuk tuk was being able to drive right up to the tower entrance, rather than having to organise separate transport from Gampola. We were able to park not far from where the climb begins, which saved us both time and money.
A little tip if you’re driving yourself: You may come across local tuk tuk drivers who tell you that the road is too dangerous or that you’re not allowed to take your own tuk tuk up to the top. We encountered this ourselves. If you’re legally licensed to drive a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka and feel comfortable navigating steep, narrow and winding roads, you can politely decline their offer of transport and continue on your way.
Just make sure you’re confident handling your vehicle on steep inclines, take your time around the bends and avoid driving beyond your abilities. The road is quite steep in sections, so it’s important to use your own judgement when deciding whether to make the drive.
