Yapahuwa is a towering granite rock rising sheer from the north-western plains, crowned with the ruins of a 13th-century royal palace that briefly served as the island’s capital. The approach to the summit is through an ornate stone stairway flanked by carved stone lions and elaborate decorative panels, considered some of the finest examples of medieval Sinhalese stone craftsmanship in existence. For travellers who want to experience a world-class archaeological site without the crowds of the more famous Cultural Triangle destinations, Yapahuwa is a rewarding discovery.