18 Bends & Veddhas of Mahiyanganaya

Embark on an extraordinary full-day journey through Sri Lanka’s most scenic mountain roads, featuring the legendary Daha Ata Wanguwa — the famed 18 hairpin bends that wind dramatically through the Knuckles Mountain Range, offering breathtaking panoramic views at every turn.

Your first stop is the sacred city of Mahiyanganaya, home to Sri Lanka’s oldest Buddhist temple, believed to have been visited by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. Explore the magnificent Mahiyangana Stupa, which enshrines two revered relics: a sacred strand of hair and the left collarbone of the Buddha. This site holds deep spiritual significance and is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists across the island.

Continue your journey into Sri Lanka’s ancient past with a visit to Dambana, the traditional Veddha Village, where you’ll meet members of the island’s indigenous forest-dwelling community. Experience their unique customs, language, and way of life — preserved through centuries despite rapid modernization. This rare cultural encounter provides meaningful insight into Sri Lanka’s rich and often overlooked indigenous heritage.