18 Bend Road, also known as ‘Daha Ata Wanguwa’. It is a famous asphalted road located on the Kandy-Mahiyangana-Padiyathalawa Expressway in the central hills of Sri Lanka. This road is popular with even the most experienced drivers as a very challenging driver. Many people were afraid of this road because of these bends, but it was the only road that connected these areas. Even though the name says ’18 bend ‘, in reality, the road has only 17 hairpin bends. The length of the road is 41 km.
It is known as the most dangerous road in Sri Lanka and has become very popular among tourists. This road was an attractive route for local and foreign tourists and it was a rare experience for them to cross this land on their way to Mahiyangana or the eastern part of the country. Many children and adults have a habit of counting these bends while traveling on this road and can stop at the top of the hill and look at the beautiful valley of Mahiyangana. This section, which is part of the A26 road, has been upgraded (redesigned and expanded) in recent years and connects Kandy and Mahiyanganaya.
This route should not be attempted by novice drivers. The 41 km long road has been widened to 15 m and carpeted from Udathenna to Mahiyanganaya. The entire road includes 10 bridges and 320 culverts. Renovation of the 18-bend road, which began in April 2008, was completed in less than four years, reducing travel time from 4 hours to 11/2 hour, providing a safer and more comfortable ride for motorists.
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The pictures of the misty plains and the plains surrounding the hairstyle are fascinating. They are woven into paintings on a concrete wall, not on the road, giving tourists a taste of the countryside and its charm. Pedestrians and cyclists do not travel. At the 15th bend, a giant picture of fish and other marine life painted by children from a local school catches in a passing trishaw. For the average traveler, the beauty of the road is two or three times wider than the old road at every bend. The water flows down the side of the road, allowing the rainwater to flow smoothly. Retaining walls as well as safety fences and signboards have been erected to guide passengers. Stainless steel reflective mirrors alert motorists on both sides of the curve. The shoulders of the bend are so wide that there is ample space to park and enjoy the view.
