Daha Ata Wanguwa is the 18 Bends Road

Daha Ata Wanguwa is the 18 Bends Road

Sri Lanka, asia

Length

6.2 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Sri Lanka's Central Province, heading west of Mahiyanganaya. You're about to hit Daha Ata Wanguwa, the legendary "18 Bends Road" – even though it's actually only 17 these days! Legend has it, there used to be 18, but one got straightened out way back when.

This 6.2 km (3.85 mile) stretch is part of the main A26 connecting Kandy and Mahiyanganaya. It's totally paved now, but for over a century and a half, this winding mountain road was *the* only link between these major cities. For a long time, this road was known for being a real test of driving skill!

You'll find yourself snaking along, crossing 10 bridges and passing over hundreds of culverts. The views? Absolutely killer. Many make a pit stop at the top of the hilly section to soak in the panoramic views of the Mahiyanganaya valley. Trust me, counting those 17 bends and taking in the scenery is an experience you won't forget!

Where is it?

Daha Ata Wanguwa is the 18 Bends Road is located in Sri Lanka (asia). Coordinates: 8.1065, 80.1109

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Sri Lanka
Continent
asia
Length
6.2 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
8.1065, 80.1109

Related Roads in asia

Chorbat Lahard

Chorbat La

🇮🇳 India

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Chorbat La Pass – we're talking about a whopping 16,866 feet (5,141m) of pure Himalayan madness right on the India-Pakistan border! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and enough hairpin turns to make you dizzy. Think seriously steep inclines! This road, linking the Leh district in India to the Ghangche District in Pakistan, carves through seriously stunning scenery, but get ready for a workout. A 4x4 is a must! Because of the rough conditions and permit complications, it's pretty isolated, so expect few crowds. Also, heads up: altitude sickness is a real possibility at this elevation, so be prepared! The road's generally snowed in from October through June, so plan your visit accordingly. This one's for the truly adventurous souls.

Mihman Yoli Pass, one of the toughest tracks in the worldhard

Mihman Yoli Pass, one of the toughest tracks in the world

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Mihman Yoli Pass! This beast of a road straddles the border between Afghanistan and China, clocking in at a dizzying 15,705 feet. You'll find it tucked away in the Wakhan Corridor Nature Refuge. Now, don't even THINK about bringing your sedan. We're talking super steep, unpaved terrain that DEMANDS a high-clearance 4x4. This pass links the Badakhshan Province of Afghanistan with Kashgar Prefecture in Western Xinjiang, China. Word to the wise: plan your trip carefully! This road is usually snowed in from October to June. But if you time it right, you're in for some seriously breathtaking scenery!

Kōtal-e Sabzakmoderate

Kōtal-e Sabzak

🌍 Afghanistan

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Kōtal-e Sabzak! This gnarly mountain pass sits way up high at 2,552m (8,372ft), straddling the border between Herat and Badghis provinces in northwestern Afghanistan. They call it the Lapis Route, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. This unpaved road twists and turns its way to the top, but be warned: it's seriously rough. Winter pretty much shuts this route down completely. Expect a bumpy ride – we're talking roller coaster levels of unevenness caused by the ground freezing and thawing! Up here, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature. Think crazy winds and super-fast weather changes. This pass is the link between Herat, one of Afghanistan's biggest cities, and Qala-e-Naw. The road is in awful condition and tests even the most seasoned drivers. Seriously, prep is key. Make sure your ride is ready for anything because you're pretty far from civilization out here. And hey, keep an eye on the news before you go, just to stay updated on the local situation.

Yakexia Snow Mountainmoderate

Yakexia Snow Mountain

🇨🇳 China

Okay, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Yakexia Snow Mountain pass in northwestern Sichuan, China! This beast sits at a lung-busting 4,306m (14,127ft) above sea level in the Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Forget smooth tarmac, this is a proper gravel track – think rocky, bumpy, and a bit tippy in places. It's officially known as 302 Provincial Road (S302), and you'll find it about 400km northwest of Chengdu, nestled between Heishui and Rangkou. Now, I'm not gonna lie, if you're not a fan of unpaved mountain roads, this one might make you sweat. A 4x4 is pretty much essential. If heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one too, as it gets pretty steep! And be warned, rain turns the road into a muddy slip-n-slide. But, if you're up for the challenge, the scenery is incredible. Picture yourself driving through vast pine forests, surrounded by dramatic rocky mountains. The good news is the really gnarly part has been bypassed by a tunnel, but be aware this area is notorious for heavy mist, so visibility can be a real issue. Definitely avoid this road in bad weather!