The oldest city in Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, was founded in the third century BC. The majority of journeys to Sri Lanka involve a stop in Anuradhapura, which is situated inside the country’s cultural triangle. After serving as Sri Lanka’s capital for over a millennium, Anuradhapura is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places to visit in Anuradhapura. are more than dozens, however, due to the time constraint, most tourists visit only a few historical attractions. In this blog post, we’ll focus on a few key tourist attractions such as Sri Maha Bodhi, Riwanweli Stupa, and Jetawanarama.
The ancient metropolis of Anuradhapura
In the third century BC, Anuradhapura brought together all of Sri Lanka, and it went on to be the country’s capital for more than a millennium. According to legend, King Pandukabhaya was the one who founded the city. The Sri Lankan kings moved their capital from the coastal region of west Sri Lanka to Polonnaruwa, which is situated closer to the country’s interior, following the fall of Anuradhapura as a result of Tamil invasions. One of Sri Lanka’s most significant archaeological sites nowadays is Anuradhapura. The old city was filled with hundreds of Stupas, temples, gardens, palaces, and other historic buildings. The city was deserted after the South Indian invasions, and nature later overran the city. The majority of historical structures have been demolished in the previous 2,000 years, although others, like the Moonstone and Kuttam Pokuna, have survived very well. For the past two millennia, Kuttam Pokuna has continued to exist in its original form. Another historic edifice that retains most of its original form is the Jetawanrama Stupa, which has collapsed at its top but still has more than 90% of its original construction standing.
Destinations in Anuradhapura
One of the biggest and most comprehensive archaeological study programs in the world is presently focused on the historical site of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is the oldest city in Sri Lanka’s records and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travellers can compare Places to visit in Anuradhapura can be an archaeological zoo, since they will discover several temples, gardens, palaces, and other historic buildings. Thousands of tourists visit Anuradhapura every day, as it is a prominent tourist destination today.
Exploring historic Anuradhapura temples
Most plcaes to visit in Anuradhapura are closely connected to Buddhism. These historic buildings, which are located in isolation in the city of Anuradhapura in the north-central region of Sri Lanka, are the ruins of one of the oldest civilisations in history. The surviving remnants of the advanced society are Dagobas (Stupas), Buddhist temples, palaces, gardens, lakes, and other amazing architectural structures. Discover the secret histories of the remarkable landmarks in the Eternal City, ranging from magnificent Renaissance buildings to millennia-old ruins.
Archaeologists in Sri Lanka have made yet another important finding about the country’s past. In the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the remains of hospitals dating back two millennia have been found. The new finding provides important proof that ancient Sri Lanka had a sophisticated healthcare system. It’s thought that the hospital used Ayurvedic medication.Locations To See in Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura’s historical sites
Virtually all Sri Lankan cultural tours include a visit to some of the popular places to visit in Anuradhapura. In order to view the city’s ancient temples and other structures, the majority of international visitors include a city tour of Anuradhapura on their agenda. The ancient city of Anuradhapura is home to dozens of significant historical sites, including temples, stupas, dagobas, statues of Buddha, and many more. Nonetheless, some tourists wonder if it’s worthwhile to visit Anuradhapura. If you have an interest in archaeology and ancient cultures, the answer is definitely yes; if not, it might not make sense for you to visit Anuradhapura. Here are eight locations in Anuradhapura that you should visit if you’re a traveler who wants to see Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy. These are some of the best-preserved remnants of an old Sinhala civilisation and Places to visit in Anuradhapura.
Top 10 attractions in Anuradhapura
1. Sri Maha Bodhi: The Sacred Bo Tree
Let’s kick things off with the granddaddy of all trees in Sri Lanka – the Sri Maha Bodhi. This isn’t just any old tree; it’s believed to be a sapling from the very Bo tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Talk about a living piece of history!
Key Facts:
- Planted in 288 BCE
- World’s oldest known human-planted tree
- Surrounded by golden railings
Pro Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and soak in the serene atmosphere.
2. Ruwanwelisaya: The Majestic White Dome
Next up is the Ruwanwelisaya, a massive white stupa that’ll make your jaw drop. This architectural marvel stands at 338 feet tall and is a sight to behold, especially when lit up at night.
Interesting Tidbits:
- Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BCE
- Contains relics of Buddha
- Surrounded by a wall of elephants
3. Jetavanaramaya: Once the World’s Tallest Stupa
Imagine a structure so tall it was once the third-tallest in the entire ancient world! That’s Jetavanaramaya for you. While it may have lost its height crown, it hasn’t lost an ounce of its grandeur.
Quick Facts:
- Originally 400 feet tall
- Built in the 3rd century CE
- Made of approximately 93.3 million bricks
4. Abhayagiri Monastery: A Center of Learning
Abhayagiri isn’t just a pretty face; it was once a thriving center of Buddhist learning. This sprawling monastic complex will give you a taste of what life was like for ancient monks.
Highlights:
- Founded in 88 BCE
- Home to various architectural marvels
- Features beautiful stone carvings
5. Isurumuniya Temple: Rock-Cut Wonder
Ready for some Indiana Jones vibes? Isurumuniya Temple, carved into a rock face, is your ticket to adventure. Don’t miss the famous “Lovers” sculpture – it’s a true masterpiece!
Must-See:
- The Lovers sculpture
- Bathing elephants carving
- Beautiful lotus pond
6. Thuparamaya: The First Stupa
History nerds, rejoice! Thuparamaya holds the title of being the first stupa built in Sri Lanka. It may not be the biggest, but it’s certainly one of the most significant.
Key Points:
- Built in the 3rd century BCE
- Houses Buddha’s right collarbone relic
- Surrounded by stone pillars
7. Lankarama: The Unique Circular Stupa
Ever seen a stupa that looks like a giant bell? Well, you’re about to! Lankarama’s unique circular design sets it apart from its pointy cousins.
Interesting Facts:
- Built by King Valagamba
- Surrounded by stone pillars
- Offers a different perspective on stupa architecture
8. Mirisawetiya Stupa: A Promise Fulfilled
This stupa has a cool backstory. It was built by King Dutugemunu to fulfill a promise he made to the gods. Talk about keeping your word!
Noteworthy:
- Built in 161 BCE
- Features beautiful Sandakada Pahana (moonstone)
- Surrounded by a scenic park
9. Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds): Ancient Engineering Marvel
Who said ancient folks didn’t know how to keep cool? The Twin Ponds are a testament to the advanced hydraulic engineering of ancient Sri Lanka.
Cool Features:
- Symmetrical design
- Elaborate filtration system
- Used by monks for bathing
10. Archaeological Museum: Piecing It All Together
Last but not least, swing by the Archaeological Museum to tie everything you’ve seen together. It’s like the ultimate cheat sheet for Anuradhapura’s history.
What to Expect:
- Ancient artifacts and sculptures
- Informative displays on the city’s history
- Air-conditioned comfort (trust me, you’ll appreciate this!)
Which eight sites in Anuradhapura are considered to be the holiest?
In Sinhala, “Atamastana” refers to eight sacred sites. Anuradhapura, a historic city, is home to this Atamasthana. The term “Atapamasthana” refers to eight sacred sites in Anuradhapura. Each and every Buddhist should visit these eight locations since they are highly significant and revered sites in Buddhism. All of the locations listed in Atamastana are often included in the Anuradhapura city tour. The rich historical heritage of Sri Lanka is closely linked to these eight iconic figures. Sri Lankan society still places a high value on many of those holy sites. The majority of them were constructed by the Anuradhapura Kingdom’s rulers. The eight holiest sites in Anuradhapura are listed here. Places to visit in Anuradhapura.
- Sri Maha Bodi: This 288 BC-planted fig tree is revered because it is thought that the Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating beneath it.
- Ruwanwelisaya: One of the largest “stupas” ever finished, it was constructed by King Dutugamunu.
- Thuparamaya: is possibly the oldest surviving “dagoba” in the world as well as the oldest in Sri Lanka.
- Lovamahapaya: This building is significant because it formerly had bronze tiles covering its roof.
- Abhayagiri: is one of Anuradhapura’s largest viharas. The monastery housed five thousand monks.Approximately 3000 monks were housed in Jethavanaramaya, a revered World Heritage Site. It resembles Abhayagiri quite a bit as well.
- Mirisavetiya: Following his victory over King Elara, King Dutugamunu constructed this stupa.
- Lankaramaya: One of the eight holy sites in the city, it was constructed during the reign of King Valagamba of the Anuradhapura Kingdom.
The oldest city in Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, was founded in the third century BC. Most travel itineraries to Sri Lanka include a stop in Anuradhapura, which is situated inside the Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. After serving as Sri Lanka’s capital for over a millennium, Anuradhapura is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there are many attractions in Anuradhapura for tourists to explore, and Places to visit in Anuradhapura, we’ll focus on a few key ones in this post.
Isurumuniya Buddhist temple
The first stop on your ancient city tour is the Buddhist temple, Isurumuniya. In order to get to the temple’s highest point, visitors must ascend the steps. Although a little exhausting, it was well worth it because it gave you a breathtaking view of the historical monument. One of Anuradhapura’s oldest locations, Isurumuniya, is as old as the second century BC. The temple features an exquisite image house that houses granite statues of Buddha that date back to the temple’s founding. The temple has modern elements. Extremely precious and unique objects discovered in the city during the excavation are kept in the temple’s museum. The museum has a stone granite sculpture of a couple, most likely Saliya and Ashokamala. Many Buddhist devotees still frequent the temple, and the monks assist the devotees with their daily religious obligations.
The sacred Bo tree, Sri Maha Bodhi
The holy Bo-tree, known as “Jaya shri Maha Bodhi,” which is regarded as one of the most sacred locations and a Places to visit in Anuradhapura. for Buddhists, is located a few hundred meters from Isurumuniya. The enormous Bo-tree (ficus religiosa) is a fragment of the Bo-tree that the Buddha ascended to become enlightened under. The island was visited by the sapling, which was planted in Anuradhapura, the Sri Lankan capital at the time, in the second century BC. One of Anuradhapura’s “Atramastana,” or eight sacred sites, is Sri Maha Bodhi.
Ruwanweli Stupa
The Ruwanweli Stupa, is located directly behind the revered Bo-tree. It is among the most significant monuments in Anuradhapura as well as one of the city’s “Atamasthana,” or holiest sites. The enormous brick structure’s history dates back to the second century BC, when King Dutugemunu is said to have built it. There is a large open space surrounding the main body of the dome-shaped reliquary. There is an elephant wall enclosing the entire compound. A statue of King Dutugemunu, the man who erected the stupa, is located to the left of the stupa’s main entrance. The image house with numerous Buddha sculptures is located directly adjacent to the King Dutugemunu statue.
Thuparama Stupa
Thuparama Stupa, which dates to the third century BC, is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s earliest stupas. The first Buddhist king of Sri Lanka, King Devanampiyatissa, built the modest but historically significant dome-shaped structure. Originally constructed of clay, the Stupa had a roof. The majority of the roof has collapsed now, but the enormous granite columns that supported the roof are still there all around the Stupa.
You will pass Thuparama Stupa and Lankarama Stupa as you make your way deeper into the old city of Anuradhapura. This will take you to the major area of the ancient kingdom, where the king resided. Along the route, one may see the king’s palace ruin. It was said to be the hub of the Anuradhapura Kingdom’s political and public life.
Isurumuni Lovers, Destination in Anuradhapura
Most Sri Lanka trip plans include a visit to Isurumuniya, which is considered one of the most important sites to visit in Anuradhapura. One of the most remarkable artefacts on the island is the stone sculpture of Isurumuni lovers, which is currently on display at the Museum of Isurumuni Vihara in Anuradhapura. This exquisite sculpture, known as Isurumuni Lovers and housed in the Museum of Isurumuni, is unrelated to the temple.
One of the most beautiful pieces of old Sinhalese artistry is this stone sculpture. Though it currently resides at the Isurumuni Museum, it was found at the king’s pleasure garden, Ranmasu Uyana. It is believed that this artwork has no religious significance as a result. The Isurumuni Vihara was next to the royal park.
Regarding the sculpture’s subject, archaeologists have differing perspectives. Some academics think it’s Prince Saliya and his wife Ashokamala, the great king Dutugemunu’s son. The pair’s romantic tale is well-known in Sri Lankan history. Historical records state that Price Saliya, a legal heir to the throne, gave up his throne by marrying a beautiful but ostracised woman.
In his book “Buddhism and Art,” renowned author Martin Wickramasinghe called the sculpture a sophisticated work of sensual art. He goes on to say that they are lovers. The man’s head motion, with his raised shoulder contacting his head, is called a “nihancita mudra,” according to Mr. Wikramasinghe, and it expresses happiness at seeing one’s beloved.
Based on the clothing, the sword, and the shield behind the figures, he believes the individual might be a soldier. As a result, the sculpture might depict a soldier and his wife either before or after the soldier leaves for duty.
Another group of artists believe it to be the god Shiva and his wife, Parvati. Some think it is the wisdom symbol “Bodhisatwa Manjusri.” The image of a guy with a sword slung over his shoulder is thought to represent wisdom. This sculpture, which dates back to the early eras of Sri Lankan civilisation, is renowned throughout the area as a marvel of artistic beauty.
Ranmasu Uyana: Anuradhapura Tourist Attractions
In Anuradhapura, Ranmasu Uyana is situated next to Tisa Wewa, a reservoir. It is over two millennia old and was used as the king’s pleasure garden. The thoughtfully designed garden covered more than 40 acres. It highlights several significant aspects of urban design and gardening throughout the pre-Christian era. The garden was situated atop a rocky outcrop, and its natural beauty was enhanced by the thoughtful use of enormous rocks.
The granite stones were widely utilised in other projects, including garden seating areas and pillars. Ranmasu Uyana has three ponds, all of which are entirely built from beautifully carved stone slabs. The adjacent Tissa wewa provided the water for the bathing ponds.
There was a device to filter the water before it was poured into the ponds, and the water was channelled through the network of subterranean canals. It is thought that Saliya and Ashokamala regularly met in Ranmasu Uyana.
The Balustrade “Korawakgala”: Anuradhapura Tourist Attractions
One of the most notable architectural features of each Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka is the balustrade. Dagobas and picture houses are typically constructed on raised platforms. The Bo-tree, another significant component of the temple, is typically situated on an elevated platform. To reach the sacred location, worshippers must climb a flight of steps that faces all four directions.
The intricate carvings on the flights of steps are really tastefully done. Temple steps are frequently exposed to direct sunlight, wind, and rain, hence, they are constructed of sturdy materials like granite and cement. The two balustrades, sometimes referred to as “Korawakgal,” are placed on either side of the staircase. The balustrade’s architectural design is reminiscent of the mythological “makara,” or dragon.
The Guard Stone (Mura Gala): Places to visit in Anuradhapura
The guard stones, also known as Muragala, are two stone slabs at the foot of a flight of steps leading to sacred sites. They are adorned with exquisite carvings of upright figures and floral motifs. Naga-raja is one of the most frequently seen figures in the guard stone. It is known as Naga-raja, or king of the Nagas, since it features the figure of a king (raja) and a cobra (naga) hood.
As a living creature, the cobra is revered in Sinhala culture and is tasked with guarding possessions and significant locations. The two guard stones at Abhayagiri’s entrance are very different from the traditional guard stones on the island.
The Kuvera defenders are two stones known as Sanka and Padma. Sanka is the gourd stone with the figure wearing a conch shell on its head, while Padma is the figure wearing a lotus flower on its head.
Guard Stones serve as the area they live in’s protectors, as the name would imply. It prevents malevolent entities from accessing the property. The flower pot that the figure is holding in one hand is a representation of the site’s wealth. Guard stones can be found in palaces and other structures intended for the royal family, although they are primarily found in houses of worship.
Ruins of the 2000-year-old Ayurvedic Hospital
Archaeologists in Sri Lanka have made yet another important finding about the country’s past. In the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the remains of hospitals dating back two millennia have been found. The new finding provides important proof that ancient Sri Lanka had a sophisticated healthcare system. It is thought that Ayurvedic treatment was used in the facility.
In the ancient city of Mihintale, close to Anuradhapura, an Ayurvedic hospital with a history dating back more than 2000 years was found earlier. The latest find is located close to Thuparama, one of the nation’s oldest dagobas, in Anuradhapura. According to archaeologists, the hospital’s initial building began in the third century BC.
The hospital’s layout was thoroughly thought out, with distinct rooms for making medicine, spas, therapy rooms, and medical rooms. At the location, tools like knives and grinding stones used to prepare medication were also found.
Among the finds is a well built latrine. Ruins of a different, older hospital were recently found at the Maha Vihara Temple complex in Anuradhapura. Currently, the archaeological department is in charge of overseeing the site’s excavation.
Places to visit in anuradhapura; Thuparama
The ancient city of Anuradhapura is home to the dagoba known as Thuparama. It is one of the most historical places to visit in Anuradhapura. In the third century BC, King Devanampiyatissa constructed Thuparama. Sri Lanka’s first Buddhist king was King Devanampiyatissa. Since the third century BC, when the Buddha’s teachings were brought to the island from India, Buddhism has been the predominant religion in Sri Lanka.
The information claims that unknown forces chose the Dagoba’s location. It is reported that the elephant transporting the collarbone relic stopped and was immobile as it was moved over the spot. The king therefore made the decision to construct the Dagoba at the location where the elephant had stopped. The animal began to move as soon as the artefact was taken out of it.
The oldest building of this type in Anuradhapura’s historical district is Thuparama. The Dagoba is smaller than most popular tourist destinations, such as Jetawanarama and Ruwanweliseya, measuring roughly 65 feet in height and 60 feet in circle at the base.
Adjacent to Ruwanweliseya in the old city is Thuparama. To go to Thuparama from Ruwanweliseya, visitors must travel 200 meters northward. One of the oldest artificial reservoirs in the nation, Basawakkulama or Abhaya Wewa, is a popular tourist destination in Anuradhapura, situated adjacent to Thuparama Dagoba.
The Pali language is the source of the name “Thuparama,” which is composed of the terms “Thupa” and “Arama.” In Pali, Arama refers to a garden or park, and Thupa implies a stupa. Similar to the majority of ancient temples, like Jetawanarama and Veluwanarama, Thuparama was situated in a garden.
Historians surmise that Thuparama was its name because of this. Dagoba was formerly a component of Thuparama, a major monastery complex. But over the past few centuries, the monastery’s remaining portions have gradually deteriorated. Since there was little evidence of the monastery, people began referring to the dagoba as “Thuparama.” The right collarbone of the Buddha is housed in the dagoba, which was constructed to resemble a rice mound.
The Dagoba live on a spherical, raised platform. There were four concentric granite stone pillars supporting the dagoba’s roof. Cetiyagara architecture is characterised by a circular structure that guards a dagoba.
What remains of Cetiyagara now are a number of stone pillars with exquisite, detailed stone sculptures. Cetiyagara is no longer there. In the outermost row of the four concentric stone pillars, there had been forty-eight stone pillars. The columns were embellished with exquisite stone engravings. Even now, there are still some stone carvings that show human, animal, and floral motifs.
Places to visit in Anuradhapura; Elephant Pond (Eth Pokuna)
With a total area of 500 acres, the Abhayagiri Monastery Complex was one of the largest monasteries on the island. The Abhyagiri Stupa or dagoba, the Samadhi Buddha, the Twin Pond, the Moonstones, and the guard stones are just a few of the important historical sites within the Abhayagiri monastery complex that tourists frequently overlook. Devotees, however, do not frequently visit the Elephant Pond.
Elephant Pond, also known as Eth Pokuna, is one of the largest ponds in the holy city of Anuradhapura and a significant location inside the Abhayagiri monastery complex. The bathing area used by the 500 minks residing in the Abhayagiri monastery was the Elephant Pond. The massive pond, which is 900 feet deep, received its water supply from the neighbouring Periyakulam Tank. At 158 meters long and 52.7 meters wide, the pond is rectangular in shape. This location has a maximum storage capacity of 75,000 cubic meters of water. Before the water entered the pond, it is said that a water filtering system was in place to clean it. To allow the monks to access the water’s surface, the pond is furnished with three sets of stairs located on its northern, eastern, and southern ends. By Places to visit in Anuradhapura you can have a memorable time.
Anuradhapura’s weather pattern
The weather pattern indicates that the dry zone of Sri Lanka experiences a severe water deficit from November to April as a result of insufficient precipitation. The weather patterns of today, according to archaeologists, bear many similarities to those of the Anuradhapura period. The ancient inhabitants likewise had to figure out how to deal with the scarcity of water during the dry season.
The former monarchs of Sri Lanka installed advanced water management.
Because of this occurrence, the ancient Kings of Sri Lanka built thousands of lakes in the country’s northern dry zone to store water for the monsoon season. After it was gathered, the people received the water under the strict supervision of officials. The dry zone of Sri Lanka is home to a maze-like network of canals that were constructed by ancient monarchs as early as the third century BC. These canals are essential to the livelihood of the area’s farmers.
Twin pond: places To Visit In Anuradhapura
Places to visit in Anuradhapura includes a large number of historical monuments. The old city expands over a large area. Anuradhapura is an archaeological zoo with hundreds of thousands of historical monuments and a twin pond is one of them.
The step-wells are to be found very commonly in north India, and some other parts of western Indian states. However, they originated during the mediaeval period and the twin ponds of Anuradhapura are much older than the Indian step-wells. The twin pond primarily served the temple monks and it was not for the purpose to serve the general public, therefore it was a temple tank.
There are a few differences between the step-wells of India and the twin pond of Sri Lanka such as decorations, twin pond is lavishly decorated but most Indian ponds are basic and not decorated. The flight of steps of the twin pond is lavishly decorated with niches, stone sculptures and arches, floral designs, and animal figures.
Even though the concept behind the step-wells seems to be similar in both countries, in the Sri Lankan case, it is much more complicated and more advanced. The Indian step wells solely depend on the groundwater level in order to fill the pond but at twin ponds, the ancient engineers installed an underground terracotta pipe to direct water to the pond from the nearby tank. The water which was coming in the direction of the pond was directed to a tank before it fills the stepwell; thereby, all the residue that mixed with the water settled in the tank before receding to the well and only the clean water flows into the pond.
The twin pond of Anuradhapura is the oldest and most well-known step well on the island. The twin pond is still in very good shape even after about 1500 years. The twin pond was built for the use of monks of Mahavihara and it was a part of the temple complex and was abandoned when the capital of Sri Lanka was moved to Polonnaruwa from Anuradhapura in the 11th century AD.
After many centuries of disuse, it was discovered during the excavation in the old city. Today the twin pond is one of the very valuable artefacts that you can see in Places to Visit in Anuradhapura. The architectural and engineering skills of ancient people, and their clever and sophisticated engineering, could be relevant again today, because Sri Lanka’s dry zone faced the spectra of drought over the past few decades.
Practical Tips for Visiting Anuradhapura
- Best Time to Visit: May to September for drier weather
- Dress Code: Modest clothing for temple visits (cover shoulders and knees)
- Transportation: Rent a bike or hire a tuk-tuk for easy navigation
- Duration: Plan for at least a full day, two if you want to explore leisurely
- Hydration: Carry plenty of water; it can get hot!
Wrapping It Up
Anuradhapura isn’t just a bunch of old rocks and trees; it’s a window into an advanced civilization that flourished over two millennia ago. As you wander through these ancient wonders, you’ll feel the weight of history and the spiritual energy that still permeates the air.
So, are you ready to step back in time and explore Anuradhapura? Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Happy exploring, time travelers!
