About Anuradhapura

Country: India | State: Sri Lanka

Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 Days

Nearest City to Anuradhapura: Anuradhapura, Colombo (202 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Anuradhapura: June to September & December to February

Peak Season: June to September

At a distance of 66 km from Dambulla, 75 km from Sigiriya, 106 km from Trincomalee, 107 km from Polonnaruwa, 139 km from Kandy, 194 km from Jaffna and 202 km from Colombo, Anuradhapura is an ancient city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and also the capital of Anuradhapura district. It is the most popular heritage place in Sri Lanka and among the must include destinations in Sri Lanka Tour Packages.

Located on the banks of Malvathu River, Anuradhapura is the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka. The city was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilization, Anuradhapura is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. The city is also home to one of the largest and most sacred Bodhi trees in Sri Lanka, believed to be a descendant of the original Bodhi tree where Buddha got enlightenment.

Anuradhapura was first established by Anuradha, a follower of Prince Vijaya, the founder of the Sinhala race. Later in 377 BC, King Pandukabhaya made it his capital and developed it into a prosperous city. It was the royal capital for 119 successive Singhalese Kings and lasted for about 1500 years. Anuradhapura came into prominence after Buddhism was introduced to the island in the 3rd Century BC during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.

Anuradhapura continued to be the seat of power from the 4th Century BC to 11th Century AD. During this period, there were intermittent invasions by armies from India, but it remained the stronghold of the King of Lanka until King Vjayabahu I declared Polonnaruwa was the capital city in 1070. Later, the city was abandoned and overrun by the jungle until it was rediscovered by the British in the 19th century and subsequently became a Buddhist pilgrimage center. Currently, the city is the headquarters of the archaeological survey of Sri Lanka.

The historic city of Anuradhapura is an essential stop on any Sri Lanka Tour. The vast network of ancient Buddhist temples, monasteries, and places of worship which cover over 40 sq. km has made it a sacred site to Buddhists around the world. Mirisaveti, Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayagiri, Jetavanarama, Thuparama, and Lankarama are the popular monasteries in Anuradhapura. Apart from these, the most popular tourist attractions in Anuradhapura are the sacred Maha Bodhi tree, Lovamahapaya or Brazen Palace, Archeological Museum, Isurumuniya Vihara, Rathnaprasada, Royal Palace and many more.

Vesak and Poson Festival are the popular festivals celebrated in Anuradhapura. Also known as Poson Poya Day, Poson Festival is celebrated to commemorate the introduction of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the third century BC, thus it is of great historical and religious significance. It is the second most important festival for Buddhists right after the Vesak. Many choose to climb the many steps to the top of the Mihintale rock in Mihintale, which is popular as the main center and landmark in Anuradhapura during the festival.

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo is the nearest international airport which is about 171 km from Anuradhapura. It has well flight connectivity with India and other parts of Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the United States. Anuradhapura Railway Station has regular trains from Colombo, Vavuniya, and Galle. Anuradhapura is well connected by bus with Colombo, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, and Kandy.

Anuradhapura has tons of great accommodation choices. The choice of hotels and guesthouses in Anuradhapura is a real treat and there is truly something to suit everyone from budget backpacker to mid-range seekers and those who enjoy a touch of luxury.

Anuradhapura is a perfect holiday destination for visitors almost all year-round. However, June to September and December - February are the best seasons to visit Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. During these months, the weather is dry and comfortable for day trips. Tourists keep off from Anuradhapura in March when the weather is too hot and humid and also avoid visiting Anuradhapura from October to November when it rains significantly.

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Other Info
Internet Availability: Good
STD Code: 0094-25
Languages Spoken: Sinhalese, Tamil, & English
Major Festivals: Vesak & Poson Festival
Notes/Tips:
Foreign visitors need to buy an entry ticket of USD. 25 (Paid in LKR only) at the Archaeological Museum to visit all the historical sites in Anuradhapura except Maha Bodhi & Isurumuniya as they have a separate entry fee. It will be half the cost for the nationals of SAARC countries.

How to Reach Anuradhapura

By Air

Nearest Airport: Colombo - Bandaranaike Airport (171 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Anuradhapura (0 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Anuradhapura Bus Station (3 Kms)

Top 10 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

#1 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 1.5 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred tree standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world and among the prime places to visit in Anuradhapura as part of Sri Lanka Packages.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple is the center of tourist attraction in Anuradhapura. Buddhists from all over the world visit this place because it enshrines the great souvenir of the past and pride of the present, the sacred Bodhi tree. This is the sapling of the original Peepal Tree at Buddha Gaya, India in whose shelter Gautama Buddha attained supreme enlightenment. As per the history, the sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Buddhist nun Sanghamitra, the daughter of Emperor Asoka of India during the 3rd Century BC. In 288 BC, it was planted by King Devanampiya Tissa in the Mahamewna Park in Anuradhapura.

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, as it became known, has since .....

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#2 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 1 km from Maha Bodhi and 2 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Ruwanwelisaya is a Buddhist stupa situated in the ancient town of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage for Buddhists and among the prime places to visit in Anuradhapura as part of Sri Lanka Tour Packages.

A UNESCO designated site, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas in the heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built in 140 BC by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. It is also called as the Maha Stupa or Ratnapali Stupa or Swarnamali Stupa. It is said that two quarts or one Drona of the Gauthama Buddha's relics are enshrined in the stupa, which is the largest collection of his relics anywhere. This is one of the 'Solosmasthana' (the 16 places of veneration) and the 'Atamasthana' (the 8 places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura). The stupa was a ruin in the 19th century and .....

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#3 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 5 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Abhayagiri Vihara is an ancient monastery situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most extensive ruins in the world and among the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage places in Sri Lanka.

Located at the north end of Anuradhapura, the Abhayagiri Vihara monastic complex was established in the 2nd century BC by King Valagamba in the celebration of his victory against the Indian Chola invaders. The monastery was donated to a Buddhist monk Thera Mahatissa as a token of gratitude for the moral and material support extended to the king, at a time of adversity, in exile building an army to regain his kingdom. It was once housed as many as 5,000 monks from around the world and was a thriving center of Buddhist philosophies for nearly 600 years. The monastery flourished under the patronage of King Mahasena (AD 276-303).

Encompasses over 500 acres, this monastery is encircled by great walls and containing elaborate stupas, .....

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#4 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 600 m from Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba and 3 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Thuparamaya is a Buddhist stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Located in Mahamewna Park, it is one of the oldest stupas in Sri Lanka and among the prime places to visit as part of the Anuradhapura Tour Packages.

The Thuparamaya Stupa was built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC and is the earliest dagoba to be constructed on the island after the introduction of Buddhism. The stupa was renovated by King Aggabodhi II in the 7th century. It is believed to enshrine the collar bone relic of Lord Buddha. The dagoba had been destroyed several times by invading forces and through natural erosion. The last recorded renovation in history was carried out in1862 AD. The name Thuparamaya comes from 'stupa' and 'aramaya' which stands for a residential complex for monks.

This studded Dagoba was built in the shape of a heap of paddy but after several attacks and renovations, it is now found .....

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#5 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 1.5 km from Maha Bodhi Temple and 2 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Jetavanaramaya is an ancient Buddhist stupa situated in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Located in the Mahamewna Park, it is one of the oldest stupas in Anuradhapura and among the sacred places to visit in Anuradhapura while holidaying in Sri Lanka.

At 400 feet, Jetavanaramaya was the tallest stupa in Sri Lanka and the third tallest ancient structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273-301). He initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of the Mahavihara and was completed by his son Maghavanna I. It is believed that a part of a sash or belt tied by the Buddha is preserved here. The structure is significant in the island's history as it represents the tensions within the Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism. Later, King Parakramabahu in the 12th century rebuilt this stupa to the current height of 232 feet, a reduction from .....

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#6 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 2 km from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and 3 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura. Situated on the side of Tissa Wewa, it is one of the popular historical monuments in Anuradhapura.

Originally known as Meghagiri Vihara, the Isurumuniya Viharaya was constructed during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa as a monastic complex for 500 high caste children and then evolved to becoming a temple owing to its sanctity. Thereafter it was renovated by King Kasyapa (473 - 491 AD) who renamed it 'Boupulvan Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera'. As per the mythology, this is the place where Pulasthi Rishi was live and the place of which King Ravana was born. This place has a written history of about 5000 years.

This charming rock temple was built partly into a cave with a lovely pool in the front and a boulder forming the rear wall. A small stupa was built on this cliff during a later period. At the picturesque entrance to Isurumuniya, a .....

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#7 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 1 km from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and 3 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Mirisawetiya is a Buddhist vihara located in Anuradhapura. Situated along the banks of Tissa Wewa, it is yet another tourist and religious spot in the ancient capital of the country, Anuradhapura.

Mirisaweti Dagoba was built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC), after defeating King Elara and was the first monument built by the king following his consecration. The location of the great stupa, according to the great historical narrative, Mahavamsa, is of exceptional significance. The story behind the creation of this splendid stupa is that after the king had successfully completed the war with the Cholas, the sceptre that contained the Relic of Buddha was stored by the king in a place before leaving for the water festival at Tissa Wewa. When he returned, he found the sceptre to be immovable. He then decided to provide shelter to this relic to safeguard it.

Having completed the construction .....

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#8 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 1 km from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and 3 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Anuradhapura. Situated on the banks of Tissa Wewa, it is one of the archaeological museums of Sri Lanka and among the prime places to visit in Anuradhapura.

Also known as Puravidu Bhavana, the Archaeological Museum in Anuradhapura was established in 1947 under the pioneering effort of Dr. Senarath Paranavitana. This is situated in the old kachcheri building between the Brazon Palace and Ruwanwelisaya. This is one of the oldest museums in the Cultural Triangle area and it has been proposed to name as the National Museum of the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka.

The museum has an interesting collection of artwork, carvings and everyday items from Anuradhapura and other historic sites around Sri Lanka. The museum displays artifacts connected with ancient capital located at Polonnaruwa which are worth watching, especially the miniature models .....

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#9 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 1 km from Ruwanwelisaya and 2 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station, Lovamahapaya is an ancient palace in Anuradhapura. Situated between Ruwanwelisaya and Sri Maha Bodhi, it is one of the popular historical monuments in Anuradhapura.

Also known as Lohaprasada, the Lovamahapaya is a 2000-year-old palace constructed by King Dutugemunu in 2nd century BC. At first, the King built this as a place for Buddhist monks who assembled on 'Poya' days to recite the 'Pirith' but later it was transformed into a massive building which contains nearly 1000 rooms for them to rest. It had 1600 stone columns that supported nine stories. In ancient times, the building is supposed to have included a refectory, assembly hall and chapter house. It is also known as the Brazen Place because of the bronze tiles that were used on its roof. It is said that it took six years for the construction of the building.

The Brazen Palace is said to have been a beautifully detailed and jeweled .....

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#10 of 15 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

At a distance of 14 km from Anuradhapura, Mihintale is a Buddhist pilgrimage site and religious complex situated near Anuradhapura. It is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Anuradhapura and among the must-visit places as part of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle Tour.

Mihintale is revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. According to legend, it was at Mihintale that the Indian Buddhist monk Mahinda Thera met and converted King Devanampiya Tissa to Buddhism in 247 BC. Mahinda was the son of the great Mauryan emperor Asoka, sent by his father to bring the word of the Buddha's teachings to Sri Lanka. Mihintale, literally Mahinda's Mountain, eventually became the cradle of Buddhism and Sinhalese culture.

With the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale Mountain began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. But soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary housed a multitude of monastic buildings, stupas, uposathgharas, .....

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