ANURADHAPURA - THE SACRED CITY
This sacred city was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment, the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries, and monuments, is now accessible once again.
Attractions Places
Attractions Places
Tissa Wewa
Built by the very king who introduced Buddhism to the country, King Devanampiyatissa, in the 3rd century BC, the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura does not only showcase the ingenuity of the ancient engineers of the island but also their practical approach to building irrigation. Tissa Wewa, an artificial reservoir, was built by Devanampiya Tissa to increase the water supply to his capital city of Anuradhapura. Only Panda Wewa and Abhaya Wewa are older. Tissa Wewa does not only showcase the ingenuity of the ancient engineers of the island but also their practical approach to building irrigation. Nature lovers and especially those willing to spend some time in the parks in the company of lovely animals, this popular artificial lake is worth visiting. Visitors witness the presence of several rare birds at this place while they spend time there.
Thanthirimale
Thanthirimale is an old village in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. It is located approximately 40 km northwest of Anuradhapura city. The village is known for the ancient Buddhist temple Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara, situated in a nearby rock-covered area. The Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya (Thanthirimale Temple) is now surrounded by huge boulders and thick forest covers. One could only imagine what the monastery had looked like nearly 2300 years ago but peace and serenity still prevail. Thanthirimale Stupa and Sri Maha Bodhi plant to Bo Tree et al are great places for exploration for a tourist and devoted Buddhists.Padeniya
Raja Maha Viharaya
This Viharaya is located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. There are many fascinating antiques in this place. The temple was the home of a legendary giant, Therapuththabhaya who later on became a Buddhist monk. He was among the 10 giants of the army of Great King Dutugemunu. The unique feature of this temple is its brilliant colored frieze of lions that goes almost all around the four sides of the outer wall. forming a kind of screen between the half wall and the roof. The seated lions with wide-opened mouths baring fierce teeth and tails curled up on their backs are not fierce to behold but are quite cheerful and entertaining. The Buddhist temple has been preserved and maintained very well. Due to this reason, there are more and more local as well as foreign travelers visiting this Viharaya.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park, the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka spans an area of no less than 131,693 hectares with an altitude ranging between sea level and 152 meters. Wilpattu National Park is situated in a dry zone and is unlike any other wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. A unique complex of over 50 wetlands called “Villu” is the most prominent topographical feature of the national park. ‘Villu’ are shallow natural lakes filled with rainwater surrounded by open grassy plains amidst the dense scrub jungle. The presence of this Villus with an abundance of water can best be explained in the weather patterns that prevail over the park.
Abhayagiri Dagoba
Abhayagiri Vihāra was a major monastery site of Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana Buddhism that was situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most extensive ruins in the world and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities in the Abhayagiri stupa belongs to the aramic complex of Abhayagiriya Viharaya which was constructed in the reign of King Vattagamini Abaya (commonly known as King Valagamba) in the 1st Century BC. Today, the main attraction of this aramaic complex is the massive Abayagiri Stupa which stands at 74.98 meters to the tip of the damaged spire. It is the second-largest stupa on the island today. According to the 5th-century traveler Chinese monk Fa-Hsien’s descriptions, this stupa has been 400 feet (122 meters) in height and has been decorated with gold and silver and studded with all kinds of jewels. There also has been a 20-foot (6.1 meters) high Buddha statue made out of green jade.
Sri Maha Bodhi
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is among the most ancient trees in Sri Lanka that even today are thriving in the Mahamewna Gardens of Anuradhapura. This special tree is said to have grown out of a cutting that was brought here from Bodh Gaya in India. It is believed that it has been brought from the very same place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, thus making it one of the most popular places to visit at Anuradhapura for pilgrims and spiritual souls. It was cared for by the ancient kings and queens of Sri Lanka, as well as many Buddhist leaders. Flourishing even in the harshest of conditions, this tree is said to have such tranquil beauty that it instills a sense of calm and peace in visitors.
Ruwanwelisaya
The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Mahathupa is a stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Two quarts or one Dona of the Buddha's relics are enshrined in the stupa, making it the largest collection of his relics anywhere. Built long ago by King Dutugamunu, this beautiful stupa is nestled right in the heart of the heritage city of Anuradhapura. Also called Maha Stupa, this adorned structure is over 338 feet tall and has large paved courts as well as platforms that all add a unique architectural touch to this magnificent structure. Recent renovations have earned this shrine the privilege of being one of the most revered sanctums of worship in Anuradhapura. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is among the largest stupas in Sri Lanka and one of the most prominent places to visit in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Jetavanaramaya
The monastery of Jetavanaramaya is one of the largest monasteries in Anuradhapura. It was Mahasena of Anuradhapura who initiated the construction of the stupa after the destruction of the maha vihara. Then his son Maghavanna I completed the construction of the stupa. It was once the third-tallest structure in the whole world. The legend surrounding this ancient sanctum is that it’s the same place where Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved for a long time, and that is what fascinates worshippers and history geeks from around the world and brings them here in large numbers every year. Luring in travelers with its enchanting historical significance, Jetavanaramaya remains one of the largest holy structures in the world and is home to about 10,000 monks.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum Anuradhapura holds tremendous historical significance owing to the range of ancient artifacts, intricate carvings, and age-old domestic items extracted after excavations in Anuradhapura and other parts of Sri Lanka it has on display. Established in 1947, this museum is one of the best places to visit in Anuradhapura for history geeks and those who love the culture and heritage of Sri Lanka. Some of the items on display here are as old as the pre-Christian era when Sri Lanka was home to the Sinhalese civilization. Other items to see here are Buddha statues, inscriptions, paintings, drawings, coins, and Lankan antiques.
Lovamahapaya
Lovamahapaya is a building situated between Ruwanweliseya and Sri Mahabodiya in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya because the roof was covered with bronze tiles. In ancient times, the building included the refectory and the uposathagara. Lovamahapaya is an almost 2000 years old palace and was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C. The attractive features of this palace include the 1600 stone columns that are as tall as 150 feet and support 9 stories with about 1000 rooms. It was initially used as a residence for Buddhist monks who would use it on the days of the “Poya” festival. And though it now lies in ruins, this massive palace is still a testament of a bygone age that speaks volumes about its rich culture and heritage.
