Anuradhapura

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One of the most worshipped and sacred places that holds lots of history and the heritage of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka situated in the northern centre with a large number of sacred Buddhist sites such as monasteries, Palaces, Dagobas ( a shrine for sacred relics) and monuments. The arts, crafts and architecture are incredible and astonishing.

The most visited and popular places in Anuradhapura are:

Sri Maha Bodhiya

One of the most sacred trees, worshipped by not only Buddhists in Sri Lanka but also Buddhists from all over the world. A branch from the Bodh Gaya tree in India where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, this was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Thera, the daughter of Emperor Asoka . It was planted in 288 BC at the mahamegehavana Park in Anuradhapura by king Devanampiyathissa and the tree is still thriving today.

Ruwanwelisaya

Was built in the period of king Dutugemunu. One of the tallest monuments standing 300 ft tall and with a circumference of 950 ft it is a stunning piece of architecture and very popular and sacred to Buddhists from all over the world.

Thuparamaya

Considered, to be the first Dagoba built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism. Thuparamaya dagoba has been built in the shape of a Bell. A stunning clean piece of architecture that carries a lot of Sri Lankan history.

Lovamapaya

Another amazing building situated between Srimaha Bodhiya and Ruwanveliseya also known as the building with Bronze tiles. Just one side of the building was 400 ft (120m) in length and there were 1600 pillars in total. It is believed to have taken six years to build.

Abayagiri Dagoba

The largest of the five major viharas in Anuradhapura , surrounded by beautiful ponds, great walls, carvings and moonstones.

Jetavanarama

One more mesmorising piece of architecture that represents the Island’s fascinating history. It is 400 ft high and approximately 93.3 million baked bricks were used to complete the building.

Mirisavetiya Dagoba

Built by King Dutugemunu. The height of this building is 192 feet (59m). Just one more of these beautiful buildings and full of Sri Lanka’s early history

Lankaramaya

Lankaramaya Stupa was built by King Valagamba. The Stupa itself has had considerable renovations over the years however the ruins show there had been a house built around it with stone pillars. Another attraction in Lankaramaya is the Eth Pokuna ( Elephant Pond) an ancients man made pond which holds a capacity of 75,000 cubic meters of water which is supplied from the Periyamkulam tank through the underground canal systems. Surprisingly these systems are still in good condition and working today.

Aukana Buddha Statue

This is one of the astonishing stone carvings in Anuradhapura. The statue was carved during the period of King Dhatusena in 459-477 AD, and still remains in good condition it is 39 ft tall and 10 ft wide and is carved from one single rock and remains the tallest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka today. Also there are Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds), Samadhi Pilimaya and famous stone carvings at Isurumuniya are significant and not to be missed in the ancient city