Your one-day trip to Anuradhapura could turn into four or even five when you realize that ample world-famous tourist attractions are in place in the grand city. Make sure you cover the top tourist attractions in Anuradhapura as they give you a snapshot of the past of this city.
This list of top places in Anuradhapura will help you prepare for a better vacation. Well, don’t skip any of the listings if you would like to have fun as well as learn much about this ancient city.
Places to Visit in Anuradhapura:
Your one-day trip to Anuradhapura could turn into four or even five when you realize that ample world-famous tourist attractions are in place in the grand city. Make sure you cover the top tourist attractions in Anuradhapura as they give you a snapshot of the past of this city.
This list of top places in Anuradhapura will help you prepare a better vacation. Well, don’t skip any of the listings if you would like to have fun as well as learn much about this ancient city.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi:
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is among the oldest trees now living high in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The ancient tree has flourished from a cutting taken from Bodh Gaya, India, where Gautama Buddha had achieved enlightenment. The sacred tree is a realistic and living link to Gautama Buddha and treated with respect as the oldest tree in the history of the plantation.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya:
Ruwanweliseya pagoda is one of the main stupas or dagobas in the center of the magnificent heritage city of Anuradhapura. The great King Dutugamunu built this ancient stupa. The Ruwanwelisaya stupa is also famous as the Maha stupa and is among the most embellished structures of the people of Sri Lanka. It’s one of the must-visit places in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.
Jethawanaramaya Monastery:
Jetavanaramaya Monastery is among the biggest monasteries in the heritage town of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. This incredible construct was the third-largest building in the classical civilizations. Legend has it that part of the Lord Buddha’s sash or belt is here at the Jetavanaramaya monastery.
Thuparamaya:
Thuparama, also recognized as Thuparamaya, is the very first stupa built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism in the lovely town of Anuradhapura. The medieval stupa of Thuparamaya came to this world during the reign of King Devamnampiyatissa sometime in the 3rd century B.C., which is said to enforce the right collar bone of Gautama Buddha. Today, the remains of the structure occupy an area of about three and a half acres of land. Thuparama is one of the top places to visit in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Abhayagiri Viharaya:
The Abhayagiri Vihara is among the most majestic and fascinating constructs in the ecosystem of Anuradhapura. The vast size of the remains of the monastery is absolutely impressive, and you can see it at any moment, whether at dawn or dusk. The Abhayagiri Vihara has a stunning, shimmering light.
Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka:
Formed in 1947 by Dr. Senarath Paranavithan, the Archeological Museum or Puravidu Bhavana of Anuradhapura maintains some inspiring artifacts, sculptures, and ancient everyday objects found after excavation work in Anuradhapura and other heritage landmarks around Sri Lanka. It is a comprehensive source of knowledge on the history and culture of the region.
Rathna Prasada:
Best known for its finely carved stone structures, the Rathna Prasada is the Uposatha house (a place for purifying the sullied mind) of the Abhayagiri Viharaya. It is of high significance to Buddhists and a historical monument, making it a top place to visit in Anuradhapura. Built-in 192-194 AD by King Kanitta Tissa who governed Ceylon, Rathna Prasada, or Gem Palace was initially a seven-story skyscraper with a tiled roof, with wonderful guard stones (Mura Gal) and a statue of the Lord Buddha made from gold.
Lovamahapaya:
The Brazen Palace or Lovamahapaya is a 2,000-year-old chapel built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C. and had 1,600 stone columns to support nine stories with a length of 150 feet and sides of 400 feet with 1,000 rooms. It is also famous as the Brazen Place due to the fabulous bronze tiles used on its roof.
Mihintale, best places to visit in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka:
Ceylon or Sri Lanka lies on a stunning view south of India; hills, beaches, valleys, and waterfalls decorate this land. One such medieval wonder is the hills of Mihintale, 12 km from Anuradhapura, known for religious faith, monarchy, war, and the inherent sense of stunning scenery diversity.
Samadhi Buddha Statue:
The city of Anuradhapura functioned as the first and old capital of Sri Lanka. It is an auspicious city to the Sri Lankans, as has always been the case in the past, that Anuradhapura acted as a city of stability and security against war and discord. The statue of the Samadhi Buddha is one of those wonders. Placed in Mahamevnāwa Park, this 4th-century sculpture is perhaps the best work of the Lord Buddha.
Ruins of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka:
The history and life of Anuradhapura date back to the 4th century BC. Being the ancient, first kingdom and having more than 2000 years of historical occurrences, Anuradhapura is now home to the remains of the castle, royal residences, temples, stupas, museums, and all you dream about when you speak about Royalty.
Isurumuniya:
The ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, is home to ruins, stupas and rocky hills that carry an atmosphere of tranquility. Isurumuniya is one of the granite, marble, and stone buildings situated near Tissa Wewa, and this Buddhist temple features architecture, and monuments that highlight the liberation of the creators. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.
The Royal Gardens:
It’s incredible to know these gardens are over 2,000 years old. Identified as the Goldfish Reserve, these pleasure gardens occupy 14 hectares. They include two ponds (hence the goldfish moniker) constructed around two massive cliffs.
Kuttam Pokuna:
These ponds or bathing pools are two of the best maintained in all of Sri Lanka. Considered to be one of the most important achievements in the field of hydrological engineering and the exceptional artistic and architectural works of ancient Sinhalese, this is a place that you have to visit in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. You’ll feel like jumping in to cool off on a hot day in Anuradhapura, too.
Avukana Buddha Statue:
Situated in the village of Avukana in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, this is a standing statue of the Lord Buddha cleverly cut out of a large rock wall. This piece of carving portraying the standing Buddha stands at 42 feet (along with the base,) and construction began during the reign of King Dhatusen. Every part of the body and dress has been elaborately crafted. The majestic Avukana Buddha is one of the best places to visit in Anuradhapura.