Anuradhapura- The Sacred City in Sri Lanka

The sacred city of Anuradhapura is the first ancient capital and one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.   There is a vast network of ancient temples and monasteries that cover over 40 sq km of area in the city of Anuradhapura. It has the most extensive number of cultural landmarks concentrates in a single city. Most of these Buddhist temples are still well preserved for thousands of years throughout history. It is one of the most religious cities in Sri Lanka deeply revered by Buddhist pilgrims.

Above all, Anuradhapura is a greatly influential area, which gives reminders of the glorious past of Sri Lanka. The beginning of the great Sri Lankan civilization started from Anuradhapura. It lasted as the ancient capital of the country for centuries. There are many ancient marvels in this sacred city that belong to the Anuradhapura kingdom. These ancient monuments are highly popular among both local and foreign travelers.

However, the climate of the Anuradhapura area is rather hot and dry. Since it belongs to the dry zone, it has a hot climate with an average temperature that fluctuates around 30 °C. This area mainly gets rainfall between October to December from inter-monsoons. Since Anuradhapura has a year-round hot climate, visitors need to be ready for the heat and warmth of the environment.  Be sure to protect yourself without exposing to too much heat in the daytime.

Access to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura locates around 200 km from Colombo. You can reach the city by taking a train from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura. Taking the intercity train will take only 3 hours to reach the city, while a normal train takes more than 5 hours.  

You can also take a bus from Colombo; it will take about the same amount of time. If you take a taxi, it will be more convenient to reach Anuradhapura city. Here you can find all the best methods to reach Anuradhapura from Colombo.

Major attractions in Anuradhapura

Here we are going to show you several important places not to miss in the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Read more about each attraction and find out its historical value and significance. When you are touring Anuradhapura city, remember to visit as many of these attractions as you can.

1. Ruwanweliseya

The most prominent cultural landmark and world heritage site in Anuradhapura is Ruwanweliseya. This colossal stupa stays as the most attractive and impressive stupa in the whole country. It considers as a marvel of ancient architectural skills and respected by Buddhists all over the world. It is remaining as one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments, standing at a height of 103 m, with a circumference of 290 m.

Great King Dutugemunu is the creator of this magnificent, pure white stupa. It was built in the 19th century and took 33 years to complete its gigantic structure. The whole stupa has a brick and clay structure. Certainly, the elephant sculptures lined at the outer wall make this stupa different from many other temples.

Above all, Ruwanweliseya looks amazing under the illumination of lights at night. On full moon poya days, thousands of lights are used to illuminate the stupa, making an awe-inspiring wonderful scenery. This 2000-year-old historical monument continues to amaze visitors with its eternal glorious view. 

2. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi 

Jaya Sri Mahabodhi (Ficus religiosa) is one of the major attractions not to miss in Anuradhapura city.  This branch was bought to Sri Lanka from the Bodhi tree at Buddha Gaya in North India, where the Lord Buddha found his Enlightenment. This historical sacred tree is more than 2500 years old.

For instance, there are two special facts about this tree. Firstly, it is the oldest human-planted tree in the world. Secondly, this is the oldest historically authenticated tree with a written history about the planted date. Indian emperor Asoka’s daughter, Sanghamitta Maha Theri carried this sapling to Sri Lanka. King Devanampiya Tissa ceremonially planted it in Mahamevna Royal Park at 288 BC.

Since that time, this great tree has been cared for and protected by Sri Lankan Kings continuously. A gold-painted fence protects the Bodhi tree. As well, several younger Bodhi trees surrounding the great tree protect it from storms and wind. Water canals around the tree help to avoid excess watering. If you are visiting Anuradhapura, remember to see this historical ancient tree in the world that survives over 2500 years at Mahamevna Park.

3. Thuparamaya

Thuparamaya is the first ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. It is the earliest stupa construct on the island. It dates back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.

The stone pillars around the stupa were the structural support for a dome that covered the stupa. Most stupas in Anuradhapura have ruins of rows of stone pillars around them. Reportedly, there was a majestic house encircling this stupa.

4. Jetavanaramaya

World heritage site Jetavanaramaya is an important destination not to miss in Anuradhapura. Magnificent Jetavanaramaya was the tallest stupa in the ancient world. When King Mahasen built this stupa, it was originally 122 m in height. Reportedly, the construction of the stupa took 15 years to complete its splendid massive dome structure.

Above all, it stayed behind only the Egyptian pyramids in Giza at the time of its construction. But the changes in the Anuradhapura kingdom led to abandon this stupa. Later, King Parakramabahu renovated and rebuilt it to the current height of 71 m, a reduction from the original height.

Most importantly, Jetavanaramaya has the original ancient appearance with a natural brick surface. It is one of the best epic historical landmarks in the country, filled with ancient grandeur and spiritual power.

5. Abhayagiriya

Abhayagiriya monastery is the creation of King Valagamba. It is one of the most extensive ruins in Anuradhapura with a large stupa and a huge temple complex spread over a vast area.

There are many great stone carvings that show the great architectural splendor of the ancient Anuradhapura dynasty. The best example is an exquisite moonstone, a unique creation of Sri Lankan sculptors.

Another famous attraction in Abhayagiriya is the double tank, usually called Twin Ponds. It is a combination of a larger tank and a smaller tank.

This is an impressive creation with elaborate horizontal detailings. Furthermore, the stone carvings on the walls add much attractiveness. These ponds were bathing pools for the Abhayagiriya monks.

6. Lovamahapaya

Lovamahapaya was a massive nine-story building, built by King Dutugemunu.  Due to the Bronze tiled roof, it was called the brazen palace. Years later, a large fire blazed the whole structure. Currently, you can see only the remaining 1600 supporting stone pillars. Reportedly, those pillars supported a nine-storied building with 1000 rooms. It is an amazing history, as shown by these stone pillars.

7. Mirisawetiya

Mirisawetiya is another magnificent creation of King Dutugemunu. It has been renovated from the initial structure and the present Dagaba is 59 m in height.

8. Lankaramaya

Lankaramaya was built by King Walagamba, and its architecture is mostly similar to the Thuparamaya, the first stupa built in ancient Sri Lanka. It has been renovated from the initial structure, but the original stone pillars of the house it encircled, are still remaining.

9. Samadhi Buddha

The Samadhi Buddha statue in Anuradhapura regards as one of the finest ancient Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. This statue is 7 feet 3 inches in height and carved from dolomite marble. The Buddha depicts the Dhyana Mudra, the posture of meditation.

This ancient statue has survived intact and is well-preserved up to date. Certainly, this is one of the oldest statues on the island. Sri Lankan Buddhists respect this statue a lot.

10. Mihintale

Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is a huge rock, 300 m in height. Mihintale is one of the top sacred sites for Sinhalese Buddhists. It was the place where Buddhism was inaugurated in Sri Lanka. To clarify, it was the place where King Devanampiyatissa first met Arahat Mahinda Thera. The spot this meeting took place has marked by the Ambasthala Dagaba.

Mihintale is a major pilgrimage site in Anuradhapura city. Large steps were constructed to climb the huge Mihintale rock. There is a big stupa on the summit called as Mihintale Maha Seya and it is 41 m in diameter.

Mihintale is a calm and serene place, where you can admire the panoramic views of the Anuradhapura area. Since the rock becomes hot in the daytime, early morning or afternoon is the best time to visit there.

11. Isurumuniya

Great King Dytugemunu created the Isurumuniya Buddhist temple, near the Tissa tank in Anuradhapura. This is an ancient Buddhist temple famous for exquisite stone carvings.

Furthermore, there are several carvings of special interest in this temple. Three such major stone carvings call as Isurumuniya Lovers, The Royal Family, and Man & Horse.

12. Tissa Wewa

Since Anuradhapura is located in dry zone, several tanks and reservoirs have been built in the area. One such huge tank call as Tissa Wewa. King Devanampiya Tissa built it in the 3rd century BC.  It was used to increase the water supply to the ancient capital city of Anuradhapura.

Tissa Wewa is a great place to spend your afternoon. Likewise, you’ll feel the cool breeze coming from the tank and the surrounding becomes colorful with the sunset. After darkening, the illuminated stupas make a spectacular scenery from the distance. If you are visiting Anuradhapura, don’t forget to capture some marvelous shots of this Sri Lanka’s sacred city.

To sum up, the sacred city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka is a major historical city with amazing attractions. These outstanding cultural landmarks of Sri Lanka possess unique architectural splendor. They are certainly worthy of their inclusion in your Anuradhapura travel plan. Visit Anuradhapura and enjoy the ancient, historical sights of Sri Lanka. Happy traveling to Anuradhapura city for you all!

Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, and Dreamstime. All copyrights are reserved by the original authors.