Anuradhapura City Guide

Anuradhapura is considered to be a sacred city of Sri Lanka. A pioneering name in Sri Lankan civilization, this city stands out with its array of eye catching ruins that brings back the echoes from a glorious past. Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 205 kms north of Colombo. The city commends attention for its association with Buddhism in the country.

Places of interest in Anuradhapura:

Ruwanwelisaya : It is a wonderful stupa built by King Dutugemunu of Sri Lanka. Known differently as Ruwanwelisaya, Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya and Rathnamali Dagaba, the premise of this stupa is supported by stone elephants. Another 1,900 figures of elephants are carved in the wall surrounding the compound.

Sri Maha Bodhiya : A very much sacred and pious relic in Sri Lanka, Sri Maha Bodhiya is considered to be the oldest living tree in the world. Buddhists all across the world held this tree high in esteem as it is grown out of one of the branches of the of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained ultimate wisdom.

Thuparamaya : This stupa is another holy place for the Buddhists. King Devanampiyatissa constructed this structure in the shape of a heap of paddy. The present establishment was built in 1862.

Lovamahapaya : Also known as the Brazen Palace, Lovamahapaya is nestled between Ruvanveliseya and Sri Maha Bodiya. A total of 1600 stone pillars are there in the premise of the structure.

Abhayagiri Dagaba : One of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities, Abhayagiri Dagaba accommodates some of the most extensive ruins in the world.

Jetavanaramaya : One of the tallest structures in the ancient world, Jetavanaramaya is a stupa situated in the ruins of Jetavana Monastery in Anuradhapura. It stands at a height of 400 feet and some 93.3 million baked bricks were used in its construction.

Mirisaveti Stupa : It was built by King Dutugamunu. The stupa contains a Buddha relic and is associated with legends and myths.

Lankarama : King Valagamba constructed this stupa. The circular courtyard has a diameter of 1332 feet.

How to reach Anuradhapura:

Anuradhapura is accessible through various transportation modes. A traveler can take private car, luxury coach, train, inter-island airplane (infrequent) and public bus transportation.

What to do Anuradhapura:

Anuradhapura is accessible through various transportation modes. A traveler can take private car, luxury coach, train, inter-island airplane (infrequent) and public bus transportation.

Distance from major cities:

Colombo Kandy Dambulla Sigiriya

206 kms 138 kms 66 kms 80 Km

History of Anuradhapura:

The origin of the city goes back to 6th century BC when King Pandukabhaya made this city the capital. He further initiated the great irrigation work that went on to become the survival force of the inhabitants.