Things To Do Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka

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Places To Visit In Anuradhapura

Abhayagiri Vihara

The Abhayagiri Vihara is one of the most beautiful and exciting structures which is in the atmospheric setting of Anuradhapura. The grand scale of the monastery ruins is genuinely breathtaking and can be viewed at any time, be it the break of dawn or dusk. The Abhayagiri Vihara has a beautiful and shimmering glow. Abhayagiri Vihara is not just a beautiful stupa but is also the place where a fraternity of Buddhist monks who maintain their records, traditions and way of life. The Abhayagiri Monastery was established in the 2nd Century BCE by King Valagamabau in the celebration of his victory against the Indian Chola invaders. The main stupa was constructed over the footprint of Gautama Buddha, making it the second-largest stupa on the island. Also, check out the Twin Pond near the Abhayagiri Monastery, which is one of the great architectural marvels in Anuradhapura. Read More

The Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya is an important maha viharaya (large Buddhist monastery) for Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This 5th Century elite institution was frequented by many international scholars to learn about disciplines under highly structured instructions. It is located in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, 200 km from Colombo.

Anuradhapura’s history and existence go back as early as the 4th century BC. Being that ancient and encountering over 2000 years of historic events, Anuradhapura is now home to ruins fortress, palaces, temples, stupas museums and everything one thinks of when they think of Royalty. Being the birthplace of Buddhism Anuradhapura ruins have the twin ponds (Kuttam Pokuna), royal botanical gardens, the tissa wewa and the royal museum to its name. Tissa wewa was an artificial reservoir built by King Devanampiya Tissa, that was overlooked by white stupas. Kuttam Pokuna is a water pumping pond that had a hydraulics system pumping water in those days. The moonstone of Abhayagiri Vihara, a monastery was placed at an elevation of 75m from the forest floor. The royal botanical gardens (Ranmasu Uyana) stone carved structures that were in use during monarchy surrounded by greenery. And the important structure that holds facts and insights of all this is the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum. It is situated in the old kachcheri building and was established post the colonial times. Thus the Anuradhapura ruins serve as a walk down historic events and offer an eerie experience. Read More

Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura

Established in the year 1947 by the efforts of Dr Senarath Paranavithana, the archaeological museum or Puravidu Bhavana of Anuradhapura holds some exciting artefacts, carvings and ancient everyday items found after excavations in Anuradhapura and other historical sites around Sri Lanka. It is a rich source of information on the heritage and culture of the place. The museum displays artefacts connected with ancient capital located at Polonnaruwa which are worth watching, especially the miniature models of buildings, which are currently in ruins at Polonnaruwa. Many objects kept in the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum date back to the pre-Christian period and reflect the grandeur of a bygone era when Sinhalese civilization was at its peak. Apart from that, the museum has some precious Buddha statues, inscriptions, coins, drawings and antiques. Both the interior and exterior parts of the museum display historical items. Not only does the museum have some valuable artefacts, but it also gives you knowledge about the rural lifestyle and how their habitats were changed from time to time. There is a restored relic chamber and a large-scale model of Thuparama Dagoba's vatadage (circular relic house). Many of the exhibits depict Buddhist themes such as the vast limestone Buddha images from Maradankadawala dating back to the 6th century A.D, a standing Buddha image made of granite from Mannar dated to the 8th century A.D and a coral Buddha statue. The museum also has many bronze statues of Hindu gods like Ganesha, Parvathi and Shiva along with miniature figures made of ivory. Apart from that, you will find jewellery and medieval coins belonging to the reigns of Parakrama-Bahu, Nissanka-Malla and Lilavati. The museum, in short, gives you an overview, knowledge and experience which will make your visit to the archaeological sites more enjoyable as you will then be able to connect with the past when you see the ruins and other sites on your own. Read More

The Brazen Palace or Lovamahapaya is a 2000-year-old palace constructed by King Dutugemunu in 2nd century B.C and had 1600 stone columns that supported nine stories reaching 150 feet and sides of 400 feet length with 1000 rooms. It is also known as the Brazen Place because of the bronze tiles that were used on its roof. Lovamahapaya was constructed as a residence for Buddhist monks who assembled on “Poya” days (poya means full moon day, in modern-day Sri Lanka poya marks a holiday) to recite the “Pirith” (Buddhist practice of reciting certain verses and scriptures in order to ward off misfortune or danger) and could accommodate 1000 monks.One will also see roofed building, which is a replica of what the building might have looked like in its time. This building is a modern chapter house currently being used by the Maha Vihara monastic order. There is also a 45- feet rice boat cut from a stone which could historically prepare alms for 3,000 monks at a time in the Mahavihara monastery. It is convenient to visit this place as it lies between the major sites of Anuradhapura, i.e. the Maha Bodhi Temple and Ruvanveliseya. Though in ruins now, the structure is a testament of a bygone age and is a rich source of heritage and local culture. Read More

Sri Lanka's ancient capital city, Anuradhapura is home to relics, stupas and rocky hills that bring an aura of serenity. Isurumuniya is one of the granite, marble and stone structures located near Tissa Wewa, and this Buddhist temple boasts of architecture and sculptures that showcase the emancipation of the artists. The structure of Isurumuniya is a crossover between a temple and a fortress. It was erected as a dorm for 500 kids and then evolved to becoming a temple owing to its sanctity. Ever since then, Isurumuniya nurtures young minds and leads them along the path of spirituality, wisdom and council. It shelters tourists and serves as an abode that facilitates religious teachings and discipline. The structure evokes decorum and the carvings on stone are beyond thought provoking. This divine structure comes to life with internationally acclaimed inscriptions of the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family. Read More

Jayanthi Vihara is a temple in Anuradhapura, the ancient royal capital of Sri Lanka. As the structure functions as a Buddhist temple and school, it is also a great place to observe the daily life of monks and Buddhist teachings.

Jetavanaramaya monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the heritage city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. This magnificent structure was the third-largest structure in the ancient world. Legend has it that a part of Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved here at the Jetavanaramaya monastery. The Jetavanaramaya stupa comes with a fascinating historical significance which depicts the differences going on between the two sects of Buddhism- Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism. Today, the stupa is no longer the tallest, but is one of the largest in the world, with an area of over five hectares and housing over 10,000 monks.The Jetavanaram stupa is a great way to experience the Buddhist culture in its purest form. Read More

The temple of Sri Kadhiresan, also known as Kadhiresan Kovil, is a Hindu temple close to the Jayanthi Viharaya Buddhist temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kadireshan or Kathiravel, a popular deity among Tamil Hindus. Lord Murugan, often depicted as a youthful god riding a peacock and carrying a spear, is worshipped as the god of war, victory, wisdom, and compassion. The Kadireshan Kovil stands out with its vibrant and intricate architecture, showcasing traditional Dravidian-style design elements typical of South Indian temples. Elaborate carvings, colorful sculptures, and detailed decorations adorn the temple's exterior and interior, creating a visually stunning place of worship. Devotees visit this temple throughout the year, particularly during significant Hindu festivals such as Thaipusam, where special ceremonies and rituals take place to honor Lord Murugan. During these times, the temple is bustling with activities, prayers, and cultural celebrations. Read More