Isurumuniya Palace, Anuradhapura

A kilometer south from the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree is the royal palace of Isurumuniya. It is one of the most popular attractions Anuradhapura, and its visit brings some variety to the series of monotonous dagobas.

It was carved into the rock on the instructions of King Devanampiya Tissa (307-267 BC). subsequently, it was transferred to the disposal of a community consisting of representatives of the upper class and who took monastic orders.

In front of the palace there is a large swimming pool, next to the temple with a statue of Buddha and frescoes on the walls, there is a cave with a large colony of bats. At the very top, which can be reached by stairs on the opposite side of the main entrance rises a small white Stupa, from this place offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Isurumuniya is also famous for its rock bas-reliefs, which can be seen to the left of the pool: images of bathing elephants, just above you can see a carved niche where visitors try to throw coins for good luck, if you look even higher, you can see another image of a sitting man, over whose right shoulder is a horse's head.

To the right of the temple in an inconspicuous building there is a small museum (Isurumuni Museum) with stone statues (visit is included in the ticket price, from 8.00-17.30). The highlight of the museum is a bas-relief with figures of a man and a woman sitting on a man's lap. According to legend, This is the son of King Dutugemunu – Salia and his beloved from a low caste, for whom he refused the throne.

To the north of Isurumuniya next to the Lake Thissa Wewa (~500 M) is the royal goldfish Park (Royal Goldfish Park or Ranmasu Uyana). It is a park area with huge boulders, the remains of structures, three pools and ponds for goldfish.

In general, the place is interesting and must-visit.