Attractions of Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka) - what to see

General information on Anuradhapura monuments

As we mentioned on the main page about Anuradhapura, all the attractions are located in the Old City, which is located west of the new city (Old Town on the map). Its territory is quite extensive, the monuments are located far from each other. Therefore, it is best to inspect the complex by Transport, at least by bicycle. Even if you are brought to the territory of the Old City, moving from monument to Monument on foot under the scorching sun is a dubious and dangerous occupation (it is easy to get heat stroke). On the streets of Anuradhapura and in hotels, tuk-tukers offer their services from $ 20 for a full-day trip. It is possible to move around the complex on rented transport: there are no restrictions on entry and movement. Close to some attractions will not work, you will have to walk a little, but almost everywhere in such places there are parking lots where you can leave Transport for a fee. Parking costs 20-50 rupees (see currency of Sri Lanka and exchange rate).

How much does it cost to visit the sights of Anuradhapura

Now about the entrance fee. The cost of visiting the complex is $ 25 adult / $ 12.5 children's ticket. However, the territory to which entrance is paid includes only the Abhayagiri complex. You can also go there by Transport. On the way you will meet a ticket office, past which you will not pass until you pay. There are two such ticket offices on the roads, and it is unlikely to get through, bypassing them.

The Abhayagiri complex occupies only a small part of the entire territory, and it is quite possible to do without visiting it if you want to save money. On the rest, free of charge, there are also quite a few monuments. Sometimes, however, near some monuments there is occasionally a control, and then at the entrance they demand to present a ticket. But this happens extremely rarely, and if you do not have a ticket in this case, you can just turn around and go to another attraction.

There are also two places on the territory of the Old Town, for which a separate fee is set. This is the isurumuniya Palace and the sacred Bodhi tree. The places are interesting and worth a visit, especially if you save $ 25 on the entrance fee.

Useful tips

How to bypass the stupa (Dagobah). On inspection, the stupa (Dagobah) should be walked around clockwise, thus all ritual rounds are carried out. In a more correct ritual, it is recommended to crawl through it, lying on the ground, and measuring the steps in your own growth.

Clothes. It is necessary to visit not only Dagobah, but also all sacred places in modest clothes: no short skirts and shorts, T-shirts, hats, shoes. As for shoes, they are left at the entrance to the territory of Dagobah, temples at special racks, if you are worried about the theft of your shoes (and this happens, especially if the shoes are of good quality or new), take a bag or bag with you, you may not be allowed to carry it in your hands. And yet: when visiting Dagobah in clear weather, the floor is very hot, and shoes need to be removed, so it is recommended to wear socks.

Snakes. Be careful when exploring attractions, especially remote and little-visited ones. It's easy to run into a snake here, especially in the tall grass.

Attractions Of Anuradhapura

There are a lot of places to see in the old part of the city (statues, Bo trees, numerous ruins, artificial reservoirs, etc.), but the most important and noteworthy monuments are the following:

• Sacred tree Sri Maha Bodhi
• Lovamahapaya
• Jetavana Stupa
• Isurumuniya
• Thuparama Stupa
• Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
• Mirisaveti Stupa
• Abhayagiri Dagoba
• Other monuments

These are the places we recommend to visit first. And here is a more complete list of monuments of Anuradhapura:

Sacred Bodhi tree or Mahabodhi (Sri Maha Bodhi)

The Mahabodhi tree is the most revered pilgrimage site in Anuradhapura. There are always a lot of people here, and not only during religious holidays. It is considered the oldest tree planted by a person who has a documented history, and all the Bodhi (or Bo) trees planted later and now growing in Sri Lanka are his shoots (even his ancestor from India (G. Bodh-Gaya) died, and an Anura shoot was planted in his place). In its essence, the Mahabodhi tree belongs to one of the varieties of Ficus.

The branch of this tree is taken from the trunk of the Bo tree, under which the Buddha found enlightenment, and brought here by the nun Sangamitta (Sanghamitta, daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka) in the III century BC.E. from India. It was planted by King Devanampiya Tissa (PR. 307-267 BC) in 249 BC.

Learn more about the sacred tree and photos here...

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 200 rupees.

🚶 How to get there: Bodhi tree on Anuradhapura interactive map

Lovamahapaya or Bronze Palace (Lovamahapaya, Brazen Palace)

On the way from the Maha Bodhi tree (~50 m) to the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, a small 2-storey building is visible on the right side, surrounded on all sides by many stone pillars, 40 pieces in 40 rows – this is Lovamahapaya. It was originally a palace for monks. It consisted of 9 floors and a thousand rooms, was richly and luxuriously decorated inside and out. The roof was covered with bronze plates, hence the second name-the Bronze Palace. It was built by King Dutugemunu (Dutugemunu, Dutugamunu, Dutthagamani, PR. 161-137 BC) in 150 BC. E. Wood was used in the construction, so almost nothing remained of the original appearance, although attempts were made to restore it more than once (the last is dated XII century).

Unfortunately, it is impossible to enter the territory of Lovamahapaya, the entire perimeter of the house is fenced with an iron fence. Today, monks spend time here in prayers, perhaps that's why the entrance for tourists is closed.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: Lovamahapaya on Anuradhapura interactive map

Jetavana Stupa (Jetavana Dagoba, Jetavanaramaya)

The giant Jetavana stupa is the world's tallest Dagoba built of brick. And some sources attribute to her in general the title of the highest building in the world of brick. Its height was originally CA. 122 m, diameter 112 m. For greater stability, the ancient builders deepened the base of the stupa 8.5 meters into the ground. It was built by King Mahasena (277-304) in the third century. According to legend, Mahinda (Mahinda, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka) supposedly preached at the site of the stupa, and the Buddha's belt is walled up inside. Previously, there was a Mahavihara monastery in the surrounding area, which was destroyed for spreading the Theravada teachings. The Jetavana monastery complex built on this site was given to the followers of the Mahayana teachings (Mahayana). Around the Stupa, numerous ruins are visible, among which are:

• To the west of the stupa there is a structure, from which only parts of the doorway with 8-meter jambs and walls called Gedige remain .see on the map). Inside is a large lotus pedestal, where a statue of Buddha was probably installed.
• Jantaghara (see on the map) – something like a sauna for monks.
• Museum Jetavana (see on the map), with exhibits found during excavations on the territory of this complex.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: Jetavana Stupa on Anuradhapura interactive map

Isurumuniya Palace

A kilometer south of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree is the royal palace of Isurumuniya. 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 surroundings. 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 are trying to throw coins, if you look even higher, you can see another image of a sitting man, over whose right shoulder is the head of a horse.

Learn more about the Palace of Isurumunia and photos here...

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: 200 rupees.

🚶 How to get there: Isurumuniya Palace on Anuradhapura interactive map

Thuparama Stupa (Thuparama Dagoba, Thuparamaya)

The very first stupa in Sri Lanka dedicated to the emergence of Buddhism. With the construction of this Stupa, the worship of stupas as important religious objects began. Located north of the Mahabodhi Tree (~1 km). Thuparama was built in the III century BC by King Devanampiya Tissa (307-267 BC) at the request of Mahinda, who introduced this religion to Sri Lanka. An important Buddhist relic - the collarbone of the Buddha-is immured in the Stupa. The height of the stupa is 20 m, diameter 18 m. Initially, it was a stupa-a house for storing especially significant and revered relics. A domed roof was built around the Stupa, supported by four rows of columns (a total of 176 pieces). More than once it was subjected to destruction and looting, but more than once it was restored. After the last Reconstruction, the Thuparama was lined with white marble.

Near Thuparama, the remains of buildings are visible, apparently these are the buildings of the hospital.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: Thuparam Stupa on Anuradhapura interactive map

Ruwanveliseya Stupa (Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Ruwanveli, Ruwanveliseya Dagaba)

The stupa is located north of the Mahabodhi Tree (~500m). It has several other names White Stupa, Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya, Suvarnamali Mahaceti, Rathnamali Dagaba. The most revered of all other stupas, because it stores the most relics.

It was founded by King Dutugemunu (Dutugemunu, PR. 161-137 BC) in 140 BC, and completed under his successor and brother-King Saddha Tissa (saddha Tissa, PR. 137-119 BC). its height is 92 m, diameter 90. There was almost nothing left of the original appearance.

The stupa is located on a square platform, the outside of which is decorated with bas-reliefs of more than a hundred elephants. Walking around the stupa in a circle, you can see the sanctuary with 5 statues of Buddha and frescoes on the walls and ceiling, 4 Mini-dagobas, a model of Dagobah in a glass cube, as well as a stone statue, according to legend, This Is King Dutugemunu.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: Ruvanvelisiya Stupa on Anuradhapura interactive map

Mirisaveti Stupa (Mirisaveti Stupa, Mirisavetiya)

The Mirisaveti stupa is located (~700 m) west of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, between the Basawkkulma Tank (Abhaya Veva) and Thissa Wewa (Thissa Veva) lakes. It is the first stupa built by King Dutugemunu (circa 161-137 BC) after defeating the Chola King Elara of India. According to legend, it was laid at the place where the King stuck his scepter with the relics of the Buddha before visiting the water festival, and could not pull it out when he returned. Upon completion, the Mirisaveti Stupa was donated to the monks as a sign of repentance for the fact that Dutugemunu did not offer them the first harvest of Curry, as required by tradition. There is practically nothing left of the original appearance, it was completely rebuilt, now its height is 59 M, and its diameter is 43 M.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

🚶 How to get there: Mirisaveti Stupa on Anuradhapura interactive map

Abhayagiri Stupa (Abhayagiri Dagoba)

Abhayagiri, the second highest stupa in Anuradhapura, is located further north (Abhayagiri Stupa on Anuradhapura interactive map). Its height reached 112 m, and its diameter 106.5 m. The stupa was built during the second reign of King Valagamba (Valagamba, Vattagamani Abhaya, Valagambahu, PR. 103, 89-77 BC) over the footprint left by the Buddha himself.

The stupa was located in the center of a large monastic complex, where the teaching and dissemination of the Mahavihara Buddhist current was carried out. It was an important religious center, known only in Sri Lanka but also beyond. It existed until the XII-XIII centuries. For a time, the monastery became the guardian of the Sacred Tooth of the Buddha, when it was brought to Sri Lanka in the IV century AD.

The area around the stupa contains the ruins of many ancient buildings and structures: Moonstone, Ratnaprasada, Bodhighara, Burrows Pavilion, Refector, Elephant Pond, Assembly Hall, Kapara mula, Museum, Lankarama Complex, Samadhi Budda Statue, Twin Pond. The entrance to this territory is paid ($25) and is quite strictly controlled. Here are the most interesting objects in this territory:

• Ratnaprasada (see the map of Anuradhapura) with images of Guardstones carved on stone slabs and installed in front of the temple entrance, sometimes they are replaced with simple slabs.
• Moonstones. Interesting decorations of the main entrances to the buildings are Moonstones( Moonstone), they can be seen almost everywhere, in front of the flight of stairs. According to Buddhist beliefs, they symbolize the cycle of human rebirth and represent a semicircle divided into sectors with images, as a rule, Swans, plant ornaments, animals (elephants, lions, horses, bulls), flames. They are especially well preserved in the Mahasena Palace (see the map of Anuradhapura).
• On the territory of the complex there is three statues of Samadhi Buddha (Bodhigara): Samadhi Buddha Statue (1st Samadhi Statue) (see the map of Anuradhapura), 2nd Samadhi Buddha Statue (see the map of Anuradhapura), 3rd Samadhi Buddha Statue (see the map of Anuradhapura). The oldest is the Samadhi Buddha Statue, considered the best statue of the Buddha, depicting him at the moment of meditation and dated to the IV century AD.
• Refectory (see the map of Anuradhapura) – in other words, "monastic dining room". It is in ruins, but a stone likeness of a boat or Rice Canoe with a length of 19 M stands out clearly, in which almost 5000 portions of rice for monks were placed.
• Nearby is another object – artificial pond Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond) (see the map of Anuradhapura), the largest artificial pool in Anuradhapura, was intended to store and provide water to the Abhayagiri monastery.
• Abhayagiri Museum (see the map of Anuradhapura) was created in honor of the Chinese monk Faxian, who came to study here in 412 ad, was engaged in translating Buddhist texts into Chinese and wrote a great treatise on his pilgrimage. The museum displays various artifacts found in the Abhayagiri territory.
  🕐 Working hours: Monday, Wednesday-Friday 8.00-17.00, Tuesday-7.30-16.30, weekend-Saturday, Sunday.
• To the east of the Abhayagiri Stupa are two lakes – Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) (see the map of Anuradhapura), similar to each other. These are quite beautiful and original engineering structures, interconnected by a pipeline, intended for bathing monks. Water entered them, having passed the preliminary stage of purification, first in the northern pond (Length approx.28 M), and then in the southern (Length approx. 40 m). On the north wall of the small pond, a small stone drain is visible, through which water entered the pond, and a little higher a stone with the image of a naga (snake). The construction of these ponds dates back to about the VI century.
• Lankarama (Lankarama, Lankaramaya) (see the map of Anuradhapura) built by King Valagamba (Valagamba, Vattagamani Abhaya, Valagambahu, 103 Ave., 89-77 BC) in the first century BC in the image and likeness of the Stupa of Thuparama (Thuparama Dagoba, Thuparamaya). It had a roof supported by three rows of columns (a total of about 88 pieces) located around the Stupa. The diameter of the stupa is 14 m. It probably served as a repository for important relics, and was disguised as a residential building.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: entrance to the Abhayagiri complex on a single ticket is$ 25 (see the beginning of the article). Tickets are sold at the ticket offices at the entrance/entrance to the complex. Only Kuttam Pokuna pond can be viewed for free.

Other monuments

Dakkhina Stupa

(see the map of Anuradhapura).

On the way to Isurumuniya, to the right of Kurunegala Road, you can see the dilapidated Stupa of Dakkin, it is notable for the fact that it was formed on the site of the cremation of King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC), who did a lot for the development of the state.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

Vesagiriya (Bessagiriya, Bessagiri)

(see the map of Anuradhapura).

Further down the Kurunegala Road (~800m) from Isurumuniya is Wessagiriya. It is a network of 23 mountain caves with the oldest Brahmin inscriptions. Its construction was carried out for the prayers and meditation of more than 500 monks and belongs to the King Devanampiya Tissa (Devanampiya Tissa, PR. 307-267 BC). ruins of buildings and dagobahs are visible around.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

Folk Museum Anuradhapura (Folk Museum Anuradhapura)

(see the map of Anuradhapura).

Next to the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is the Anuradhapura Folk Art Museum. It contains household items, tools and other exhibits demonstrating the traditional way of life of a small community (Nuwara Kalaviya).

Archaeological Museum (Anuradhapura)

(see the map of Anuradhapura).

A museum with a large collection of various archaeological finds collected on the territory of Anuradhapura, Mihintale and other places of Sri Lanka (stone sculptures, coins, letters, jewelry, household items and much more).

Artificial reservoirs (Tank, Wewa, Veva)

In the seasons of drought, in the absence of the ability to sufficiently provide crops with water, it became necessary to create artificial reservoirs for collecting water. For this purpose, artificial reservoirs were created for the storage and use of water for agricultural purposes. There are three large reservoirs in Anuradhapura, in addition to them there are several smaller ones, and all of them are an absolute masterpiece of irrigation facilities of that time.:

• Basawakkulama Tank (Basawkkulama Tank, Abhaya Wewa, Abhaya Veva) (see the map of Anuradhapura) – the oldest reservoir. Built by King Pandukabhaya (Pandukabhaya, PR. 377-367 BC). the area is about 130 hectares.
• Nuwara Wewa (Nuwara Veva) (see the map of Anuradhapura) – the largest in Anur, its area is about 1200 hectares. Built by King Valagamba (Valagamba, Avenue 103, 89-77 BC) in the I century BC.
• Tissa Wewa (Tisa Veva) (see the map of Anuradhapura) - created during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (307-267 BC). the area is about 160 hectares.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

Royal Palace (Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I)

(see the map of Anuradhapura).

It was the temporary residence of King Vijayabahu (R.1056-1111), who liberated Anurudhapura from the rule of the Chola dynasty. After 3 years, the King moved to the new capital - Polonnaruwu. The size of the palace is 39 m by 66 m.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

Dalada Maligawa( the Temple of the Tooth Relic)

(see the map of Anuradhapura).

The very first temple in Sri Lanka, built specifically for the Sacred Tooth of the Buddha, brought to the island in the IV century. In the center of the pedestal, on which the relic was kept, the window openings, of which there were originally 11, were well preserved.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

Mahapali Refectory(Refectory)

(see the map of Anuradhapura).

It housed about 3,000 monks, with a 3-meter trough (Rice Canoe) for rice and a deep well into which you can descend, intended for storing drinking water.

💵 Entrance fee / tickets price: free.

Photo attractions of Anuradhapura