Anuradhapura is a city in Sri Lanka that is home to many ancient ruins, temples, and monuments. It is the capital of the North Central Province and is located 205 km north of Colombo. Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is home to some of the most beautiful and impressive monuments in the country. Here are the top 20 places to see in Anuradhapura.
1. Sri Maha Bodhi Tree – The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree is one of the most sacred sites in the world for Buddhists. It is a fig tree and is believed to be over 2,000 years old. It is said to be a direct descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha achieved Enlightenment.
2. Ruwanwelisaya – The Ruwanwelisaya is a huge stupa located in the center of the city. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC and is one of the tallest monuments in the city.
3. Abhayagiri Dagoba – The Abhayagiri Dagoba is a large stupa located near the Ruwanwelisaya. It was built by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC and is one of the most impressive monuments in the city.
4. Thuparamaya – The Thuparamaya is an ancient temple located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It is believed to be the first stupa built in the city and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
5. Jetavanaramaya – The Jetavanaramaya is a large stupa located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD and is one of the tallest monuments in the city.
6. Isurumuniya – The Isurumuniya is an ancient temple located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It is known for its beautiful carvings and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
7. Lankarama – The Lankarama is an ancient temple located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC and is known for its beautiful stone carvings.
8. Mirisawetiya – The Mirisawetiya is an ancient temple located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC and is known for its beautiful stone carvings.
9. Kuttam Pokuna – The Kuttam Pokuna is a pair of twin ponds located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Aggabodhi in the 5th century AD and is known for its intricate stone carvings.
10. Samadhi Statue – The Samadhi Statue is a large statue of the Buddha located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built in the 4th century AD and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
11. Jethawanaramaya – The Jethawanaramaya is a large stupa located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD and is one of the tallest monuments in the city.
12. Brazen Palace – The Brazen Palace is an ancient palace located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC and is known for its beautiful stone carvings.
13. Abhayagiri Monastery – The Abhayagiri Monastery is an ancient monastery located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
14. Naka Vihara – The Naka Vihara is an ancient temple located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Aggabodhi in the 5th century AD and is known for its beautiful stone carvings.
15. Isurumuniya Vihara – The Isurumuniya Vihara is an ancient temple located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC and is known for its beautiful stone carvings.
16. Royal Palace – The Royal Palace is an ancient palace located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
17. Kuttam Pokuna – The Kuttam Pokuna is a pair of twin ponds located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Aggabodhi in the 5th century AD and is known for its intricate stone carvings.
18. Hatadage – The Hatadage is an ancient temple located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Aggabodhi in the 5th century AD and is known for its beautiful stone carvings.
19. Maha Thupa – The Maha Thupa is a large stupa located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC and is one of the tallest monuments in the city.
20. Ranmasu Uyana – The Ranmasu Uyana is an ancient park located near the Abhayagiri Dagoba. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Anuradhapura is a city that is steeped in history and culture. It is home to many ancient ruins, temples, and monuments that are a must-see for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. Whether you’re a history buff or a spiritual traveler, Anuradhapura has something for everyone. So make sure to check out these top 20 places to see in Anuradhapura.