16 x Things To Do in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was the most fantastic monastic city of the ancient world for nearly a millennium and is regarded as the hub of Sri Lankan civilization. King Pandukabhaya established it as the royal capital around 380 BC, making it Sri Lanka's first ancient kingdom and capital. Visiting Anuradhapura will transport you back in time, allowing you to imagine how bustling and active the city was during its golden years.

Photo by රත්න දීපය - Rathna Deepaya on Unsplash

Anuradhapura was once home to thousands of monks from several monasteries, and it is now considered Sri Lanka's most important and spiritual monument. Anuradhapura was one of the best places in the Cultural Triangle because it was dotted with ancient monuments, sacred stupas, ruins of temples and palaces, and a network of stunning irrigation lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. It was the royal capital of 119 successive kings who had passions for art and architecture and propagated the flourishing Buddhist culture.

The city's architectural achievements have made it famous and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three main dagobas of Jetavaranamaya, Ruwanweliseya, and Abhayagiriya are among the most extensive architectural feats ever attempted in the ancient world, second only to Egypt's pyramids. Today, the city is notable for its ruins, which have been well conserved and protected, making it one of Sri Lanka's most sacred cities. Although time has stopped among the ruins, visitors will find pensiveness, quiet, and tranquillity.

The Sri Jaya Maha Bodhi, the world's oldest and most respected tree, may be found in Anuradhapura. This tree grew from a scion of the original sacred fig tree, beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment over 2500 years ago. Rathnaprasada and Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) are Anuradhapura monastic structures. The Thuparama Temple, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Miriswatiya Dagoba, and Isurumuniya Viharaya are just a few of the historical sites of Anuradhapura.

Mihintale, 12 kilometers from Anuradhapura, is the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. As a result of its history, it has become a fantastic pilgrimage site, with a series of stunning shrines, stupas, and caves strung out throughout the hills, filled with crowds of pilgrims. Over 2000 years ago, King Devanampiya Tissa was approached by Mahinda, son of the ancient Indian Buddhist ruler Ashoka, with a message from Lord Buddha on Mihintale Mountain. The monarch embraced and converted to Buddhism after hearing Mahinda's revelation. Mihintale, a sacred location, marks the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka on Poson full moon night by celebrating Poson Poya.

1. Mihintale
2. Jetavaranama Stupa
3. Abhayagiri Monastery Complex
4. Mahamewna Park
5. Samadhi Buddha Statue
6. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
7. Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
8. Thuparama Temple
9. Great ancient reservoirs of Anuradhapura
10. Aukana Buddha Statue
11. Lovamahapaya or Brazen Palace
    
12. Miriswatiya Dagoba
13. Royal Palace of Vijayabahu
14. Isurumuniya Viharaya
15. Ranmasu Uyana or Royal Gardens
16. Wilpattu National Park