Ceylonic Tours

Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a city in Sri Lanka that boasts an abundance of ancient history and culture, making it an ideal destination for tourists. This ancient city was once the capital of Sri Lanka and is home to many sacred temples and monuments that date back to the third century BC. If you are a history buff, Anuradhapura should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Sri Lanka.

One of the most popular attractions in Anuradhapura is the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree. This sacred tree is believed to be the oldest living tree in the world and is revered by Buddhists as it is said to be a sapling from the original Bodhi Tree in India, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree is enclosed in a beautiful shrine and is surrounded by numerous temples and shrines that visitors can explore.

Another must-visit attraction in Anuradhapura is the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa. This impressive structure is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka, standing at a height of 103 meters. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the second century BC and is considered to be a significant religious site for Buddhists. Visitors can walk around the stupa and marvel at its impressive architecture and the intricate carvings and paintings that adorn its walls.

Abhayagiri Monastery is another important historical site that visitors should not miss. This complex of ruins was once one of the largest monasteries in the ancient world and was a center of learning and meditation. The ruins include several temples, stupas, and other structures that provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the monks who once lived here.

For those who love ancient architecture, the Jetavanaramaya is a must-visit attraction. This massive stupa stands at a height of 122 meters and is considered to be one of the tallest ancient structures in the world. It was built by King Mahasena in the third century AD and is an excellent example of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

Isurumuniya Temple is another significant temple in Anuradhapura that is worth a visit. This temple is known for its ancient rock carvings and beautiful gardens. It is believed to have been built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the third century BC and is a great place to explore and take in the stunning scenery.

There are also many other smaller temples, ruins, and monuments that visitors can explore in Anuradhapura, such as Kuttam Pokuna, Thuparamaya, Lankarama Stupa, and Mirisawetiya Stupa. Each of these attractions provides a unique insight into the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka.

In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Anuradhapura also offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local way of life. The city has a vibrant market that sells a range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and local handicrafts. Visitors can also sample some of the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine at the many local restaurants and cafes.

In conclusion, Anuradhapura is a city that is steeped in ancient history and culture. It offers visitors an opportunity to explore some of the most significant religious and cultural attractions in Sri Lanka, as well as the chance to immerse themselves in the local way of life. With so much to see and do, Anuradhapura is a must-visit destination for any tourist traveling to Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura

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Places to visit in Anuradhapura that are perfect for tourists

Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

This is a sacred site for Buddhists as it is believed to be the oldest living tree in the world with a history dating back over 2000 years. It is said to be a sapling from the original Bodhi Tree in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Ruwanwelisaya Stupa

This is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka, standing at 103 meters tall. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC and is a significant religious site for Buddhists.

Abhayagiri Monastery

This was one of the largest monasteries in the ancient world and is now a complex of ruins. It was built in the 1st century BC and was a center of learning and meditation.

Jetavanaramaya

This is another massive stupa in Anuradhapura, standing at 122 meters tall. It was built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD and is considered to be one of the tallest ancient structures in the world.

Isurumuniya Temple

This temple is known for its ancient rock carvings and beautiful gardens. It is believed to have been built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC.

Kuttam Pokuna

These are twin ponds that were used for bathing by monks in ancient times. They are also known as the “Twin Ponds” and were built in the 6th century AD.

Thuparamaya

 This is one of the oldest stupas in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century BC. It is believed to have been built by King Devanampiya Tissa and is a significant religious site for Buddhists.

Lankarama Stupa

 This is another ancient stupa in Anuradhapura, believed to have been built by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC. It is a significant religious site for Buddhists.

Mirisawetiya Stupa

This stupa was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC and is a significant religious site for Buddhists. It is said to contain relics of the Buddha.

The Anuradhapura Museum

 This museum houses a collection of artifacts and relics from the ancient city of Anuradhapura, including statues, pottery, and jewelry.

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