Anuradhapura District

Best places to visit in Anuradhapura District

Anuradhapura District's Timeless Treasures

Anuradhapura District preserves the remains of Sri Lanka’s first capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site established in the 4th century BCE. The region is defined by monumental brick stupas like Jetavanaramaya, once one of the tallest structures in the ancient world, and the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sapling from the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Beyond the central ruins, the granite peaks of Mihintale mark the arrival of Buddhism to the island, while the forest monastery of Ritigala features unique stone-paved paths.

Anuradhapura District's Timeless Treasures — Map

Michael Gunther / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka.

Balou46 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a historical sacred bo tree in the Mahamewuna Garden in historical city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Arian Zwegers / CC BY 2.0

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Mihintale

Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist…

Rushdy Nisthar / CC BY 3.0

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Ruwanwelisaya

The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Maha Thupa, is a stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

MOHS Kosgodage / CC-BY-3.0

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Jetavanaramaya

The Jetavanarama stupa or Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in the…

Kurun / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Thuparamaya Dagoba

Built in the 3rd century BCE, this is the first stupa constructed in Sri Lanka. It enshrines the Buddha's right collarbone and features unique concentric stone pillars that once supported a wooden roof.

Anuradha Dullewe Wijeyeratne / Public domain

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Ritigala

Ritigala is a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery.

Petr Bambuch / CC-BY-SA

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Vessagiriya

An ancient forest monastery complex consisting of rock-shelter caves used by monks. The site features early Brahmi inscriptions dating back to the 2nd century BCE.

Petr Bambuch / CC-BY-SA

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Anuradhapura Museum

Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum is the oldest and the largest museum belonging to the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka.

Petr Bambuch / CC-BY-SA

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Lowamahapaya

Originally a nine-story monastic building with a bronze-tiled roof. Today, 1,600 stone pillars remain from the massive assembly hall built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE.

Petr Bambuch / CC-BY-SA

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Isurumuni Viharaya

A 3rd-century BCE rock temple famous for its intricate stone carvings, including the 'Isurumuni Lovers' and elephants bathing in a pond carved into the rock face.

Cherubino / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Aukana Buddha Statue

A 12-meter-tall standing Buddha statue carved from a single granite rock face during the 5th century. It is located near the Kala Wewa reservoir and depicts the Abhaya Mudra.

Petr Bambuch / CC-BY-SA

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Samadhi Buddha Statue

A 4th-century dolomite marble statue in Mahamewna Park depicting the Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, or meditation posture. It is considered a masterpiece of the Anuradhapura period.

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