North Central Province Essentials
Explore the ruins of Sri Lanka's first two capitals, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which served as the island's political and religious centers for over 1,500 years. This region features monumental brick stupas like the Jetavanaramaya—once one of the tallest structures in the ancient world—and the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree. Key sites include the colossal 5th-century Aukana Buddha, the intricate rock carvings of Gal Viharaya, and the remote forest monastery of Ritigala, showcasing advanced ancient engineering and Buddhist artistry.
A The Royal Palace of Polonnaruwa
Poḷonnaruwa, also referred as Pulathisipura and Vijayarajapura in ancient times, is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central…
B Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka.
C 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.
D Ritigala
Ritigala is a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery.
E 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…
F Gal Viharaya
The Gal Vihara, and known originally as the Uttararama, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city Polonnaruwa, the…
G Jetavanaramaya
The Jetavanarama stupa or Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in the…
H Ruwanwelisaya
The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Maha Thupa, is a stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
I Lankatilaka Temple
A massive 12th-century brick structure in Polonnaruwa featuring 17-meter-high walls and a headless standing Buddha statue. The temple is a prime example of Gedige-style architecture with detailed external carvings.
J Thuparamaya Dagoba
The first stupa built in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism in the 3rd century BC. Located in Anuradhapura, this bell-shaped monument enshrines the right collarbone relic of the Buddha.
K Aukana Buddha Statue
A 12-meter-tall standing Buddha statue carved from a single granite rock face during the 5th century. Located near Kekirawa, it depicts the Abhaya mudra and is a masterpiece of ancient rock sculpture.
L Samadhi Buddha Statue
A 4th-century dolomite marble statue in Anuradhapura's Mahamewna Park. It depicts the Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, or meditation pose, and is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese art.
M Isurumuni Viharaya
A 3rd-century BC rock temple located near the Tissa Wewa reservoir. It is famous for its intricate stone reliefs, including the 'Isurumuni Lovers,' the 'Horseman,' and a series of bathing elephants carved into the rock face.
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