Province du Centre-Nord

Le meilleur de la Province du Centre-Nord

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.

North Central Province Essentials — Carte

Mlechanteur / CC BY 3.0

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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…

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.

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.

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…

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

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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…

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…

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.

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

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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.

Kurun / CC BY-SA 3.0

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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.

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. Located near Kekirawa, it depicts the Abhaya mudra and is a masterpiece of ancient rock sculpture.

Petr Bambuch / CC-BY-SA

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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.

Petr Bambuch / CC-BY-SA

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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.