Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka , North Central Province
About Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known its well-kept ruins from the Sri Lankan civilization. An archeologists’ hub, this major city consists of ancient tanks, crumbling temples, old stone pillars, monasteries and large dagobas. Though it a lesser known historic site, just the antiqueness of this place is sure to leave you in awe of the country’s unseen past. Anuradhapura is a complete sight-seeing destination, where there are innumerable temples, stupas and other historic structures to visit.
A few national parks offer light bird watching and animal spotting adventures. The Buddhist influence is very well highlighted due to the presence of Bodhi trees, Buddha statues and carvings. Large numbers of pilgrims make their way to this city to participate in religious ceremonies especially during the Poson Festival that occurs in the first week of June; the crowds are huge and sight-seeing during the festival may be hampered. For the curious tourist, Anuradhapura is a supreme place to hear fascinating stories and interesting legends, and connecting them to the age-old structures scattered all around. It is a truly timeless city!
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Top 10 Places to Visit in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Mirisawetiya Vihara, North Central Province
0.7 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Mirisaveti Stupa, located 1 kilometre to the east of Maha Bodhi, along the banks of Tisawewa, is yet another tourist and religious spot in the...
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Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, North Central Province
1.5 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple is the centre of tourist attraction in Anuradhapura. Buddhists from all over the world visit this place because it...
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Ruwanwelisaya, North Central Province
1.6 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
The ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, is the seat of religion, traditions and cultures. Every piece of this land has some historical...
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Thuparama Dagoba, North Central Province
1.9 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Dagoba of Thuparama is one of the many holiest shrines of Anuradhapura. It stores the right collar bone of Lord Buddha which was brought by...
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Isurumuniya, North Central Province
2.6 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Isurumuniya Rock Temple is a lovely, eye-catching temple, situated close to the Tisa Wewa. The temple stands on rock boulders and is set in...
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Lovamahapaya, North Central Province
2.6 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Lovamahapaya was once a majestic palace with roofs covered with copper-bronze plates, the inner walls studded with precious stones and had a...
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Jethawanaramaya Stupa, North Central Province
3.2 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Jethawanaramaya Stupa, originally 400 feet, was once counted in the list of the tallest monuments of the world and its scale was matched only by...
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Lankarama Stupa, North Central Province
3.4 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Although little is known of the Lankarama Stupa, it is certain that it was built by King Vattagamini Abhaya around 1st century BC. This dagoba...
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Abhayagiri Dagoba, North Central Province
4.9 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Abhayagiri Vihara monastery that sheltered 5000 monks was once the seat of knowledge. It was a thriving centre of Buddhist philosophies that...
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Mihintale, Anuradhapura, North Central Province
14.9 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Mihintale, famously known as ‘Cradle of Buddhism’, is a mountain peak located close to the religious center of the country, Anuradhapura. It...
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Kaludiya Pokuna Forest, North Central Province
16 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Kaludiya Pokuna forest in Kandalama has rich biodiversity and the ruins of ancient time are also scattered here. The forest is renowned for its...
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Isinbassagala, North Central Province
34.2 km from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - See map
Isin Bassa Gala or Isinbassagala is an unknown place to the tourists but this off beat place can be as surprising as any other famous tourist...
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