Top Things to do in North Central Province
Things to do in North Central Province, Sri Lanka: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in North Central Province, Sri Lanka including Isinbassagala, Vessagiri, Padanagara I of Ancient Anuradhapura, Burrows pavilion, Main Refectory Of Abayagiri Monastery, Polonnaruwa, Mihintale, Aradhana Gala, Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Sandakada Pahana.
Restaurants in North Central Province
1. Isinbassagala
2. Vessagiri
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By sandarangae - Colombo, Sri Lanka
If you are a foreigner or a local traveler this is a must visit location in Anuradhapura. The history goes to over 5000 years of proud history of marvel’s of ancient people of Sri Lanka it is believed that this is a herbal garden which was used by King Rawana and later on King Dewanampiyatissa donated this herbal garden to “Mihindu maharahathan wahanse” and this is the place where 500 men was became Buddhist monks and started Buddhism in Sri Lanka. However if you visited this place you can witness how the massive rocks was cut in to pieces and make use of them in an architectural way and it is unbelievable because in that era there were no machines as such and the ancient people in Sri Lanka has used their wisdom and their power to create such an masterpiece of work by using rocks. However What I heard was from a gentleman who was there, for some reason this place is not highlighted to show the proud history of Sri Lanka and they just want this to be just a historical place only. Therefore whoever is interested about the history please visit this location and start discovering the hidden history and the wonders of Srilanka ancient people
3. Padanagara I of Ancient Anuradhapura
4. Burrows pavilion
5. Main Refectory Of Abayagiri Monastery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By 307kamalp - Byron Bay, Australia
Amazing place with a history from first century BC! The gigantic, many meters long, almost monolithic boat like container (Stone canoe), to hold cooked rice for serving few thousand monks referred to as “Bath Oruwa”, perfectly smooth granite seating to accommodate hundreds, the sundial through which the time of the day was determined by the shadow created by a rod or pin at its centre in order to partake in mid-day meal by the monks before the time passes noon are some of the fascinating items at this site. The effort that would have gone in to make them with ancient tools and maintain them is unbelievable.
6. Polonnaruwa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,582 reviews
Reviewed By paulsY2649EH - Binfield, United Kingdom
Our guide took us here as part of a cultural triangle tour - medieval capital of Sri lanka - wonderful history going back 1000 years and very well presented - the history is quite superb and whilst it is quite spread (so allow plenty of time) it is well worth a long visit - ignore traders who approach you - as others have said not too busy
7. Mihintale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,383 reviews
Reviewed By malithadissa - Negombo, Sri Lanka
According to legend, it was at Mihintale – literally “Mahinda’s Hill” – that the Indian missionary Mahinda, met and converted King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BC, establishing Buddhism as the island’s state religion. Mahinda was the son of the great Mauryan emperor Asoka, sent by his father to bring word of the Buddha’s teachings to Sri Lanka. Buddhism was immediately embraced with fervour by the Sinhalese people and soon became firmly established in the island – unlike in India, its birthplace, where it would subsequently fall into terminal decline. Mihintale, on a higher plane All over the world, high places are given religious significance, with the result that devotees are always climbing steps. Sometimes on their knees. Mihintale is one such place, its various shrines connected by a total of some 1,840 steps that ultimately lead to the summit – steep enough to require deep breaths and a meditative pace. They were built in the reign of Bhathika Abhaya (22 BC–AD 7), although a later paved road provides a short cut up to the first level.there have so many histrionically place in here
8. Aradhana Gala
9. Jethawanaramaya Stupa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Reviewed By filmg
This stupa left the strongest impression. Hidden by forest overgrowth and abandoned for centuries, the plants enveloping it have been cut away and what you see is what was left. Rustic in appearance and only slightly restored, this stupa also has a small shrine to the Buddha, with a large reclining Buddha statue with offerings laid before it. It has a curious authenticity, and you can best view what these stupas are made of: Millions of handmade bricks. This was once the largest brick structure in the world.
10. Sandakada Pahana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By Kai_Wah - Malaysia, null
Buddhist religious site with influence of Hinduism culture. The significant sights at this site are the impressive rock carvings which include the famous moonstone of semicircular shape carvings at the foot of first flight of step at the staircase and the guarding gods carvings at the entrance. It is included in the entrance fee of USD25 for the Polonnaruwa Ancient site. Well worth the value as part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
