Top Things to do in North Central Province
Things to do in North Central Province, Sri Lanka: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Discover the best top things to do in North Central Province, Sri Lanka including Asokaramaya Pankuliya Temple, Wessagiriya, Ruwanwelisaya, Mihintale, Sri Maha Boodhi Temple, Somawathiya Chaitya, Medirigiriya Vatadage, Nellikulama Temple, Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya, Dambulla Cave Temple.
Restaurants in North Central Province
1. Asokaramaya Pankuliya Temple
2. Wessagiriya
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By anuruddhaHK - Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Wessagiriya is a place which had been used by Buddhist monks for meditation in the times of ancient kings. Best to visit in morning or evening where the rocks are not heated. Nice place to visit with kids.
3. Ruwanwelisaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 988 reviews
At 300 feet, it is the third biggest stupa in Anuradhapura.
Reviewed By Mithila_kumarasinghe - Doha, Qatar
Ruwanwalisaya is a stupa sacrad to many Buddhist all over the world, It was built by King Dutugamunu, It is believed that the relics of the Buddha are enshrined with the stupa, which is the largest collection of his relics anywhere. Additional tips: * The Stupa quite busy during the poya days, * Men are required to wear long pants and women must cover their shoulders and were lose pants or skirts. * Parking available in walking distance. * Area quite hot during day time * Please protect the site.
4. 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
5. Sri Maha Boodhi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 536 reviews
Reviewed By 7SE3 - London, United Kingdom
This is a very sacred place for Buddhist all over.The Bo tree is venerated by all Buddhist. You need about half an hour here.
6. Somawathiya Chaitya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By ychampathit - Colombo, Sri Lanka
If you’re a nature lover and a photography enthusiast it is definitely a place to travel as it is filled with elephants, greenery, adventure trip of 1 hour, extreme rural Pagoda where world’s most respected tooth relic is stored.
7. Medirigiriya Vatadage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By danushkabm - Mawanella, Sri Lanka
Very Beautiful Ancient Buddhist Structure Builded using Rocks. This place located in a middle of a Forest but easy to Visit. Calm and quiet place.
8. Nellikulama Temple
9. Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By dileepaMadu - Colombo, Sri Lanka
1 hour drive from Anuradhapura, road condition is good. Best time is early in the morning until 10am to avoid heat. This has a Little Rock climbing to do so avoid heat yet elderly people too can reach. Exploration time is 1.5hours. Scenario ancient temple with ample parking. No entrance fee, guide is not required.
10. Dambulla Cave Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 825 reviews
The Dambulla Cave Temple is located 24 km (30 min) from Sigiriya in central Sri Lanka. Built in about 80BC It is the largest and best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. Inside are 153 Buddha statues in various reposes, three statues of ancient kings, and four other statues including those of Vishnu and Ganesh. The ceiling and walls have been repainted over the centuries contain a juxtapose of imagery including those of royal life.
Reviewed By Holidaymad - Brentwood, United Kingdom
Although there are approx 300 steps from the car park up until the caves, it was definitely worth the climb. All 5 temples are very interesting, and have been lit in a way that compliments the statues, stupas and Buddhas. I would definitely recommend a visit here - it’s a very unique site and the history behind it is very interesting.
