Location: Anuradhapura
Top Things to do in Anuradhapura
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Anuradhapura, North Central Province
Anuradhapura (Sinhalese: අනුරාධපුරය; Tamil: அனுராதபுரம்) is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka and the capital of Anuradhapura District. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was the third capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata, following the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara.
Restaurants in Anuradhapura
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. Sakwala Chakraya (Star Gate)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
4. 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.
5. Ritigala Forest Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By Sambomb - Colombo, Sri Lanka
it has the largest man made pond, build exclusively for buddhist monk, exceptional architectural design, view from the library was amazing, the rationale to build the library at such a location was outstanding, the toilets, ruins of loo, the technology used back in the day is amazing to learn, it has some of the rarest / tallest trees in the country, the hike was amazing, much better than a usual botanical garden walk, Tip: Take a guide who is from that area, it will be rather boring experience without the guide, it's interesting to learn the history as you explore this monastery.
6. Anuradhapura Stupas Scenic Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
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. 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.
9. 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.
10. Abhayagiri Dagaba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By Ishan1995 - Tangalle, Sri Lanka
it was one of best evening in my life.i was very peceful site i ever visited and also very beautiful place situated in Anuradhapura puja nagaraya.highly recommended place to visit ❤️.
