Location: Anuradhapura
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Top 10 Sacred & Religious Sites 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. 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. Nellikulama Temple
7. 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.
8. Temple of the Tooth
9. Dagoba of Thuparama
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 205 reviews
This ancient site is believed to house the collarbone of the Buddha.
Reviewed By 636dhilipd - Habarana, Sri Lanka
In a beautiful woodland setting north of the Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, the Thuparama Dagoba is the oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka – indeed, probably the oldest visible dagoba in the world. It was constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC and is said to enshrine the right collarbone of the Buddha. Its ‘heap-of-paddy-rice’ shape was restored in 1862 to a more conventional bell shape and to a height of 19m.
10. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 635 reviews
This city is known as the home of an offspring of the Bo tree where the Buddha found enlightenment.
Reviewed By 307kamalp - Byron Bay, Australia
It is the totally relaxed feeling that one enjoys at this sacred place of worship venerated by the Buddhists from all over the world. Early in the morning surroundings were very tranquil and comfortable, before the area got warmer with the days hot sun and before the premise got filled with larger numbers of devotees. Environment was very calm and conducive for a moment in silent meditation. Entire precinct has so many Bodhi trees escorting the sacred Bodhi tree which is at the highest terrace. It is known to be the oldest surviving planted tree in the world with a recorded history. The granite balustrades are very attractive with beautiful motifs engraved in to them.
