Anuradapura
Anuradhapura is the first kingdom in Sri Lanka and King Pandukabaya is the first monarch of the kingdom. Because of the secured location and agricultural environment, it has lasted for a long era (377BC-1017AD) as the capital of the country. During King Devanampiyatissa's time, Buddhism has brought by Mihidu Maharahathan Wahanse and spread all around the country. As a result of that Anuradhapura was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. This world heritage site is placed 205km away from the commercial capital, Colombo.
This ancient city contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders, enormous dagobas (brick stupas), Huge lakes, ancient pools, and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka which reflects the pride of our ancestors. It is still a mystery about the advanced technology used on those unbelievable inventions.
HIGHLIGHTS
Ruwanweliseya
Ruwanweliseya is the major stupa in Anuradhapura.One drona of the Gothama Buddha's relics are enshrined in the stupa, which is the largest collection of his relics anywhere
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
This is the southern branch of the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment.
Mirisawati Stupa
Mirisawatiya stupa is another great memorial building which was build by king Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara.
Jethawanaramaya
Jethawanaramaya is the tallest stupa in the world and third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura.
Lankaramaya
The Lankaramaya stupa was built on the 1st century BC by King Vattagamini Abaya (Walagamba).
Thuparamaya
Thuparamaya is the first stupa which was built after establishing buddhism during the king Devanampiyatissa era.
Lovamahapaya
Lovamahapaya is another construction of King Dutugemunu which remained as the tallest building of the island for over a millennium.
Abhayagiriya
Another greatest stupa in the ancient sri lanka built by King Valagamba.And it was a major monastery site of Mahayana.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Isurumuniuya
Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa which is famous for carvings.
1.
Vessagiriya
An ancient Buddhist forest monastery, monks lived in rock shelters that were constructed by quarrying from local materials
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2.
Mihinthale
Mountain peak where the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa.
3.
Samadhi Statue
This is situated at Mahamevnawa which is reflecting the posture of meditation associated with his first Enlightenment.
4.
5.
Kuttam Pokuna
Kuttam Pokuna or the twin ponds are another hydrologic engineering marvels of ancient Sri Lanka.
6.
Rathna Prasadaya
Rathna Prasadaya, Uposatha house of the Abhayagiri Vihara Complex was a skyscraper built by King Kanittha Tissa
7.
Tissa Wewa
2 miles long and 25 feet high, Tissa Wewa, an artificial reservoir, was built by Devanampiya Tissa.
8.
Archaeological Museum
The museum was established in 1947 under the prime effort of pioneering archeologist and epigraphist Dr. Senarath Paranavithana.
GALLERY
