Once an ancient royal kingdom, Anuradhapura Sacred City is the earliest recorded capital city of Sri Lanka. The kingdom of Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka for close to a thousand years. Also a World Heritage site, its immense dagobas and elaborate stone sculptures, are essentially a physical ode to Buddhism and holds a treasure trove of sites waiting to be discovered.

Must See Places in Anuradhapura Sacred City

The oldest dagoba is the Ruwanweliseya, which dates back to the reign of King Dutugemunu in 2nd century BC and a must see place in Anuradhapura. Furthermore, standing 338-feet tall and 397-feet in diameter, Ruwanweliseya enshrines the relics of the Lord Buddha. The Jethawanaramaya, is believed to hold the sash of the Buddha. Not to mention, at 400-feet high, Jethavanaramaya is one of the biggest dagobas and also the largest brick structure in the world. Built in 3rd century AD, it’s expanse of 8-acres once housed 10,000 monks, who were instrumental in nurturing and spreading the faith in the region.

The Sacred Bo Tree

Within the grounds of the Mahamevuna Uyana lies the Sri Maha Bodhi or Sacred Bo Tree. Most important, planted from a sapling of the Bo tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, it is the oldest recorded sacred tree in Buddhist history. The Scared Bo Tree was brought to the country by Sanghamitta Theri, over 2,550 years ago, when Buddhism was first being propagated.

8 Important Sites of Veneration in Anuradhapura

In Anuradhapura, there are 8 sacred places of veneration, known as the Atamasthana. Lord Buddha during his three visits to Sri Lanka is known to have visited these places.

  1. Sri Maha Bodhi
  2. Ruwanweliseya
  3. Thuparamaya
  4. Lovamahapaya
  5. Abhayagiri Dagoba
  6. Jethawanaramaya Dagoba
  7. Mirisaweti Stupa
  8. Lankarama

A visit to the archeological museum in Anuradhapura will provide a good understanding of the city’s monuments and their significance.

Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass

Key Attractions at Anuradhapura Sacred City

Sri Maha Bodhiya

Sri Maha Bodhiya is a sapling from the tree under…

Swarnamali Vehara

The Swarnamali Vehara, now most often known as the Ruwanweliseya,…

Thuparama Vihara

Thuparama Vihara, located in Anuradhapura sacred city, is the oldest…

Lovamahapaya

Nothing but a mass of tall stone columns remains of…

Abhayagiri Vihara

The Abhayagiri Vihara is an monastic complex dating back to…

Jethawanarama Dagoba

Built in 3rd centurary AD, Jethawanarama Dagoba is a brick…

Mirisawetiya Vihara

Built by King Dutugemunu in the second century BC, the…

Lankaramaya

Commissioned by King Valagamba of Anuradhapura in 1st Century BC,…

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya, build in 2nd century AD, is famed for its…

Twin Ponds

The Twin Ponds or Kuttam Pokuna site is part of…

Samadhi Buddha Statue

The Samadhi Buddha Statue at Anuradhapura is among the best-preserved…

Vessagiriya

In the past Vessagiriya & Meghagiriya have both been called…

Eth Pokuna

Literally translated as the “Elephant Pond”, Eth Pokuna is a…

Mahasen Palace

Mahasen palace has a well preserved the moonstone and is…

Biso Maligawa

The Biso Maligawa is well-known for the incredible preservation of…

Ratna Prasada

The Ratna Prasada dates back to the 1st Century AD…

Abhayagiri Monastery

Abhayagiri Monastery preserves the greatest number of ruined buildings in…

Ancient Stone Bridge

There are two ancient stone bridge in Anuradhapura, one over…