Top Locations

Sri Maha Bodhi (Bo) Tree or Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree situated in Mahamewna Garden, Anuradhapura. It has been planted in 288 BC and considered to be one of the oldest human planted trees in the world. Sri Maha Bodhi is an important holy tree for Sri Lankan Buddhists as it is the right shoot of the mother tree that Lord Buddha to attain the enlightenment under. Today, hundreds of devotees flock around this scared tree to worship with flower offerings and to perform the Bodhi watering ritual. Being one of the calmest attractions in Anuradhapura, Sri Maha Bodhi will show you another unique set of Buddhist worshipping rituals.

Ruwanweliseya, alias Swarnamali Stupa, is an important and sacred place visited by Buddhists and tourists alike. Situated in Anuradhapura Ruwanweli stupa is one of the stupas in Sri Lanka where most of the Lord Buddha’s relics are shrined in a single place.Belongs to the most precious age of Sri Lanka, ruled by King Dutugemunu in 140 B.C. there are lots of elegant tales behind the name of the stupa, and it is said it was named after the name of an angel called “Swarnamali”. If you are looking for a place where you can have a quiet time by yourself, this will have to be on your to-do list in Anuradhapura.

The world-famous Samadhi statue is situated in the Mahamewuna Park in the sacred city of Anuradhapura. This statue is sculpted of rock to represent the meditating posture of the Lord Buddha. Samadhi Statue belongs to the Anuradhapura era, which is also considered as the rising era of Buddhism. It is believed that there had been three other statues similar to Samadhi Statue; however, only this statue has survived the testament of time and foreign invasion. Archaeologists believe that there might have been gems placed in the statue for the eyes. Even if you are not into history and archaeology, you will appreciate this amazing stone sculpture and its surrounding that offer you a peaceful ambience to escape the busy tourist attractions in Anuradhapura.

Being one of the most magnificent constructions in the ancient world, Abhayagiri Dagoba is situated in Anuradhapura, where you can see lots of historical ruins. With a diameter of 59 ft, the stupa is a massive construction which could match only to the Egyptian Giza pyramid and the Jethawanarama Dagoba. It belongs to the first century B.C. Today it had become into ruins due to foreign invasions. However, Abhayagiri Dagoba now has been reconstructed by the present government of Sri Lanka. There are lots of ruins you can see in this premise. The breathtaking view of the Abhayagiri Dagoba from afar is a sight many falls in love with. 

Lovamahapaya is another important historical place to add to your wish list in Anuradhapura. Situated in between Sri Maha Bodhiya and Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura, Lovamahapaya has built during the 2nd century BC by King Dutugemunu. It is believed that this building had consisted of nine floors, although it has gone to ruins due to invasions and natural causes. But, in the ancient time, this building had remained as the tallest building of the ancient world for over a millennium.  Tales say that it had taken six years to construct this building. At present, you only see about 1600 stone pillars as the ruins of this amazing building.

Situated in Anuradhapura, Jethawanaramaya Stupa is the tallest stupa in Sri Lanka and the 3rd tallest structure in the ancient world. Height of this gigantic stupa is about 400ft and was built by King Mahasena. As the capital shifted further away from Anuradhapura with each kingdom, Jethawanaramaya went to ruins with the time. King Parakramabhahu renovated the stupa in the 12th century. However, it is said that the renovated stupa is shorter than the initial stupa. With a base area of 233,000 m2, Jethawanarama stupa still stands with pride to this day. With no white plasters, Jethawanaramaya is the best place to see what’s underneath the smooth white coat of a giant stupa.

Located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Mirisaveti stupa is another gigantic stupa special for Sri Lankan Buddhists with an exciting tale. Built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C., it is said that King Dutugemunu had forgotten to serve a chilly curry for monks and he punished himself by building this stupa. The stupa is consisted of beautiful classical stone carvings and murals and known as a place where Lord Buddha’s relics and royal items are shrined. With many dwelling cells, a chapter house, a refectory hall, and a hospital nearby, Mirisaveti Stupa is another sacred Stupa in Anuradhapura you might want to explore.

Mihinthale temple is one of the most sacred temples available for the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Situated in Anuradhapura Mihinthala temple was built by King Dewanampiyatissa. Situated on a rock where it is believed the commencement of the Buddhism in the country began, Mihintale temple is one of the most sacred temples of Buddhists. It is believed that Mihintale rock was the place, where king Dewanampiyathissa saw the Mahinda Thero who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka from India for the first time. A visit to this temple is always worth it, whether you are a Buddhist or not as the calm environment along with beautiful scenery of the place will make you don’t want to leave.

Lankarama stupa is situated in Anuradhpura and belongs to Anuradhapura kingdom. Although the stupa was built by King Valagamba, who is considered as one of the greatest kings in Sri Lanka in 1st century BC, there is not any evidence for the ancient form of the stupa. With a diameter of 14m the stupa that you can witness today is a recently constructed structure. However, according to history, the ancient Lankarama Stupa have had a large round building called ‘Vatadageya’ covering the stupa, which improves the importance of the place among other ancient stupas of Sri Lanka. Although it is not the original stupa that is there, Lankarama Stupa is still worth a visit during your visit to Anuradhapura.

Located near Isurumuni temple in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Ranmasu Uyana is considered as one of the most ancient Royal Gardens in the world. Providing proof for the luxury lives of the ancient kings and queens had the garden showcases the incredible landscaping skills of ancient Sri Lankans. With water pools, ponds, pavillions, beautiful landscape designs Ranmasu Uyana expands in 40 hectares and consists of a lot of plants varieties and. This royal garden was first constructed during the reign of King Tissa in the 3rd century B.C. Although you can’t witness all the landscapes as it used to be in the past, the place is still worth a visit to see the irrigation brilliance of the site.

Located in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, Kuttam Pokuna is a man-made pond that provides the best testament to the highly advance irrigation and the engineering skills the ancient Sri Lankans had. The two identical ponds next to each other, have been built with a technology to pump water from a far away water source through underground waterways. Experts say that filters have used to clean the water of the ponds. It is believed that the ponds have built for the use of the monks. One pool is 132 ft by 51 ft, while the other is 91 ft by 51 ft. The depth of the pools records as 14 ft and 18 ft.

Known for its ancient Buddhist temple of Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara Thanthirimale is an old village in Anuradhapura. Located approximately 40 km north-west of the Anuradhapura city the area is visited by many Buddhist devotees every year. 

Tissa Wewa is one of the top tourists' attractions in Tissamaharamaya because of the beauty of the lake. You can spend a few hours in Tissa Wewa either to have your meal or as a break after a long drive. This is also a good place to enjoy a small snack from a nearby street food stall enjoying the view of the lake and its surrounding.