Colombo Trip Overview
Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka is a popular tourist city of great cultural significance in the world. It is the capital of the North Central Province of the island and the capital of the District of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is one of the medieval capitals of Sri Lanka, renowned for its well-preserved historical monuments of the Sinhalese civilization. It was the third capital of the kingdom of Rajarata, after the realms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. The relics of Anuradhapura are among the most captivating sights in South Asia. The bustling complex features a large compilation of archaeological and architectural marvels: huge dagobas (brick stupas), ancient pools and decaying temples, built during the thousand-year reign of Anuradhapura over Sri Lanka. Today, many sites persist in use as sacred sites and temples; regular rituals give Anuradhapura a richness that contrasts strongly with the museum-like environment of Polonnaruwa.
Additional Info
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka is a popular tourist city of great cultural significance in the world. It is the capital of the North Central Province of the island and the capital of the District of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is one of the medieval capitals of Sri Lanka, renowned for its well-preserved historical monuments of the Sinhalese civilization. It was the third capital of the kingdom of Rajarata, after the realms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. The relics of Anuradhapura are among the most captivating sights in South Asia. The bustling complex features a large compilation of archaeological and architectural marvels: huge dagobas (brick stupas), ancient pools and decaying temples, built during the thousand-year reign of Anuradhapura over Sri Lanka. Today, many sites persist in use as sacred sites and temples; regular rituals give Anuradhapura a richness that contrasts strongly with the museum-like environment of Polonnaruwa.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is among the oldest trees now living high in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The ancient tree has flourished from a cutting taken from Bodh Gaya, India, where Gautama Buddha had achieved enlightenment. The sacred tree is a realistic and living link to Gautama Buddha and treated with respect as the oldest tree in the history of the plantation.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Ruwanweliseya pagoda is one of the main stupas or dagobas in the center of the magnificent heritage city of Anuradhapura. The great King Dutugamunu built this ancient stupa. The Ruwanwelisaya stupa is also famous as the Maha stupa and is among the most embellished structures of the people of Sri Lanka. It’s one of the must-visit places in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Watawandana Road B341, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Jetavanaramaya Monastery is among the biggest monasteries in the heritage town of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. This incredible construct was the third-largest building in the classical civilizations. Legend has it that part of the Lord Buddha’s sash or belt is here at the Jetavanaramaya monastery.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Dagoba of Thuparama, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Thuparama, also recognized as Thuparamaya, is the very first stupa built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism in the lovely town of Anuradhapura. The medieval stupa of Thuparamaya came to this world during the reign of King Devamnampiyatissa sometime in the 3rd century B.C., which is said to enforce the right collar bone of Gautama Buddha. Today, the remains of the structure occupy an area of about three and a half acres of land. Thuparama is one of the top places to visit in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Isurumuniya Temple, At Royal Pleasure Gardens, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, is home to ruins, stupas and rocky hills that carry an atmosphere of tranquility. Isurumuniya is one of the granite, marble, and stone buildings situated near Tissa Wewa, and this Buddhist temple features architecture, and monuments that highlight the liberation of the creators. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rathna Prasadaya, Abhayagiri Complex Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Best known for its finely carved stone structures, the Rathna Prasada is the Uposatha house (a place for purifying the sullied mind) of the Abhayagiri Viharaya. It is of high significance to Buddhists and a historical monument, making it a top place to visit in Anuradhapura. Built-in 192-194 AD by King Kanitta Tissa who governed Ceylon, Rathna Prasada, or Gem Palace was initially a seven-story skyscraper with a tiled roof, with wonderful guard stones (Mura Gal) and a statue of the Lord Buddha made from gold.
Duration: 30 minutes
