Open left menu anuradhapura. Sights and interesting places of Anuradhapura Excursions, entertainment and attractions of Anuradhapura

And having gained strength, we had to move to Anuradhapura - the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. In terms of the number of attractions, Anuradhapura ranks first in Sri Lanka and we planned to spend a couple of days there, but everything happened completely differently...

How to get from Negombo to Anuradhapura.
There seem to be no direct buses from Negombo to Anuradhapura, so you need to first get to Kurunegala and then change to a bus to Anuradhapura. At 6 o'clock in the morning we got up, packed our things, had a snack, paid the owners of the guesthouse and caught a passing tukker, with whom we agreed to take us to the bus station for 250 rupees. At the bus station, they kindly told us the number of the required bus, we threw our bags next to the driver's seat and began to wait for departure.

Transport of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has excellent development transport connection between cities, and there are options of different budgets and speeds. The cheapest option is to travel on old red buses, but they stop at every stop and drive very slowly, literally squeezing the last remaining strength out of their million-dollar engines. The second option, which we used most often, is the same large buses, but usually white. They rush from station to station at full speed. This is driving on the edge and I don’t understand how they are still alive. At the beginning of each trip, buses stop near small houses with Buddha figures. There the controller leaves a small amount as a donation and takes some white powder, smears it on his forehead, the driver’s forehead and the steering wheel of the bus. Perhaps this is the secret of survival. Or maybe in another way - the driver and the controller chew betel nut all the way. These are the leaves of a local plant that are sold on every corner and, according to Sri Lankans, are an excellent tonic. It causes their teeth to rot and their eyes to become glassy, ​​but they still chew everything. The third option is to use the services of a high-speed minibus called “express”. These are minibuses with exclusively seating areas, they go fast, but the price is higher. On all buses, the controller accepts payment and even issues tickets. The driver just turns the steering wheel. Also, some people use tuk-tuks to move between cities, but this, in my opinion, is a mockery. They drive slowly, and the sound of the roar of the engine can drive you crazy on long journeys.

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Kurunegala.
To get to Kurunegala, we took the services of a large white bus and sat behind the driver. Usually these places are reserved for monks, but tourists are often put there too. In 2.5 hours and 190 rupees for two, we reached the Kurunegala bus station. There we asked the bus drivers, quickly found a bus to Anuradhapura and at 9 o'clock we were already driving in the direction we needed. The Kurunegala-Anuradhapura fare is 140 rupees per person (big white bus). At 11.30 we were at the Anuradhapura bus station. It is worth noting that Anuradhapura has two stations, a new one and an old one. First the bus pulls into a new one, which looks like an ordinary one. bus stop with a bunch of buses, and then goes to the old one, everything is more organized there, platforms and all that. Long-distance buses mainly depart from the old station.

Anuradhapura.
Near the old bus station, we turned to tukers with a question about housing. I wanted to find something around 1500 rupees per night. While the tukers were arguing among themselves, a man drove up on a scooter and offered to check into his home guesthouse for 1,200 rupees. We agreed to go look at his home. The owner of the guest house offered to use the services of one of the tukers. Here we made a mistake and did not agree on the price for the tuk-tuk in advance, we relied on a peasant. As a result, having reached the guest house that we liked, the tukker said that there was no need for money for delivery and began to offer his services in organizing a tour of Anuradhapura and selling tickets, which are not needed anywhere except the Insurmuniya Temple. We refused his services and he asked for 400 rupees for delivery to the guesthouse, which is twice the expected price for a pack. In response to objections, he began to cry that Sri Lanka is from e resin country, wi ar pur people and wi have no mani. The usual story is shorter. They paid him 300 so that he would fall behind, having learned a lesson for the future - always agree on the price in advance. By the way, when agreeing on the price in guesthouses, also always ask if there are any additional taxes or fees, otherwise it may turn out to be a surprise later.

Tuker left, the owner said that Buddha would punish him for such prices. And we checked in, asked him where we could eat, what the weather was like and how much time it would take to visit all the main attractions. During the conversation, a friendly Sri Lankan offered us a tour of all the temples and dagobas for 4,000 rupees for two. For this money he promised a tuk-tuk, his guide services and the notorious “tickets”. Without thinking twice, they agreed, the price is not that high, but there is an opportunity to quickly see everything without bothering with the question of how to get to this or that place. We agreed on 4 pm and went to look for an eatery.

The weather was getting worse. In general, it rains with constant frequency in the center of the country. On the way from the guesthouse we met a lot of different animals - a langur, a palm squirrel and some kind of heron.

We were heading to the Food City supermarket, which we noticed while traveling by tuk to the guest house. It was not far and we reached it on foot. A little further down the road was new bus station. Overall our location was very convenient. We bought groceries for the evening at the market, and on the second floor we ate a hearty meal of fried fish at a Chinese restaurant. Portions are huge, prices are bargain. For 1100 rupees we ate our fill. While they were eating, a heavy tropical downpour began outside, which ended as suddenly as it had begun.

We returned exactly at 4 o'clock, and a tuk-tuk hired by the owner was already waiting for us in the courtyard of the guest house. The weather seemed to have cleared and we went to see the city.

Sights of Anuradhapura.
The first point of our excursion was a Hindu temple. It was not included in our route, but as we drove past, we asked to stop and take a look. In the temple, by a happy coincidence, some kind of purification ceremony was carried out. A family of parishioners sat on the floor, while ministers walked around them with incense and sang songs. Our guide prayed, put white dots on our foreheads and told us about different Hindu gods. It was quite interesting.

Vessagyria.
Next we went to the caves of the Vessagiriya monastery. This is a complex of several huge boulders and caves underneath them. The monks hid here from the rain and meditated. There are ancient inscriptions everywhere on the walls. And at the top it opens amazing view to the surrounding area, everything is green and the spiers of various dagobas are everywhere. We immediately noticed several macaques and saw a peacock flying for the first time.

Insurmunia.
We arrived at the Buddhist temple of Insurmuniya in the rain, which charged us with renewed vigor. We bought tickets for 200 rupees, left our shoes in front of the entrance (as is customary in all Buddhist temples) and went for a “walk through the puddles.” We got wet to the skin almost immediately, despite the presence of 2 umbrellas. The whole complex is very beautiful. On a small elevation there is an altar with lunar guard stones in front of the entrance. To the right is a small pool with images of elephants engraved on the rock. On the left is a small extension to the rock, inside of which there is a reclining Buddha. There is also a small historical museum nearby, dedicated to the Insurmuniya Temple. And on the back side of the temple there is a staircase leading to the very top. Here is the main attraction of the temple - the footprint of Buddha. According to tradition, they throw a coin there and make a wish, which we took advantage of. By this time the rain had stopped and in the area temple complex Many langurs and palm squirrels appeared.

Stargate. Ranmasu-uyana.
Not far from the Insurmuniya temple there is a destroyed archaeological complex Ranmasu-uyana. Sri Lankans call it the Royal Pleasure Garden. There are 2 swimming pools not far from each other, one for women, the other for men. Approaching the complex, our guide asked if we believed in aliens and took us to a place where, according to legend, the aliens left their signs on the stone. The picture shows something like a map of the universe.

Behind Ranmasu-uyan and Insurmuniya is the beautiful lake Tissa Hueva, which sparkled with all its colors in the sun that came out after the heavy rain.

Mirisavetiya Stupa.
The next point of our excursion was the Mirisavetiya stupa. A huge snow-white dogoba. Its size is simply unimaginable. To be honest, before planning a trip to Sri Lanka, I did not even suspect the existence of such architectural structures. Inside the dagoba or stupa (as it is also called) there is usually some kind of relic, but there is no entrance inside. We walked around it, took photos and headed to our next destination.

Sri Maha Bodhi
The sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura, grown from a scion of the Bodhi tree under which Prince Gautama achieved enlightenment and became Buddha. Sri Lankans say that this is the oldest tree on Earth. Some branches rest on golden supports, and below there is a temple where thousands of pilgrims converge. We arrived just in time for the evening service. Musicians beat drums, music played, believers brought flowers to the tree and prayed. The Sri Maha Bodhi tree is considered one of the main shrines of Sri Lanka.

Dagobah Ruanveli.
Behind the Sri Maha Bodhi tree is a wide alley. We followed it on foot to the Ruanveli dagoba. A huge white stupa, like Mirisavetiya. It is considered the largest and oldest dagobah of Anuradhapura. Around it, in a single ensemble, there are 4 small stupas and a small temple with a reclining Buddha, inside which the monk was telling a story to the parishioners.

Thuparamaya Dagoba.
We approached this beautiful dagobah, surrounded by pillars and small altars, already in the dark. Inside the Thuparamaya dagoba, a piece of the body of the Buddha himself is kept. Despite its modest size, this is one of the most beautiful stupas I have seen.

Jetavana Dagobah.
We didn't get to this huge brick stupa. Night fell and they saw her only from afar. Tuker brought us as close as possible to take a photo, but without a tripod it was impossible. We saw so many dagobas during the evening that I don’t think we lost anything.

Satisfied and full of emotions from what they saw, we drove home, and along the way we bought fruit at the night market. By the way, the bananas here are small, half the size of those we are used to seeing, but they are sweet. And pineapples local residents prefer to eat with salt and pepper. Upon returning to the guesthouse, I asked the hostess to peel and cut the pineapple. At my request, she also sprinkled half the wedges with salt and pepper. It’s delicious, of course, but to be honest, I liked the slices without spices better. There will be a chance to try it.

It was a very interesting day and we did not regret at all that we took our guest host as our guide. We ourselves would have walked here for 2 days and would have been pretty tired. So, if possible, do the same. The city is large and the attractions are far from each other.

Before going to bed, we asked the host of the guest house how to get to , a town not far from Anuradhapura. Everyone found out and went to bed. It was planned that early in the morning we would go to Mihintale, explore everything there before lunch, return and leave Anuradhapura...

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The history of the founding of the city is lost in the centuries. According to one version, after the South Indian prince Vijaya came to the island, among his seven hundred companions there was a man named Anuradha, who founded a small village. The village was named in his honor, and over time the small settlement turned into a large one. According to another legend, the city was named after a star in the constellation Scorpio - Anuradha. Everyone can decide for themselves which theory to choose, but one thing will remain unchanged. Anuradhapura is the holy city and ancient capital of Sri Lanka for 1500 years. Every year thousands of believers make pilgrimages to holy places.

The period in which Anuradhapura directly became the capital of the kingdom began with King Pandukabai establishing the city as the capital in 380 BC. e. To the west of the city, he built the Basava Kulam reservoir to supply water to the growing population of the city, established a sewerage system, laid out parks, and built palaces.

Judging by ancient chronicles and surviving monuments, Anuradhapura was built according to a specific plan. The four city gates were oriented to the cardinal directions, and the defensive walls surrounding the city already in the 1st century. BC. reached a height of about 2 meters. In the II century. BC. the walls of Anuradhapura were built on and supplemented watchtowers. Ancient Anuradhapura consisted of an inner city, which was formed by royal palace and the most important religious buildings, and which grew later outer city. Adjacent to the inner city was a park, which King Devanampiyatissa donated to the Buddhist community. It should be noted that during its heyday, the territory of Anuradhapura exceeded 12 km. in diameter, and more than 300,000 people lived in it.

Due to its location, Anuradhapura was a very vulnerable city to foreign invaders. She was constantly attacked and periodically influenced by the kings of the Indian dynasties. One such Indian ruler was the Tamil prince Elara, who came from South India in 205 BC. He managed to maintain power on the island for 44 years until he grew up a little prince named Dutugamunu, who decided to expel the Indian invaders from Sri Lanka. His confrontation with Prince Elara lasted for about 15 years, however, in 161 BC. the victory remained with Dutugamunu.

The Indian Chola army, led by Prince Rajaraya the Great, which arrived at the end of the 10th century, destroyed Anurahdapura, but after their overthrow in 1070, the city was rebuilt. The capital of the island, moved by the Cholas to Polonnaruwa, was left there. People slowly left Anuradhapura, which was eventually abandoned and swallowed up by the jungle, until 1980, when under the patronage world organization UNESCO, which included the ruins of Anuradhapura in the list world heritage, a comprehensive restoration of the ruins of the first ancient capital Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura is undoubtedly one of the most attractive places for both pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Like many centuries ago, monks and Buddhist believers come here. Students and schoolchildren often come to the ancient capital to once again remember their great history and better understand the present.

Built around two huge boulders below the Tissawewa reservoir created by King Devanampiyatissa, the temple was part of the oldest monastic complex, founded in the 3rd century. BC, which includes a Buddhist temple in the rock, with a statue of a reclining Buddha, a pond and bas-reliefs of elephants carved into the rock, preserved in their original form. Some of the sculptures remained in their places, but some of them were moved to a specially created museum nearby.

One of these famous bas-reliefs is the image of a girl on the lap of her beloved warrior. The work dates back to the 5th century. According to the locals, it depicts King Dutugamunu's son, Salia, and his lover Asokamala, a girl from the lower caste of "untouchables" for whom Salia gave up the throne.

On the shore of Lake Tissa is Mirisaveti Dagoba, built of red brick with a broken point on top. This stupa was built under King Dutugamunu. According to legend, the ruler went for a swim, sticking a symbol of power into the ground - a royal yoke with the relics of Buddha. At the end of the bathing, the king, with all his strength, could not pull the yoke out of the ground and, taking this as a sign, ordered a dagobah to be laid in this place. The work took about 3 years, and the height of the stupa reached 60 meters, but was rebuilt in the 10th century.

To the right of the oldest reservoir is Basavakkulam, built during the reign of King Pandukabai in the 4th century. BC, with an area of ​​about 120 hectares, one can see one of the most ancient and revered stupas of Sri Lanka - Ruvanvalisaya, founded, according to legend, by King Dutagamunu in the 2nd century BC in honor of his victory over the Indian prince Elara. However, unfortunately the king did not live to see the completion of construction. Ruvanvelisaya is otherwise called the White Stupa or Mahatupa, which means Great Stupa in Sinhala, although it is only the third largest of all the stupas of ancient Anuradhapura and soars 55 meters in height.

The stupa was built on a foundation of golden gravel and is located, as it were, on a pedestal, on external wall which was carved with 400 elephants standing shoulder to shoulder. The meaning of these elephants is explained in two ways. On the one hand, the elephants support the platform on which the dagobah stands, as if supporting the earth in accordance with Buddhist cosmology. On the other hand, they say that the elephants simply helped in the construction of the stupa and this is a tribute to the memory of the great workers. Unfortunately, after repeated restorations began in 1893, the stupa lost its original shape.

If you walk clockwise around Ruwanwelisaya, you will see a modern sanctuary containing five standing Buddha statues. Four of them, made of limestone, date back to the 8th century and symbolize the four incarnations of Buddha on earth, and the fifth modern statue symbolizes the future Buddha and is crowned with a tiara and holds a lotus flower in his hand. As you continue around Ruwanwelisai, you will see a statue facing the dagobah. According to legend, this is the figure of King Datugamunu himself, built by his son Siddatissa, who completed the construction of his father’s stupa and erected his statue so that he could enjoy his majestic creation. Nearby you can see a small model of the original Ruwanwelisaya stupa.

One of the shrines revered by Buddhists all over the world is the Bo or Bodhi tree. It is reputed to be the oldest plant on earth, and its age is about 2250 years. The tree grew from a sapling taken from the Buddha tree in India, under which, according to legend, Prince Gautama achieved enlightenment. The sapling was brought to the island by Princess Sangamitta, daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka and sister of Prince Mahinda, who brought the idea of ​​Buddhism to Sri Lanka. The original tree has not survived, but the sacred shoot in Anuradhapura grows to this day, despite the fact that the city was regularly attacked and conquered by Indian invaders who destroyed the ancient capital. Numerous shoots of this Bo tree have been planted throughout Sri Lanka and in many countries. South-East Asia. Now the mighty branches of the tree growing on top of the terrace support special gilded iron supports that can be seen around. All visitors, when approaching the tree, should remove their hats and shoes in accordance with the customs of Buddhism, meaning respect for shrines.

To the right of the sacred Bodhi tree can be seen the Lohapasada Palace or "Bronze Palace", which is a strange and wonderful structure built by King Dutugamunu over 2000 years ago. The palace is a 9-story building with 1000 rooms, the roof of which is supported by 1600 columns, about 4 meters high. In ancient times, all the columns were decorated with silver plates, and the roof of the palace building, reminiscent of a pyramid, was covered with bronze copper sheets, which gave it its name “bronze”. Since the palace was built of wood, it was destroyed several times as a result of fires and was restored first to the 7th floor, and after another fire in the 4th century only to the 5th. When Anuradhapura was captured by the Indian Chola army, the Bronze Palace was completely destroyed. The columns that have survived to this day were assembled from the remains of more ancient buildings by King Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century.

At the exit from the Mahavihara monastery complex, consisting of the Bodhi tree, the Bronze Palace and Ruvanveli Dagobda, on the right is the Jetavanarama monastery, on the central platform of which stands a gigantic stupa, about 120 meters high. On June 4, 2009, the grand opening of Jetavan Dagobah took place for visiting and holding Buddhist ceremonies. Work to restore Dagobah began in 1981 and lasted about 28 years. Dagoba is equipped with a special lighting system that allows the stupa to be illuminated during religious holidays.

According to the main Sri Lankan chronicle, the Mahavamsa, King Mahasena built this huge Dagobah, 112 meters in diameter, from red brick in the 3rd century BC. About 90 million bricks and a quarter of a century were spent on construction. The stupa is a perfect circle. It is known that in ancient times, on the site where the stupa was built, there were Nandana Gardens, where Arahat Mahinda, the son of King Ashoka, who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka, preached for seven days. From then on, the name Jetavana (modified from Jotivan) came about, literally meaning “the place where the rays of liberation shone.” Ancient records from the 13th century say that a fragment of the sash with which Buddha was girded was walled up in the mortar.

The original height of the stupa was about 160 meters, which made it possible to call it the third tallest structure in the world after famous pyramids in Giza. During conservation and restoration work, it was discovered that the foundation of the stupa went more than 8.5 meters into the ground rock and now the height of Jetavan Dagobah is 71 meters. However, it remains the largest stupa in the world built entirely of brick.

To the west of the stupa is the house of the Buddha image. Judging by the surviving doorway, 8 meters high, it was an impressive building.

Returning to the road leading past the Bassavakkulam reservoir, you can see the oldest dagobah of Anuradhapura - Thuparama, which literally means “stupa”. Thuparama Stupa is the first religious structure of Anuradhapura and the first stupa built in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. by King Devanampiyatissa as a sign that he had accepted Buddhism. Its height is only about 19 meters, and inside is a piece of the Buddha’s right collarbone. In the 6th and 13th centuries, the stupa was completed and even covered with a wooden roof, from which only numerous columns supporting it remained. The stupa you can see today was restored and covered with white marble in 1862.

In the northern part of Anuradhapura is the Abyagiri Monastery, which covers an area of ​​about 235 hectares. The monastery was built in the 1st century. BC. King Valagambahu for a group of monks expelled for heresy from the Mahavihara monastery, who created a new movement of Mahayana Buddhism, which was more liberal, in contrast to the traditional strict Theravada teachings. At the center of the monastery is the Abyagiri Stupa, built by King Gajabahu. In the 12th century, King Parakramabahu built the dagobah to a height of 115 meters, which made it the second tallest dagobah of the ancient capital, but today the height of the stupa does not exceed 75 meters. According to legend, the stupa was built over the footprint of Buddha.

Statue of Samadhi Buddha in a meditation pose. The statue was carved from limestone in the 4th century and according to legend the eyes of the statue were made of natural stones. Those who want to get closer must remove their shoes and hats.

The unique structure of the Abyagiri Monastery is the Twin Pools, built in the 8th century by monks. In fact, the pools cannot be considered twins because one of them is 28 meters long and the other 40. The uniqueness of the pools lies in the water purification system, which, before entering the pool, passes through a series of small depressions to the right of the structure, where dirt settles to the bottom, A pure water enters the smaller pool through a hole topped with a dilapidated lion's head. The stone sculpture of a snake nearby symbolizes good luck. The two pools are connected by a small diameter pipeline.

For the traveler

Entrance fee: $25/12.5 or 4500/2250 adult/child.

The ticket is valid only for the day! But many Anuradhapuras can be visited for free, so if you plan to explore it for more than one day, it makes sense to visit paid places on one day - Abyagiri, Citadel, Jetavanarama, museums and the main Architectural Museum, and on the remaining days to explore the rest. Ticket office are located near the Architectural Museum. Tuk tukers may offer to take you around the complex without buying tickets by paying them personally, but the amount is less than the cost of the tickets.

The sights of Anuradhapura can also be explored in the evening when the lights turn on and Sri Lankans come to religious sites for ceremonies. After 18:00 the ticket office is closed and you can walk around all the attractions for free.

Quadcopters are prohibited in Anuradhapura.

Around the clock

4500/2250 rupees adult/child

Time for inspection - 4 hours

general information

The city of Anuradhapura was founded by Prince Anuradha in 500 BC. e. In the 3rd century, Shanghamitta planted a Buddha fig tree here - the “tree of enlightenment”. The city flourished until 993, when the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa.

Hidden for centuries in the jungle, attractions include the Aukana Buddha and the Guardian Stone at Thuparama. The 13-metre tall granite Buddha, carved in the 5th century, is said to be crafted with such precision that drops of rainwater falling on the tip of his nose flow down to the ground exactly between his big toes. The guardian stone at Thuparama is said to enshrine one of the Buddha's collarbones.

Of great interest is the site where Thero Mahinda, son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, proclaimed Buddhism as the main religion of Sri Lanka - it is marked by the revered Bo tree, as well as Ruwanweli Seya, considered the world's largest stupa, erected in the 2nd century BC. They say that this structure is shaped like a perfect bubble that forms on water when it rains.

Today Anuradhapura is, in essence, two cities: a modern, well-planned, shady, cozy one, and an ancient one, famous for its monuments. The distance between the monuments in Anuradhapura is much greater than in Polonnaruwa, so you will need a taxi or at least a bicycle to see them.

Modern Anuradhapura is surrounded by three ancient reservoirs: Tisa Wewa and Basavakkulama Wewa are located in the west, and Nuwara Wewa is in the east. Of all the monuments of the past, they have been the least affected by time. In the center of the old city there grows Sri Maha Bodhi - the sacred Bo tree. Like the Buddha tooth enshrined in Kandy, this tree is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines. After accepting Buddhism, Devanampiya Tissa asked the Indian ruler Ashoka for a branch of the sacred tree under which Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment. Ashoka sent a branch, and from its cutting a new tree was carefully grown. Currently, the Bo tree in Anuradhapura is considered the oldest on earth: it is more than 22 centuries old. However, it still looks quite strong and healthy. A platform has been built around the tree with a stone staircase leading up to it, at the base of which there is a golden sculpture depicting the planting of a cutting. Believers first bow to her and then climb onto the platform to pray on the tree itself.

Nearby you will see one of the most mysterious places in Anuradhapura. Once upon a time there was the majestic palace of Loha Prasad, from which 1,600 gray monolithic columns, arranged in 40 parallel rows, 40 columns each, have survived to this day. Some columns were barbarically destroyed or removed from their places during restoration carried out at the beginning of the 20th century. The palace was built during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC) to receive Indian envoys who brought a sacred branch from the Bo tree.

The dagobas in Anuradhapura are quite numerous; they are the best preserved evidence of the city's former greatness. These structures are distinguished by their beauty and magnificent architecture, so it is not surprising that they are considered among the most significant Buddhist monuments not only in Sri Lanka, but throughout the world. The height of the Abhayagiri dagoba, or “dagoba of Mount Fearlessness,” is 100 m.

It was built by the ruler Valagamabahu in 89 BC. e., immediately after repelling the Indian invasion. Even more ancient is the massive white da-goba of Ruvanveliseya, not inferior to Abhayagiri in height. Its construction began under the monarch Dutthagamani (161-137 BC), and ended after his death, during the reign of his brother Saddhatissa (137-119 BC).

The oldest dagobah of Anuradhapura, and indeed the entire island, is Thuparama, located just north of the dagobah of Ruwanveliseya. Its height is only 19 m, it is perhaps the smallest religious building in Anuradhapura, but it surpasses the others in importance. Dagoba Thuparama was built in 249 BC. Devanampiya Tissa to commemorate his conversion to Buddhism. It is believed that the dagobah contained Buddha's right collarbone and the dish from which he ate. These items are gifts to the convert from the Indian ruler Ashoka. It is not surprising that Dagoba Thuparama enjoys special veneration and is an object of pilgrimage. Dagobah is bell-shaped and surrounded by four rows of stone columns. Stairs lead to it, decorated with skillfully made bas-reliefs and statues.

Dagoba Jetavana on the northern border of the old city cannot be compared in sanctity with Dagoba Thuparama; it deserves attention because it is the largest in Sri Lanka: its height is 120 m and its diameter is 112 m. The construction of this dagoba dates back to the reign of Mahasena (274-301) .

South of the sacred Bo tree and just east of the Tissa Wewa reservoir there is a grandiose rock monastery Issaramuniya Vihara. Several monastic premises are located outside the caves. A small museum opened at the entrance to the cave displays bas-reliefs considered to be the best in Anuradhapura. Some of them depict members of royal families who lived in different eras. The most famous bas-relief is “Lovers” (IV-V centuries). Presumably it depicts either a warrior with his beloved, or a divine couple. The bas-relief is made in the Indian Gupta style.

Although the dagobas erected by the rulers have survived to one degree or another to this day, we, unfortunately, cannot say the same about their residences. Only the remains of Mahasepa's palaces have survived (301-328) and Vijayabahu I (1055-1110) . The magnificent moonstone, once located in front of Mahasena's palace, today attracts the attention of tourists, but from former luxuries and the grandeur of the palace was practically gone. Admission is paid or by single ticket in "Cultural Triangle".

Neighborhoods of Anuradhapura

Mihintale

About 12 km east of Anuradhapura, off Highway 12 leading to Trincomalee, is ancient temple Mihintale, highly revered by Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The temple was founded in 247 BC. e., when Mahinda converted the ruler of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.

Mihintale is located on top of a giant granite rock. Numerous stairs lead to the temple. To reach it, believers have to overcome 1840 steps, so the pilgrimage here can be compared to mountain climbing. On the way up you will see a ruined hospital and the Kantaka Chetiya temple, dating back to around 240 BC. e. But the main monuments of Mihintale are on the top of the rock: these are two dazzling white dagobas - Ambastale and Mahasea - surrounded by coconut palms and rocky outcrops. From the top of the cliff opens fabulous beauty view. There is also a small museum here - with frescoes, fragments of ancient ceramics and bronze figurines. Paid entrance.

Aukana Buddha

It is difficult to reach by car, but can be reached on foot from Aukana station, getting off the train from Colombo to Trincomalee. The main local attraction is the 12-meter statue of Aukan Buddha, dating back to the 5th century. The statue is carved from solid stone (you can see that the back is literally fused with the rock). This is perhaps the most elegant image of Buddha that exists in Sri Lanka. Buddha is depicted in the pose of Ashiva Mudra, that is, blessing. The word "aucana" means "sun-eating", and indeed the dawn is best time for viewing and photographing the statue. If you have personal transport, then in Kekirav (Kekirawa) Leave Route 9 and follow the narrow country road through Kalaveva to Aucana (Kalawewa). You will have to drive about 11 km. Paid entrance.

Yapahuwa

The ancient rock fortress of Yapahuwa resembles Sigiriya, but is inferior in size. The fortress was built in the 13th century. and served as the residence and main stronghold of the ruler Bhuvanekabahu I, who more than once repelled invasions from South India. Nowadays you can climb a steep, ornate staircase to the platform where the temple once stood. It was here that the sacred tooth of Buddha was originally placed, but then it was transferred to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. On the platform you can see several magnificent bas-reliefs, and the view from here is truly wonderful. Like Aukana, Yapahuwa is difficult to reach by private transport. The fortress is located 4 km from Maho station (Maho) on the Colombo - Anuradhapura railway line. If you still decide to go by car, then choose route 28, between Kurunegalla and Anuradhapura. Paid entrance.

Tiny Mihintale is considered the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It was here in the 3rd century BC. appeared first Buddhist monastery and Mahinda's missionary work began - in his honor, Mount Mihintale is also called Mount Mahinda.

Over time, the monastery grew in size and influence, and until the 13th century it was the third largest monastic complex in Sri Lanka. Stupas have been built here for centuries (there were more than 60 of them), and some were quite large.

Nowadays, Mihintale is rightly considered sacred and is visited by pilgrims. This is a working temple: a calm and majestic place, numerous stupas and other ancient buildings are discreetly, but perfectly integrated into the landscape. One of the oldest stupas contains the remains of Mahinda, and there is also a big statue Buddha.

Coordinates: 8.35027500,80.51811200

Bo tree

The Bo tree (or ficus sacred) is one of the oldest trees in the world. It is difficult to imagine its age - 23 centuries. The centuries-old giant grew from a sapling taken from a tree in Nepal's Budha Goya, under which Buddha gained enlightenment. For this reason, of course, the tree is a kind of shrine for all followers of Buddhism.

The scion was brought from Nepal to the island in the 3rd century BC by the nun Sangamitta, daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka, and found its place in royal park Anuradhapura.

It would seem that such an old tree should be very large. But the sacred Bo itself is small; its venerable old age is supported by special supports. But the nearby protective tree is impressively huge.

As befits a shrine, the Bo tree, surrounded by a golden fence, is carefully guarded. You can't just approach him like that. But after passing through the protective cordons, you can stand in awe near the tree and, if you’re lucky, pick up a fallen leaf as a souvenir of the pilgrimage.

Coordinates: 8.34433100,80.39734800

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Jetavanarama stupa

"Jetavanarama" is a unique monastic complex created by King Mahasena in 276-303. At the dawn of the monastery, about 3,000 monks were located on its territory, which occupied an area of ​​48 hectares. On the central platform of the complex is the Jetavana Stupa, which rises 120 m and is the tallest brick structure ever built by man. In the 4th century AD, during the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Jetavanarama stupa was the third largest structure in the world, second only to the pyramids of Khafre and Cheops at Giza. The structure has massive brickwork that extends to a depth of 14 meters, so that the weight of the monument rests entirely on the bedrock.

Another unique thing about the stupa is that it is a perfect circle and contains particles of the physical remains of the Buddha. The place where the structure stands was known in ancient times as the Nandana Gardens. It was here that Arahat Mahinda preached a sermon to 7,000 people for 7 days. The Jetavanarama Stupa was built over the footprint of Buddha, and 93,300,000 bricks were used for its construction.

Coordinates: 8.35176200,80.40372100

The Museum of Money at the Central Bank with its collections can compete with historical museum, because it was in the coins of their kingdoms that the history of Sri Lanka was reflected. Here you can trace all stages of the country’s development from colonial times, when the territory was under the rule of first Portugal, and then Holland and Britain, to the present day. The exhibits in the collections of the Money Museum are recognized as the oldest in the region.

The museum was created in April 1982 to house the country's complete numismatic collection. But over time, the exhibits became more and more numerous, they covered wider time periods and the collection was divided into four thematic exhibitions: “Ancient Period”, “Medieval Period”, “Colonial Period” and “Period of Independence since the establishment of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka "

In the first two you can find the oldest coins that were in circulation in Sri Lanka. They were called Kahapana and date back to the 3rd century BC. They came in a wide variety of shapes and were made mainly of silver. Kahavanu gold coins appeared on the island only four centuries later. The first foreign coins appeared with the development of navigation and trade. Many coins of Greek, Indo-Greek, Roman, Chinese and Arabic origin have been found in Sri Lanka.

Coordinates: 6.93427600,79.84226900

Kutam Pokuna Twin Pools

Kutam Pokuna Pools (twin pools) – ancient pools Ancient world, representing enormous hydrological, engineering, architectural and artistic value. The pools were intended for bathing Buddhist monks.

The pools were built in the 8th century in the kingdom of Andradhapura. In fact, the pools are not twins, because the first reaches a length of 28 meters, and the second - 40 meters.

The pools are carved from granite slabs that cover the bottom and walls. There are also stepped walls in the form of shelves leading to them, on which the monks placed pots for ablution and other objects when bathing.

The pools are distinguished by a unique water purification system: before entering the pool, water passes through a series of depressions next to the structure, and all dirt settles at the bottom. The pools are connected to each other using a pipeline.

Coordinates: 8.37110200,80.40159700

Abhayagiri Stupa

The Anuradhapura Stupa is the second tallest building in the ancient world, built in the 1st century BC by King Vatta Gamini Abhaya. The height of the stupa exceeds 112 meters.

In front of the entrance to the stupa there are two stone sculptures, who are considered the guardians of the god Kuvera. The name of the stupa consists of two names - the name of King Abhay and the name of Jain, known as Giri. The stupa houses an interesting library of the Ancient World, which even foreign scholars interested in studying Buddhism tend to visit.

The stupa is believed to be decorated with gold, silver and precious stones.

A monastery of the same name was built next to the stupa, which was once home to 5,000 monks. They worshiped an image of Buddha made of green jade.

Coordinates: 8.37101700,80.39550300

The most popular attractions in Anuradhapura with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Anuradhapura on our website.

The most revered city in Sri Lanka, without a doubt, is Anuradhapura. Although many of its places of worship are now in ruins, a huge part of the region's religious and historical heritage has been preserved. Anuradhapura is an ideal tourist destination for tourists in love with history, for those who want to get to know the culture of this miniature country.

Ancient Anuradhapura is full of charm and mystery. Its attractions will allow you to plunge into the mystical past of Sri Lanka and even take some unique photographs there.

Not far from the Abhayagiri complex, tourists will find the ruins of the old Ratna Prasada monastery, built in the 2nd century by order of King Kanitta Tissa for the monks of the Abhayagiri order. It was gigantic in size, as evidenced by the powerful, richly decorated columns that can still be seen today. In the 8th century, the temple was reconstructed: several floors were added and a golden statue of Buddha was installed.

One of the centers of Sinhala civilization, the Jetavana Pagoda has a diameter of 113 meters and reaches a height 75 meters. At one time it was the tallest Buddhist building in South Asia. 93 million bricks were used for its construction. Today, next to the pagoda there is a museum where you can learn the history of the attraction and display an interesting collection of Buddhist statues.

One of Anuradhapura's most colorful structures, the Ruwanvelisseya Pagoda is located next to the ethnographic museum. An interesting wall that surrounds the pagoda is decorated with images of hundreds of elephants. Seriously damaged by wars and natural disasters, the landmark today is only 55 meters high and is surrounded by a garden replete with ruins.

Location: Abhayawewa Road.

An interesting tourist attraction in Anuradhapura is the Isurumuniya Monastery, which attracts attention with its stone sculptures that personify Prince Saliya and his beloved, a representative of the Asokamala caste.

Legend has it that the prince gave up his crown to marry her. Situated on the top of a cliff, the monastery is full of Buddhist relics brought from India in the early 4th century. At the entrance to the temple there is beautiful lake, decorated with impressive elephant statues.

Situated in a picturesque location on the Tissa Wewa River, Mirisavetiya is a pagoda of impressive proportions. Like all pagodas in Sri Lanka, it has its own legend, which says that King Dutugemunu, who decided to swim in the river, threw off his scepter and his royal insignia differences. After bathing, he wanted to pick up the scepter, which contained the relics of Buddha, but was unable to. To protect them, the king ordered the construction of a pagoda.

Location: Old Puttalam Road.

An attraction that is very popular in Anuradhapura is the Thuparama Pagoda, built by King Dawaman Pusa. It is considered to be the oldest in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century. Tuparama is located north of the Ruwanwelisseya Pagoda and has a diameter of 18 meters.

Location: Thuparama Mawatha.

The Abhayagiri monastery complex is the largest in Anuradhapura. Its main building, the Abhayagiri Pagoda, is 108 meters. The complex of monastery buildings covers an area of ​​200 hectares and includes several Buddhist temples. The main attraction of the complex is the Samadhi statue, which is considered one of the most beautiful images of Buddha.

Built during the reign of King Vijayanahu in the 12th century from wood, stone and clay soil, the palace covered an area of ​​about 2.5 square kilometers. Its southern wing was given over to a pagoda (Maligawa), where the relics of Buddha were kept. The wood used in the construction has not stood the test of time, but the stone part of the building can still be seen.

Once a magnificent structure covered with a bronze roof, Lohopasada Palace was built over 2,000 years ago for King Dutugemenu in the 13th century. Today you can see the ruins of 1,600 columns that supported the building. They say that the grandiose medieval building had 9 floors and could accommodate up to 1000 people at a time.

Money Museum

At the Anuradhapura Money Museum you can get acquainted with the history of Sri Lanka, starting from ancient times, in an accessible form. Many of its exhibits are recognized as the oldest in the world. Founded in 1982, the museum is divided into 4 exhibitions:

• Ancient period.
• Medieval period.
• Colonial period.
• Period of independence.

The oldest coins date back to the 3rd century and are made of silver. The museum also exhibits gold coins, as well as foreign ones that appeared here with the beginning of the development of trade.

Location: Stage 1, New Town.

The Sri Maha Bodhi Temple is home to what Buddhists believe is the oldest tree on Terra, planted in 249 BC. According to Buddhist belief, Gautami Buddha achieved enlightenment in front of a sacred tree at Buddhagaya, in India, and the Sri Maha Bothi tree is a shoot of the southern branch of this tree. A trip to Anuradhapura would not be complete without visiting this sacred place for all Buddhists.