Anuradhapura

Nature

Mihintale

A mountain near Anuradhapura believed to be where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. It's now a pilgrimage site with numerous Buddhist ruins, explored by climbing its stone steps.

Temples & religious sites

Jetavanaramaya

A massive stupa within the ruins of Jetavana Monastery in the World Heritage city of Anuradhapura. It was the tallest stupa in the world at the time of its completion, and its scale remains impressive.

Temples & religious sites

Thuparamaya

Built when Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka, this is recorded as the island's oldest Buddhist temple. In Anuradhapura, it offers a glimpse into the very beginnings of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Temples & religious sites

Ruwanweli Maha Saya

A stupa in Anuradhapura said to have been built around 140 BCE by King Dutugemunu. It's known to enshrine the largest quantity of the Buddha's relics.

Nature

Tissa Wewa

A reservoir built around the 3rd century BCE, this historic irrigation system has long supplied water to the Tissamaharama area of Sri Lanka. Its calm lake scenery offers a quiet trace of ancient irrigation engineering.

Temples & religious sites

Lankarama

A stupa built by King Valagamba during the era of the ancient Anuradhapura kingdom, surrounded by rows of stone pillars that hint at its original structure. It's a pleasant spot for a walk steeped in the atmosphere of ancient ruins.

Museums & galleries

Anuradhapura Museum

An archaeological museum in Anuradhapura, the oldest and largest run by Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology. It's a great place to trace the city's history through its ancient artifacts.

Temples & religious sites

Dakkhina Stupa

A large 2nd-century BC brick stupa remaining in Anuradhapura. It was once believed to be a monument to a different king, but was later identified as the tower of an ancient temple.