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Temples & religious sites

Thuparamaya

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Thuparamaya

Thuparamaya

Thuparamaya is the oldest Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, established when Buddhism was first introduced to the island. Visitors go here to see the early architectural style of Sri Lankan Buddhism and the original stupa structure located within the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

Getting There

The temple is located within the central sacred area of Anuradhapura. From the city center, it is accessible via a short tuk-tuk ride or a bicycle trip, typically taking about 5 to 10 minutes depending on the exact starting point.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes to walk around the stupa and observe the surrounding stone pillars and ruins.

When to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat. The site can become crowded during Buddhist religious holidays and festivals. The dry season is generally the most favorable time for visiting the ruins.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this site is easily combined with other nearby landmarks:

  • Ruwanweli Maha Saya: 0.6km
  • Mahamevnāwa Park: 0.8km
  • Jetavanaramaya: 0.9km
  • Anuradhapura Museum: 0.9km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Thuparamaya

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Thuparamaya Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Anuradhapura 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Anuradhapura grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Ruwanweli Maha Saya

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.

0.6 km away
Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura

Parks & gardens

Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura

A historic royal garden in Anuradhapura, said to be linked to the king credited with creating Sri Lanka's first garden. It's a pleasant place to stroll and take in the atmosphere of the ancient city.

0.8 km away
Jetavanaramaya

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.

0.9 km away
Anuradhapura Museum

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.

0.9 km away
Vessagiri

Heritage & monuments

Vessagiri

An ancient Buddhist forest monastery ruin set among the rocky outcrops south of Isurumuniya in Anuradhapura. Founded under King Devanampiya Tissa and greatly expanded under King Kashyapa, it once housed over 500 monks, and traces of meditation cells carved into the rocks can still be seen.

1.5 km away
Dakkhina Stupa

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.

1.6 km away