Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Joseph Clerici, Flick
Modern Anuradhapura consists of two parts - Old city and New city. The old city is essentially a huge historical park with ancient ruins of city palaces, gardens, Buddhist temples, monasteries and dagobas and stupas. Most of the hotels, guest houses, shops and restaurants are located in the new city.
Allocate at least one full day to Anuradhapura Old Town
why go
Don't miss in Anuradhapura
- Rent a bike to explore the magnificent Old Town of Anuradhapura.
- Watch beautiful ceremonies near the ancient sacred Bodhi tree, around which the second most sacred temple of Sri Lanka - Bodhi Tree Temple was built.
- Don't miss the magnificent dagobas (Buddhist stupas): Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya and Jetawanarama.
- Walk around the ancient Abhayagiri Monastery, located in the northern part of the city, and admire the royal gardens and original architecture of the rock-built Isurumuniya Temple in the south of the city.
- Make a day trip to Mihintala, one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka.
Bodhi tree
The Bodhi tree is perhaps one of the most sacred relics of Buddhism. According to legend, under the Bodhi tree in the Indian town of Bodg Haya, Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment, therefore Bodhi trees are cultivated in many Buddhist monasteries. The original tree has been destroyed. But again, according to legend, the Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura was grown from the sprout of the original tree brought from India. Years later, on the site of the original felled tree in Bodg Haya, a new one was grown from the sprout of an Anuradhapur tree.
Given the legends and stories, it is not surprising that the temple built around the Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It is always crowded here, there are many pilgrims who regularly hold beautiful ceremonies.
Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Mario Feierstein, Flickr
Pilgrims to the Bodhi tree. Photo credit: David & Bonnie, Flickr
Dagoba Anuradhapura
Dagobas are ancient Buddhist stupas of the original form, inherent in ancient Sri Lankan architecture. At the base, the dagobas have the shape of a huge dome erected on a massive platform, which is crowned with a small pointed tower.
The four most important dagoba of Anuradhapura: Jetawanarama - the largest dagoba in Sri Lanka, Thuparamaya - the most sacred dagoba of the island, Ruwanwelisaya - a magnificent white dagoba, which is considered the most beautiful dagoba of the island and the most atmospheric dagoba of the island - Abhayagiri, located on the territory of the monastery of the same name.
Dagoba Abhayagiri. Photo credit: Chandana Witharanage, Flickr
Sun rays after heavy rainfall - Dagoba Thuparamaya. Photo credit: lesterlester1, Flickr
Visit to the old city of Anuradhapura
The cost of visiting the Old Town and all sights is about $ 25, in terms of local currency. Tickets are sold at the Archaeological Museum. In Anuradhapura, there is no main entrance where tickets are bought and / or presented, there is also no wall between the old and the new city. In fact, you can walk around the old city and not meet checking tickets, but still we would recommend not to succumb to the temptation of "free cheese" and still buy tickets).
The best way to explore the old town is by bike. An alternative is to walk or rent a tuk-tuk. You can rent a bicycle or a tuk-tuk and take a card at any guest house in the city. Set aside a full day exploring the local attractions. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes where they take off your shoes locals... There are stalls in the park where you can buy food and drinks.
Keep track of your belongings - local monkeys are still thieves, they can easily steal a bag, glasses, a camera and in general everything that lies or hangs on a person)
Little residents of Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Nadun Wanniarachchi, Flickr
Anuradhapura. Photo credit: lesterlester1, Flickr
Mikhintale
The tiny town of Mihintale, located 12 km from Anuradhapura, is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. According to legend, here, on the top of the mountain, the fatal meeting of the Indian monk Mahinda, the son of the Indian emperor Ashoka and King Devanampiyatissa, took place, from whose reign Buddhism began to spread on the island.
To climb to the top of Mihintale to the spectacular white dagoba and white Buddha statue, you need to overcome 1840 steps. The ascent consists of several levels, along the way you can see the relics and stupas of the first Buddhist monastery of the island.
You can get to Mihintale from Anuradhapura by tuk-tuk, bicycle, train or regularly running minibuses. Take a day to travel.
Buddha statue in Anuradhapura. Photo credit: Daniel Kosla, Flickr
Ascent to the top of Mikhintale. Photo credit: k.dexter fernando kariyakarawanage, Flickr
Anuradhapura- the famous city of ancient monasteries, located in the northern part of Central Sri Lanka. The ancient monuments of Anuradhapura were discovered in the 19th century, and later entered into. This ancient city called the most big city monasteries in the world. In the capital, where 113 kings ruled, where Buddhists make pilgrimages, there are some of Sri Lanka's greatest monuments, palaces and monasteries. Other famous cultural attractions in Sri Lanka are majestic rock, a cave temple and amazing temples.
Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka
The founding of the city of Anuradhapura almost coincided with the spread of Buddhism in Ceylon. According to legend, the Sinhalese ruler Devanampiya Tissa (III century BC) and his entourage got acquainted with the new doctrine thanks to the son of the Indian king Ashoka - Mahinda. Soon Buddhism became the official religion of the Sinhalese, and the first stupa (dagoba) Tuparama and the Buddhist monastery of Isurumuniya were built in Anuradhapura. During this era, the city experienced a period of its heyday.
The ancient Sri Lankan chronicle “Mahavamsa” testifies: “The great and wise king ordered to build streets in this wonderful city, and on them were built thousands of houses, barely three floors. Everywhere in the city there were shops full of all kinds of goods. Elephants, horses and carriages passed without delay through the streets, every day teeming with people who took part in the solemn festivities. The entire strip of land near the coast was like one continuous workshop, constantly busy building ships ... "
Having existed for over 1200 years as the capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura was destroyed at the end of the 10th century, when the troops of the South Indian state of Cholov invaded the northern part of the island. The capital of the island was moved to Polonnaruwu and Anuradhapura became a city of great past, revered as the sacred capital of the island.
Attractions Anuradhapura
The majestic ruins of Anuradhapura, spanning over 12 km in diameter, are located a four-hour drive from the modern capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. This city-museum cannot be completely bypassed and viewed even in a few days. Meanwhile, here are concentrated perhaps the most significant cultural monuments of the "lion's island".
Ancient chronicles tell that Anuradhapura was once surrounded by high walls with gates facing the four cardinal directions. There were many water bodies and parks in the city, and thousands of sweepers went out to clean the streets every day. The royal palace and numerous Buddhist monasteries (viharas) and stupas (dagobas) were grandiose structures of stone and wood. In ancient times, there were more than 3 thousand monks alone.
At the same time, each ruler of Anuradhapura strove to build a dagoba, as much as possible superior in size and splendor to those that were erected by his predecessors. In particular, the Jetavana Dagobah, which lay in ruins, but was partially restored, reached 80 m in height - i.e. was taller than many Egyptian pyramids.
Typical and extremely characteristic of Ceylon examples of Buddhist art are the so-called "moonstones". Eight of them survived in Anuradhapura. Usually they were placed in front of the entrance to the "House of the Image". "Moon stones" are semicircular granite slabs with ornamental images carved on them. In the outer semicircle, various animals and birds were located in a clockwise direction.
The next half-ring was a wreath of lotus leaves. The sun was depicted in the center. This symbolism is associated with ancient cosmogonic ideas, and penetrated to the island from India along with Buddhism. The images themselves on the "moonstones", however, are inspired by Hindu mythology, but they have new content. Leo, for example, is associated with Buddha, lotuses - with detachment from everything earthly.
Today, of the architectural structures of ancient Anuradhapura, the dagobas are the best preserved. Giant stone masses have stood despite the ravages of time.
The largest among the dagobas of Anuradhapura is the Ruvanvelisaya dagoba - a masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. It is often called the "Great Stupa" - "Maha Thupa". A round snow-white stone mass, 54 m high, rests on a square base, framed on all sides by reliefs depicting the heads of elephants. The spire directed into the sky once sparkled with gold.
The Ruvanvelisaya stupa is about two thousand years old, and the history of its construction is described in detail in the ancient Ceylon chronicle "Mahavamsa". The construction of the dagoba was started by King Dutthtagamini, one of the most glorious lords who ruled in Anuradhapura. Reigning on the throne, he found a gold plate hidden in his palace with instructions to build a dagoba. Then the king called five hundred of the best architects, showed them the plate and asked what form the dagoba should be built. One of the architects proposed an upside-down bowl as a model.
Dagoba was built with extreme care. Even sand intended for construction was sifted many times and then rubbed between the stones. The foundation was trampled by elephants, whose legs were wrapped in skins. The inner sanctuary of the dagoba was decorated with silver and gold. A model of the sacred bo tree made of gold and silver with pearls and gems was installed here. Especially famous was the statue of Buddha, which was cast from pure gold, which was located here.
Shortly before the completion of the construction, the king fell ill. Feeling the approach of death, he asked his brother Saddhatissa to see that the construction was completed. Saddhatissa promised to fulfill his request. It was he who ordered to paint the dagoba white, which it retains to this day, although the color has to be regularly renewed: Subsequent kings also decorated the dagoba in all available ways.
In the middle of the XIX century. this building was threatened by the fate of many other buildings in Anuradhapura. The dilapidated dome resembled a natural hill overgrown with trees and bushes, in which monkeys galloped and jackals hid. The restoration work has been going on for almost a hundred years. Only during the Second World War, the Ruvanvelisaya Pagoda was finally restored.
Among the most ancient monuments of Buddhism in Ceylon is the Tuparama Dagoba, built in the 3rd century. BC. Devanapia Tissa - the first Sinhalese ruler to convert to Buddhism. According to legend, the collarbone of the Buddha is immured in this stupa, thanks to which Tuparama is a particularly revered shrine. The height of this graceful, surprisingly proportional structure. resembling a bell, is about 17 m.
One can only marvel at the skill and artistic taste of the Sinhalese craftsmen who created this magnificent structure more than twenty-two centuries ago. Dagoba is surrounded by stone pillars that once served as a support for a tent over the heads of the worshipers.
The spire of another dagoba, Abhayagiri, seems to rise from the depths of a huge mountain. This mountain is actually nothing more than a dome overgrown with grass (also restored in recent years). The very name "Abhayagiri" is sometimes translated as "Mountain where there is no fear."
At the foot of the dagoba, there is a sculpture about two meters high, depicting the Buddha Samadhi immersed in nirvana (IV or V centuries). The figure is carved rather roughly, but the face is very expressively worked out with a pronouncedly absent expression.
However, in Anuradhapura, a much more interesting statue of Buddha has survived, which is the oldest in Sri Lanka - it was erected 1800 years ago. The Chinese traveler Fa Xian, who visited Anuradhapura in 411, wrote: “Here ... there is a Buddha hall decorated with gold, silver and precious stones, where his statue of green jade, more than fifty fugues high, sparkling with seven treasures, but in the pose serious and indescribable dignity. In the palm of his right hand lies a priceless stone. "
This statue that has survived to this day is actually not carved from jade, but from granite. Buddha is depicted in a meditation posture. sitting cross-legged. His face expresses serenity, the deepest peace of all-attained wisdom.
Another ancient monument of Anuradhapura, preserved from the time of King Devanampiya Tissa, is the Isurumuniya monastery, cut into a large rock. Later restorations significantly changed its original appearance. Several bas-reliefs carved into the rock monolith dating back to the time of Devanampia Tissa have survived. Among them - a composition depicting a group of elephants, as well as the famous bas-relief "Lovers in the Stone", depicting a girl sitting on the lap of her beloved warrior.
The construction of Lohapasada - the Bronze Palace, began in the middle of the 2nd century. BC. King Dutthagamani, the one who built the grandiose dagoba Ruvanvelisaya. The liberation of the north of Sri Lanka and the capital of the island of Anuradhapura from the rule of the South Indian invaders is associated with his reign. By uniting the entire island under his rule. Dutghagamani began extensive construction in his capital. His life was not enough for this, and the construction of the Bronze Palace was completed under his younger brother.
The stories of Anuradhapura's new miracle spread far beyond the island's borders. Legend has it that it was built "in the image of the sky." The palace had nine floors and a thousand rooms decorated with wood carvings. An ivory throne was installed in the throne room, on which the sun, moon and stars, made of gold, silver and pearls, sparkled. The rooms of the palace were also decorated with pearls, gold and silver. The Mahavamsa says that "precious stones were inserted into the cornices ... The ringing festoons are made of gold." The palace got its name - Bronze - because of the bronze sheets covering the roof.
The bronze palace perished, as they say, "because of a penny candle": once a burning oil lamp fell to the floor, and the fire completely destroyed all this splendor. The building was partially restored, but the subsequent wars and the desolation of Anuradhapura led to the fact that today only an area, covered with a whole forest of granite columns, has remained from the legendary palace - there are up to 1,600 of them!
But the Kuttam - "Double Bath", built in the 9th century, has been perfectly preserved. and is about 8 m deep. At the edge of the bath is an elaborate sculptural image of a cobra.
In Anuradhapura, there are many architectural monuments that are deservedly famous all over the world. Perhaps no less famous is the thousand-year-old bo tree growing near the Ruvanvelisaya dagoba. It was planted over 2,250 years ago by the first Buddhist king, Devanampiya Tissa, and is probably the oldest tree on earth today. It survived almost the entire history of Sri Lanka, now captured in the ruins of Anuradhapura.
The tree sapling was brought from India, from the holy city, and, according to legend. is an offshoot from the very bo tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The branch, placed in a golden pot, was brought to Anuradhapura by the nun Sanghamitta, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka. With the greatest solemnity, the precious branch was planted in the park before royal palace... Then it was predicted that the tree would bloom and bloom forever.
It is said that seven days later a miraculous rain fell, and the branch immediately launched eight shoots, which in turn were delivered to other parts of the island. Today in almost any Sri Lankan Buddhist monastery you can see the bo tree, which is a "grandson", "great-grandson" or even more distant descendant of "sri-maha-bodhi" - "sacred great bo" from Anuradhapura.
A huge ancient tree is carefully surrounded by a cast-iron fence. Its thick branches, full of life juices, indicate that this tree will not die soon. There is hardly a Buddhist in the whole country who has not made a pilgrimage to this tree at least once in his life. Students come here before exams, business people come here before the conclusion of important deals, ministers come here before making political decisions. On the day of the anniversary of the conversion of the Sinhalese to Buddhism (this holiday is called "poson"), thousands of pilgrims come to Anuradhapura. Here they pray and light candles by the sacred tree.
we went to Anuradhapura by bus as usual. The ride is 3 hours, the cost of 2 tickets is 300 rupees. And, as usual, we were not dropped off at the station, but somewhere in the city. First of all, we wanted to go to the railway station. Until now, we have traveled around Lanka by buses. However, now they decided to use the services of the Sri Lankan railways. The fact is that the next point of our trip was Unawatuna. located almost in the very south of the island. By e-mail, the owner of our booked villa in Unawatuna asked what time we would arrive. We reported that we were already in Sri Lanka and on the appointed day we would arrive from Anuradhapura in the evening. Having learned that we are planning to get there by bus, the hostess expressed great doubts about the success of our venture.
The distance Anuradhapura-Colombo-Unawatuna by Russian standards is not very great, and in our opinion, it is quite surmountable in daylight hours. But buses in Lanka are really in no hurry, and the owner of the house, although she was a New Zealander, had lived here for a long time. There is no direct railway connection from here to Unawatuna, you need to go through Colombo. We read that in order to take tickets for the 1st or 2nd grade (they wrote some horrors about the 3rd grade), you need to take tickets in advance. That is why we had to go to the station first. We started looking around, trying to get our bearings. We were quickly noticed by a tuker and offered to take us to the railway station for 100 rupees. We knew that there are two stations in Anuradhapura, but we did not know which one we needed. 100 rupees (40 rubles) is a small amount and, having specified that we need a station from which we can go to Colombo, we drove off. At the station, we went to the window with the inscription "1st, 2nd grade" and asked for two tickets for the day after tomorrow to Colombo in the first class. We were told that there are no first-class cars on this route for any train. And not only on the day we need, but in general. I had to take 2 second class tickets with departure the day after tomorrow at 9 am. The cashier took 1800 rupees from us and issued a sheet perforated along the edges in half A4 format, where the date, time, class of the carriage and the numbers of seats C7, C8 were indicated. We asked the cashier whether this inscription exactly means the numbers of our seats, and received an affirmative answer. The mood has improved: it means that we will not have to stand in the aisle and fight for seats.
At the exit from the station, an overweight man in a shirt, sarong and sandals with bare feet approached us. "Taxi, sir?" - he turned to her husband. Taxi?! Is there really a taxi here ?! Not a knock-knock, but a normal car with a trunk and even air conditioning ?! Riding a tuk in any country does not give us pleasure. Driving in the heat, inhaling the exhaust gases of passing cars, dust, freezing from the driver's pirouettes, and then figuring out why the price was higher than agreed is not the most pleasant experience. It is always easier and more comfortable with a taxi. Until now, we have not been able to see a taxi in Sri Lanka, except at the airport. Joyful, we threw our things in the trunk and plunged into the air-conditioned coolness of the car interior. Our hotel was located in the strip between the city buildings and the expanses of rice fields. It was even called Heaven Upon Rice Fields. That's why I chose it, I liked it according to the description and reviews. Our driver knew the object we had booked. On the way, he asked about our plans. We replied that today we would like to visit Mihintale and would gladly do it by car. He literally jumped up on the seat and clapped his hands - he was ready to take us. After unloading the suitcases at the hotel and giving 200 rupees, we asked the driver about the price of the trip to Mihintale by car. He named the price at Rs 2,500. As we knew from the network, the trip was supposed to cost no more than 1500. As a result, we bargained until 1700, agreed on the time of departure, I wanted to take a shower and have a snack from the road first.
A palm squirrel jumped into the room through the open doors of the balcony to our room.
We wanted to treat her, but she was so scared that, after running for a minute along the ledge and curtains, she quickly jumped out. From the windows - really a view of the rice fields and the Mikhintale mountain, where we planned to go today.
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At the appointed time, a minibus drove into the courtyard. A completely different person came out of it and asked if we were going to Mikhintale. We replied that we were really going to Mihintale, but we had already agreed with another driver. In response, he told us that Abi (the name that the previous driver wrote to us) is his brother, and that he is busy now. We approached the minibus and saw a guy and a girl in the cabin. To our question, the driver said that they were also going to Mikhintale. But we did not agree so! We were going to go on our own, and not in the company of strangers, and did not want to adjust ourselves to someone, or force someone to adjust to us. We turned back decisively. The driver trotted after us, convincing us that we would not interfere with each other at all. Then he said that he would make a discount of up to 1,500 rupees - "just for you." The time was 16 o'clock, the hotel owner said that he could, if necessary, arrange a tuk-tuk for us. But knock knock, not a car. Time was more expensive now, I didn't want to waste it looking for another car. We agreed.
The couple in the minibus turned out to be from the Czech Republic. When asked what language they prefer to communicate in - English or Russian - they confidently chose Russian. The guy was from Karlovy Vary (probably the most "Russian" Czech city), he understood Russian tolerably well and, although slowly and carefully choosing his words, spoke quite well. He said that they came from Colombo, where they had been for two days, and that Colombo is a boring and uninteresting city in which there is absolutely nothing to do. We shared our impressions.
Now about Mikhintale. Located just 12 kilometers from Anuradhapura. A very atmospheric place, we recommend it for a must-see. We have seen statements that Mihintale is even more interesting than Anuradhapura herself. Difficult to compare, but we really liked this place. It is known for the fact that it was from here that Buddhism began to spread throughout the island, the first teacher of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mahindu, preached here. The complex includes three hills: Mango Plateau (Ambastala), Royal Hill (Rajagiri), Elephant Mountain (Anaikutti). The ascent to Mount Mikhintale is quite difficult: the height of the mountain is 305 meters and to get up, you need to overcome 1840 steps.
But by transport, you can drive up to the upper parking area, which will cut the path in half, although, as we read, a couple of less interesting sights will remain unseen. But practically next to the parking there are 68 caves, and the ruins of Medamaluva, and the Mango Plateau.
Leaving the car, we parted with fellow travelers, without agreeing on when we would return to the car. We intended to take our time to inspect everything that we had outlined.
It is better to climb here early in the morning, before it is too hot, or in the afternoon heat, as we did. Be sure to stock up on water and take socks with you (as always in Lanka, you will have to walk around the entire complex without shoes). We did not seek to inspect all the ruins here. In addition to the Mango Plateau (tickets for two - 1000 rupees), the rest of Mihintale's attractions are available free of charge, but they are located quite far from each other.
Right from the upper parking area, a narrow staircase leads to the right to the Kantaka Chetya Stupa (2nd century BC), one of the oldest structures in Lanka.
To the south-west of Kantak Chetya there are heaps of huge boulders, behind them stretches a ridge of 68 caves.
Slightly higher up the stairs and to the side is the Cobra pond, a natural reservoir filled with rainwater. The edges of the Pond are lined with stones, and the image of a five-headed cobra with an open hood is carved on the rock. According to legend, Mahindu bathed here. But its main value was as a source for the irrigation system of the entire Mihintale complex.
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The Mango Plateau is the place where the main attractions of Mihintale are concentrated. It is a platform in the center of which the Ambasthala Dagoba Stupa (Ambasthala Dagoba) is installed, the columns around previously supported the vata-da-ge roof that has not been preserved (in Sinhalese - “ round house relics ")
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monkeys feast on lotuses on the altar.
Next to the stupa is a rounded piece of rough stone embedded in the platform - the place where King Devanampiya Tissa first met Mahindu. The stone is protected by a fence and a roof and strewn with money donated by the faithful.
behind is the main hill of Mihintale - Aradhana Gala, from which Mahindu read his sermons
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upward you need to climb the carved steps, and then the iron stairs. Great views from there
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on the left is a Buddha Statue, historical value does not represent, but adds the appropriate color to the environment
on the right - the white stupa Mahaseya Dagoba - the largest in Mihintala, its construction belongs to the king Mahadathika Mahanaga (early 1st century). According to legend, the hair of the Buddha is immured in it.
view from the site next to the stupa
bodhi tree
Sri Lanka's endemic birds indulge in candle wicks
pond with fish and turtles
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Mahindu Stupa (Mihindu Seya) (on the map), where the ashes of Mahindu himself are kept.
If you walk along the path between the Stupa Ambastala and Aradhana Gala, you can walk to the Cave of Mahinda, where he lived and meditated. There you can see the so-called Mahinda's bed - a flat rock slab.
Mihintale is imbued with some kind of goodness and pacification. Is it somehow related to Buddhism (in the middle between the stupas there is a small functioning temple) or is it just natural place strength - I do not know. But the feeling of the received mental strength and health remained from the visit. We were very pleased with the visit.
It took us two hours for a leisurely inspection of everything, but, again, we did not inspect the numerous ruins below the parking lot. In general, we are of the opinion that one should not get too tired and make extra efforts when sightseeing. Museum or archaeological complex - after 3 hours fatigue and dullness of perception sets in, and then the effect and impressions are completely different. In my opinion, undershoot is always better than overshoot.
When we got back to the minibus, it turned out that the Czechs were already there. Their bored look said that they were obviously waiting for us for more than five minutes. It turned out - half an hour. It was a little uncomfortable for us, but we couldn't give up watching everything that we wanted in a mode that was comfortable for us ... Here is the result of a joint trip of different people. True, then the guy, apologizing, asked us to let the driver take them first to where they could buy beer, and only then to the hotel. We agreed with pleasure, compensating them for their waiting time.
In our hotel, dinner was ordered, because judging by the reviews, it is better not to risk it here, but to eat at your hotel. Moreover, it cost 600 rupees per person, everything is very tasty (curry with another variety of sauces). In general, we really liked the hotel and the owners (a young family). I have a review on the booking
In the evening we asked the owner of the hotel to call our friend Abi and order a car for us to explore Anuradhapura. Objects are located far from each other, and it is best to explore the complex, and even in the heat, by transport.
In the morning, at the appointed time, a minibus drove into the courtyard of our hotel - again a different one - not the same as yesterday. The driver was also different. Young guy. From a conversation with him, it turned out that he had come for us, and Abi was his uncle. In general, a family clan. This time there were no fellow travelers, we could comfortably inspect everything that was interesting to us, cooling each time in the saving air-conditioned atmosphere of the car after another object under the scorching sun.
We had a printout of the map of Anuradhapura tourist sites. At the beginning of the trip, we considered the Abhayagiri monastery complex as an object to visit (1 ticket $ 30). But already now they decided to refrain from examining it, or, in any case, to leave it for last. The driver, when asked whether it is worth going to Abhayagiri, shrugged his shoulders doubtfully and said that "Abhayagiri is not very important." In addition, the following opinion was met on the Internet: “Many tourists generally refuse to buy a ticket, go around the sights on their own, without entering the territory of Abhayagiri, visiting only free ones. Paid and free dagobas are generally monotonous, and you will most likely get bored after the third or fourth. "
Anuradhapura is the first ancient capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. The main tourist attractions in the city are stupas. Some of them are just gigantic. One of them is brick Jetavana. It is really just huge, visible from afar. It is the tallest dagoba in the world, built of bricks (originally 122 m, 3rd century). The belt of the Buddha is supposedly immured inside.
The rest of the stupas are also quite interesting and completely free. I especially liked Ruvanvelisia. The most revered of all the other stupas, because it contains the most relics.
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The stupa is located on a platform decorated with bas-reliefs of more than a hundred elephants (elephants participated in the construction of the dagoba).
Around the stupa there are: a sanctuary with 5 Buddha statues and frescoes,
4 mini-dagobas, a dagoba model in a glass cube and a sculpture of King Dutugemunu.
The height of the stupa is 92 m, diameter 90. Almost nothing has remained from the original appearance. We even saw regular restoration work, in which both monks and the local population took part.
Stupa thuparama(Thuparama Dagoba) is the very first stupa in Sri Lanka dedicated to the emergence of Buddhism.
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The collarbone of the Buddha is immured in the Stupa, around the remains of the destroyed buildings of the old city.
general information
The city of Anuradhapura was founded by Prince Anuradha in 500 BC. NS. In the 3rd century, Shanghamitta planted the fig tree of the Buddha - the "tree of enlightenment" here. The city flourished until 993, when the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa.
Aukana Buddha and the Guardian Stone in Thuparam are attractions of the city hidden for centuries in the jungle. The 13-meter granite Buddha, carved in the 5th century, is said to have been crafted with such precision that drops of rainwater falling on the tip of his nose trickle down to the ground exactly between his toes. The guard stone at Thuparam is said to hold one of the Buddha's collarbones.
Of great interest is the place where Thero Mahinda, the 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 Ruvanveli Seiya, considered the largest stupa in the world, erected in the 2nd century BC. They say this structure has the shape of a perfect bubble that forms on the water when it rains.
Today Anuradhapura is essentially two cities: modern, well-planned, shady, cozy, and ancient, famous for its monuments. The distance between the monuments of Anuradhapura is much greater than in Polonnaruwa, so you need a taxi or at least a bicycle to see them.
Modern Anuradhapura is surrounded by three ancient reservoirs: Tisa Veva and Basavakkulama Veva are located in the west, and Nuwara Veva - in the east. Of all the monuments of the past, they were the least affected by time. Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred Bo tree, grows in the center of the old city. Like the Buddha's tooth stored in Kandy, this tree is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines... After adopting Buddhism, Devanampiya Tissa asked the Indian ruler Ashoka for a branch of a sacred tree, under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. Ashoka sent a branch and a new tree was carefully grown from its cutting. Currently, the Bo tree in Anuradhapura is considered the oldest on earth: it is more than 22 centuries old. Nevertheless, it still looks quite strong and healthy. A platform was built around the tree with a stone staircase leading to it, at the base of which there was a golden sculpture depicting the planting of a cutting. Believers bow to her first, and then go up to the platform to pray to the tree itself.
Nearby you will see one of the most mysterious places in Anuradhapura. Once there was the majestic palace of Loha Prasad, from which 1,600 gray monolithic columns have survived to this day, placed in 40 parallel rows, 40 columns in each. Some of the columns were barbarously destroyed or removed from their places during the restoration carried out at the beginning of the 20th century. The palace was built during the reign of Devanampiy Tissa (250-210 BC) to receive Indian messengers who brought a sacred branch from the Bo tree.
Dagobas in Anuradhapura are quite numerous, they are the best preserved evidence of the former greatness of the city. These structures are notable for their beauty and magnificent architecture, so it is not surprising that they are considered to be among the most significant Buddhist monuments not only in Sri Lanka, but throughout the world. The height of the Abhayagiri dagoba, or "the dagoba of Mount Fearlessness", is 100 m.
It was built by the ruler of Valagamabahu in 89 BC. e., immediately after repelling the Indian invasion. Even more ancient is the massive white da-goba 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 dagoba of Anuradhapura, and of the entire island, is Thuparama, located just north of the Ruvanvelisey dagoba. Its height is only 19 m, this is perhaps the smallest religious building in Anuradhapura, but in terms of importance it surpasses the rest. Dagoba Thuparama was built in 249 BC. Devanampiya Tissoy to commemorate his conversion to Buddhism. It is believed that the right collarbone of the Buddha and the dish from which he ate were kept in the dagoba. These items are gifts to the convert from the Indian ruler Ashoka. It is not surprising that Dagoba Thuparama enjoys special reverence and is the object of pilgrimage. Dagoba is bell-shaped and surrounded by four rows of stone columns. It is accessed by staircases decorated with skillfully executed bas-reliefs and statues.
Dagoba Jetavana on the northern border of the old city cannot be compared with the Dagoba Thuparama in holiness, 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 belongs to the period of Mahasena's rule (274-301) .
South of the sacred Bo tree and just east of the Tissa Veva reservoir is the grandiose rocky monastery of Issaramuniya Vihara. Several monastery premises are located outside the caves. A small museum at the entrance to the cave displays bas-reliefs considered the finest in Anuradhapura. Some of them depict members of royal families who lived in different eras. The most famous bas-relief - "Lovers" (IV-V centuries)... Presumably, it depicts either a warrior with a lover, 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 the Mahasena palace, today attracts the attention of tourists, but almost nothing remains of the former luxury and grandeur of the palace. Admission is paid or with a single ticket to the "Cultural Triangle".
Surroundings of Anuradhapura
Mikhintale
About 12 km east of Anuradhapura, near Route 12 to Trincomalee, is ancient temple Mihintale, highly revered by the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. The temple was founded in 247 BC. BC, when Mahinda converted the ruler of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.
Mihintale is located on top of a giant granite rock. Numerous staircases lead to the temple. To get to it, believers have to overcome 1,840 steps, so a pilgrimage here can be compared with mountain climbing... On the way up you will see a ruined hospital and the Kantaka Chetia temple, dating from about 240 BC. NS. But the main monuments of Mikhintale are on the top of the cliff: these are two dazzling white dagobas - Ambastale and Mahaseya - surrounded by coconut palms and rocky outcrops. From the top of the cliff, a view of fabulous beauty opens up. There is also a small museum with frescoes, fragments of ancient ceramics and bronze figurines. Paid entrance.
Aukana Buddha
It is difficult to get here by car, but you can walk from the Aukana train 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 hewn from a solid stone (it can be seen that the back literally fused with the rock)... This is perhaps the most graceful Buddha image of all existing in Sri Lanka. Buddha is depicted in the pose of ashiva mudra, that is, blessing. The word "aucana" means "who feeds on the sun," and indeed the dawn is the best time for viewing and photographing the statue. If you have personal transport, then in Kekirava (Kekirawa) exit Route 9 and follow a narrow country road to Aukana via Kalaveva (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 to it. The fortress was built in the XIII century. and served as the residence and the main stronghold of the ruler Bhuvanekabahu I, who more than once repelled the invasions from South India. Nowadays, you can climb a steep, ornate staircase to the platform where the temple once stood. It was in it that the sacred tooth of the 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. As in Aukana, Yapahuvu is difficult to reach by private transport. The fortress is located 4 km from the Maho station (Maho) on the Colombo - Anuradhapura railway line. If you do decide to go by car, then take Route 28, between Kurunegalla and Anuradhapura. Paid entrance.
Anuradhapura from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Anuradhapura.
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Anuradhapura is the administrative center of the North-Central Province of Sri Lanka and one of the oldest cities in Ceylon. For a long time, Anaradhapura, located in a strategically important place - at the intersection of two port zones - and hidden in the depths of the jungle, was the capital of the state - until 1017, when the city was seriously destroyed by invaders from South India and abandoned by the inhabitants.
For almost a thousand years, the city stood in desolation, and only in the 19th century, an English hunter accidentally stumbled upon it in the jungle.
Today Anuradhapura has been largely restored and divided into two parts: the Old City, which is a non-residential protected area, and the New City, where the entire population of Anuradhapura (about 50,000 people) lives and is a tourist area with hotels, restaurants and shops.
The city is quite far from coastline, therefore, tourists to Anuradhapura are attracted primarily worldwide famous monuments cultures and histories of Sri Lanka included in the List World heritage UNESCO.
How to get there
Anuradhapura is located 200 kilometers from the capital of the island - Colombo. You can get to the city by train (there are two railway stations), as well as by bus in 5 hours (it comes to bus station in New Town) or in a rented car on the A9 motorway in 4 hours.
Search for flights to Colombo (closest airport to Anuradhapura)
Transport
Buses and tuk-tuk run around the New Town, but there is little need for them - this small area can be easily walked from end to end in half an hour. But the security zone on the other bank of the Malvathu-Oya river is very large in territory - and you can't do without a tuk-tuk here. However, in many places of the Old City, the movement of any transport, even tuk-tuk, is prohibited.
Popular hotels in Anuradhapura
Excursions, entertainment and attractions of Anuradhapura
As mentioned above, most tourists come to see the monuments of the Old City. Among them are the so-called dagobas (Buddhist religious buildings intended for storing relics) Thumaparama, Ruanveli with the famous stone statues of Buddha, Jetavanarama, which is considered one of the tallest brick structures in Ancient world, as well as the statue of Buddha Aukana and the sacred Bodhi tree, considered the oldest known tree, with the Mahabodhi temple built around it. And this is only a small part of those monuments that await travelers in the Old City of Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura
In the New Town, there are many hotels, restaurants and shops, there is also a market where you can buy souvenirs.
It is worth remembering that although alcohol is sold in tourist-oriented establishments, public drinking is not encouraged in Sri Lanka.
- Where to stay: in one of the high-mountain resorts of Ceylon, where even in colonial times the British hid from the heat, namely in Kandy or Nuwara Eliya. Alternatively, you can stay in the capital of the country
