Things to do · North Central Province
Anuradhapura has giant white stupas, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, ancient pools and monasteries, with Mihintale just outside the town.
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Stand before one of Buddhism's most sacred stupas, a gleaming white dome of spiritual significance! Built over 2,000 years ago, this massive dagoba is adorned with hundreds of elephant sculptures and surrounded by peaceful gardens.
2This charming rock temple is famous for its exquisite ancient stone carvings, especially the romantic 'Isurumuniya…
3Welcome to one of the most sacred places on Earth! This ancient fig tree is over 2,300 years old and is believed to be…
4This sacred temple complex surrounds the legendary Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree the oldest documented tree in the world!
5Visit Sri Lanka's very first stupa! Built in the 3rd century BC by King Devanampiyatissa, Thuparama is believed to…
6These stunning twin bathing pools are masterpieces of ancient hydraulic engineering!
7Behold one of the finest Buddha statues ever carved! This 4th-century masterpiece depicts Buddha in deep meditation…
8Marvel at this colossal ancient stupa that once stood at 120 meters making it one of the tallest structures in the…
9Stand in awe before this magnificent ancient stupa! Once the centerpiece of a monastery that rivaled universities of…
10Mihintale
Mihintale is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and has a calm, spiritual atmosphere.
The ancient city covers more than 40 square kilometres. A driver waits at each site and saves hours of walking in the heat.
One full day for the main sites, plus a few hours for Mihintale.
Yes. Foreign visitors buy a ticket for the archaeological site. Some temples, such as the Sri Maha Bodhi, are separate.
