Anuradhapura is an ancient capital city of Sri Lanka popularly known for its past historical significances, rich cultural hub and vast collections of architectures like Buddhist temples and stupas. Recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage site, Anuradhapura is located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka.
City includes many Buddhist stupas, temples, sculptures, palaces and ancient drinking water reservoirs. Despite that, there is a good amount of historical evidence like Bodhi tree and Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya, which shows us how rich historically they are? Let’s discuss in detail about the Anuradhapura and its history and places to visit and explore the ancient beauty.
Location
Anuradhapura is located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. Major ancient city of the North Central Province and capital city of Anuradhapura district. Nestled in the bank of Malwathu Oya, which is 205 kilometres away from the capital city of Colombo and 73 km from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Place has popular ancient Sinhalese civilisation and Buddhist religious sites.
History of Anuradhapura
The Ancient city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most significant cultural and historical site in Sri Lanka. Place considered as the first capital of Sri Lanka during the 5th century BC to 11th century AD. So, we can discuss the history of the Anuradhapura can be bifurcated into 3 parts;
1. Ancient Period
Late 4th century BC
According to the historians and researchers point of view Anuradhapura was established as the capital of Sri Lanka under the authority of King Pandukabhaya during the late 4th Century BC. Due to the central point of the kingdom at that time, witnessing many political and regional centres especially for Buddhist religions.
3rd Century BC
Period is very significant in the Sri Lankan pages of history. Buddhism firmly landed on the island, especially under the rule of King Devanampiya Tissa. Mahinda Thera, a son of Emperor Ashoka of India, sent his son to Lanka to teach Buddhism. According to the story he came up with the sacred Bo tree, a sapling from Bodhi tree and he planted it in Anuradhapura.
1st Century
Once Buddhism was landed and spread to every corner of the Sri Lanka Island, due to many reasons over a period of Kingdom which flourished. After a decade people and the kingdom gave much more focus to constructions of major Stupas and temples. Ruwanwelisaya and Abhayagiri Vijaraya are perfect examples of 1st century architecture.
2. Mediaeval Period
Between 4th and 5th century AD
After attaining religious attainment Anuradhapura reached some sort of height in cultural and religious powers. Mediaeval period is all about development of the architectures, agriculture and major irrigation and canal systems. Major Kingdoms have more focus on infrastructures and day to day life improvements. Period also saw legacy of king Mahasena and his successors.
6th Century AD
After the 5th century Anuradhapura saw a massive downfall of kingdoms and began invasions from other parts of the empire. Despite internal conflicts, the island also faced too many south Indian threats and attacks.
3. Declining Period
8 to 10th century AD
Period is all about the decline of the major kingdoms and the working of Anuradhapura. There are multiple reasons we can conclude but the major one is the high political and incursion from the South Indian Tamil rulers. It caused more damage to their internal political systems and began to decline. However over a period of time it led to the city losing its status as the capital.
During the 10th century Anuradhapura was eventually abandoned as a capital city and political centre of Sri Lanka, especially by the rise of the Polonnaruwa kingdoms.
Rediscovery periods
During the 19th and 20th century we can see many yen measures taken to the upliftment of this ancient city. Selected as Sri Lankan heritage studies and took restorations and pilgrims destinations for Buddhist monks and followers.
However after being recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage site in 19832 Anuradhapura got more popularity and tourism importance’s. It tries to attract tourists and scholars who are interested in the Lankan rich history and archaeological importance.
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10 Best places to visit in Anuradhapura
1. Thanthirimale
Considered as the most recommended site to visit in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, a place which is full of ancient Buddhist temples and architectures. Tantrimale is a Village near to rocks which are a place sought after among the tourists. Such a devotional place where the branch of the sacred Bo tree from Gaya, India by the Ven. Beside the old village Tantrimale is well known for Thanthirimale stupas and Raja Maha Vihara are great places for exploration as a tourist and devoted Buddhists.
2. Tissa Wewa
If you are naturally enthusiastic and willing to spend your time with the park’s lovely animals then Tissa Wewa could be a place for you in Kataragama in Anuradhapura. It is a park containing a popular artificial lake where travellers can enjoy nature so closely. Built by the Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century, that’s why the park gets the title “Tissa Wewa”. This water reservoir was initially built for the purpose of supplying water to the nearby regions, later over a period of time it was converted to a natural park and water body for many animals and birds. Today the entire water deficit of the royal garden is filled by these water reservoirs and not just that it is also a place to spot several rare birds to see and spend time exploring. 3.2 kilometres of Tissa Wewa is really a worth visiting place if you are in Anuradhapura.
3. Wilpattu National Park
Spanning 131 thousand acres of land, Wilpattu National Park is considered Sri Lanka’s largest and one of the oldest protected areas. Such a lush wilderness national park includes animals like Sri Lankan Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Lesser Adjutant and Mugger crocodiles. Besides that, the national park witnessed even many fauna and flora like insects, plants, flowers, eggs, bones and skulls and rocks. Interestingly it is a great place to observe the elusive Sri Lankan leopards and sloth bears. Land comprises extensive open plains, sand dunes, and unique villu wetlands. Once the park was closed for almost 15 years, wildlife recovered former abundances and reopened in 2003.
4. Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Vihara is situated in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. If you are in Anuradhapura you will come across a temple called Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya. Under this temple or Vihara the wall is full of deceptive quinte archaeological treasure by delightful settings. Place called the royal capital of ancient Sri Lanka and home of the legendary giant Therapuththabhaya, who is the king of Dutugemunu. One of the interesting features of this temple is the coloured frieze of Lion that goes almost all around the 4 sides of the outer wall. Which are half roof and half wall. Its seated lion with wide opened mouth bearing fierce teeth and tails curled up on their backs is a much entertaining one. Its designs of elephants, bulls and flowers, stepped pyramids, and ancient stone structures make it one of the perfect examples of Kandyan style architecture.
5. Abhayagiri Dagoba
Abhayagiri Dagoba is another must visit ancient site here in Anuradhapura. Dated back to 1st century B.C witnessing around 5000 strong Abhayagiri monastery. Originally it is 100 metres high, considered as the greatest structure in the ancient world and equivalent to the pyramid of Giza. After the restoration, reconstruction and preservation its height was reduced from 100 to 75m. Place is also called “Fearless Hill” or “Hill of protection”, because of its glimpse of this brick monument through a gap in the surrounding forest views. Abhayagiri Dagoba has some of the interesting bas reliefs, like elephant pulling up a tree, large slab with Buddha footprint, eastern and western steps of moonstone.
6. Archaeological museum of Anuradhapura
Established in 1947, Archaeological museum of Anuradhapura witnessing many ancient and historical symbols like ancient artefacts, intricate carving, and age old domestic items. Museum is also displaying ancient stuff which are excavated in other places of Sri Lanka. Some of the ancient items which are displayed here are as old as the pre Christian era, home to the Sinhalese civilizations. Inscriptions, paintings, drawings, coins, antiques and Buddha statues are you can see here. Most recommended place under Anuradhapura for travellers especially who truly love the history, culture and heritage of Sri Lanka.
7. Shree Maha Bodhi
The Shri Maha Bodhi is the most ancient tree in Anuradhapura and even in the whole of Sri Lanka. Located in the Mahamewna garden, the tree of Maha Bodhi is considered as the most holy and sacred to the Buddhist and peoples of Sri Lanka. The tree believed to have sprouted from a cutting brought Bodh Gaya in India, a place popular for Buddha attaining enlightenment. Today the tree is an authentic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is also considered as the oldest tree date of the plantation. Over a period of time Sri Maha Bodhi was protected and preserved by the many Buddhist monks, King and Dynasties. Due to its popularity and importance’s place for tourist recognition, and today we can see trees surrounded by statues, water canals and golden fences. If you want to enjoy the beauty and participate in ritual activities of Shree Maha Bodhi we recommend visiting in the morning and indulge in the panoramic view of the sunrise over the city.
8. Ruwanweliseya Stupa
Tall with a height of 338 feet and a diameter of 952 ft. Ruwanweliseya Stupa is the most iconic site in Anuradhapura surrounded by the large paved courts and platforms which add more beauty to the site. Considered as the largest stupa or dagobas located in the heart of the Anuradhapura. According to the history stupa which was built by the King Dutugamunu, popular as a Sri Lanka’s hero. Rumanweliseya Stupa is also known as Maha Stupa which contains most intrinsic structures in its walls and doors. With the free of cost you can explore the beauty of the Stupa like the wall of a circle of elephants, and brickworks are really impressive.
9. Lovamahapaya
Lovamahapaya or The Brazen Palace is situated between the Ruwanweliseya and Sri Maha Bodiya in Anuradhapura. Its construction and history are really impressive. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century and is considered as the 2000 old ancient palace. Palace includes 1600 column stones that support 9 different stories reaching 150 feet and side of 400 feet length. Each 1000 rooms represents the accommodations of the 1000 monks, primarily built for the residence of Buddhist monks who are assembled on Poya days. Architectures like roofed buildings, Maha Vihara monastic order, 45 feet cut of rice boat are perfect examples to the architectural marvellous of the Lovamahapaya or The Brazen Palace.
10. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Lion Rock or simply called Sigiriya Rock is a massive ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale district of Central Province in Sri Lanka. Just 3 to 4 hours of journey from the Anuradhapura, Sigiriya rock fortress witnessing a great adventurous spot for hiking and heart-breaking panoramic views. UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya rock contains many interesting sites like Lion gate, moats, the mirror wall, boulder garden, terraced gardens and Sigiriya frescoes. If you want to know more about Sigiriya Rock Fortress?
Anuradhapura Weather
The average atmospheric temperature would vary with 35℃ during the daytime and 26℃ at night-time. The Central North Region is too sunny and clear during the summer season. So, therefore visiting Anuradhapura during summer (in the month from April to September) could be a better option for a backpacker. Remember most of the temples, stupas and monuments here in Anuradhapura will start from the morning 7 am to evening 5 pm.
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