Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura and the city of Polonnaruwa are the vitally important ”must visit” twin tourist attractions of Sri Lanka Holidays Cultural Triangle. Anuradhapura, the greatest monastic city of the ancient world that date from the middle of the 5th century B.C. remained the proud seat of kingdom of Sri Lanka until the 11th century A.D. Today Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is replete with renovated monuments, restored edifices, preserved ruins and historical sites where the archeological excavations are still being continued.
Anuradhapura was an example par excellence of a Hydraulic Civilization. The construction of reservoirs, canals and irrigation channels during this period exhibited an amazing knowledge of trigonometry and the design of reservoirs a thorough grasp of hydraulic principles.
The unique feature of Buddhist Sri Lanka is the Stupa (Dagaba) which enshrined relics of the Buddha and were objects of veneration. Anuradhapura is dotted with these stupas which can be seen in close proximity to each other.
Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred Bodhi Tree)
The sacred Bodhi Tree, the world’s oldest authenticated tree is the most venerated in Anuradhapura. Grown from a branch of the very Bodhi tree in Buddhagaya, India, beneath which the Buddha found Enlightenment, brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century B.C.by Their Sangamitta, sister of Arhat Mahinda. Throughout the centuries, the Sri Maha Bodhi has been venerated by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and all over the world. Today, it is looked upon as a national treasure as botanists, specially appointed by the Government.
Places to visit
Ruwanweliseya
Ruwanweliseya
The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka.
Jetavanaramaya Monastery
Jetavanaramaya Monastery
Jetavanaramaya is the world’s tallest Stupa and the monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the heritage city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. This magnificent structure was known to be the third-largest structure in the ancient world. Legend has it that a part of Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved here at the Jetavanaramaya monastery.The Jetavanaramaya stupa comes with a fascinating historical significance which depicts the differences going on between the two sects of Buddhism- Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism.
The Samadhi Buddha
The Samadhi Buddha
This 4th Centuray A.D. statue of the Buddha in meditation pose is acknowledged worldwide as a masterpiece of sculpture.
Mihintale
Mihintale
Mihintale is situated 11km east of Anuradapura. Its history dates back to 247 century B.C. when king Devanampiyatissa met Arhat Mahinda, the great Buddhist Missionary who preached the Buddhist doctrine to the king. Mihintale ‘the mountain of Mahinda’ was identified as a great monastic city. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. Today it is venerated daily, especially on June full moon day commemorating this historic event. A majestic flight of 1840 granite steps, 5 meters wide lead you to the summit with its splendid views of the surrounding countryside. The king, having embraced Buddhism, declared the forest he met the Sage, a sanctuary, the first historically documented sanctuary in the world.