One day at Anuradhapura

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka

As the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka, Ruwanwelisaya is considered to be an icon of architectural glory in ancient Sri Lanka. Ruwanwelisaya, rising with its glory in the city of Anuradhapura, tops the list among Buddhists’ sacred places. It was built by King Dutugemunu in 140 B.C.The stupa is one of the eight places of veneration situated in Anuradhapura which are places believed to have been visited by Buddha during his three visits to Sri Lanka.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Isurumuniya Temple, At Royal Pleasure Gardens, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka

The Isurumuniya Viharaya is situated close to Tisa Wewa in Anuradapuraya. There is a Viharaya connected to a cave and above is a cliff. A small stupa is built on it. Isurumuniya is famous for its stone carvings, and the one known as “Isurumuniya Lovers” is the most-admired and world famous. The other carvings are of the Horseman, Elephant Pond and the Royal Family.

The Isurumuniya Viharaya was constructed during the regime of Devanampiya Tissa who governed the ancient capital Anuradhapura. The temple was built as a monastic complex to house newly orientated monks. Connected to the Temple is a cave with a cliff above it.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Mihintale, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka

Mihintale rock is situated around 12kms east of Anuradhapura and history records that it was there that Sri Lankan King, Devanampiya Tissa, met Arahat Mahinda Thera from India, who introduced him to Buddhism, which subsequently spread to the king’s subjects. In the area are thick jungles, mountains and caves which monks used for meditation.
The main shrine of Mihintale is located in the Relic House, a climb of 1,840 cut steps. Of special interest is The Vedahala or ‘medical hall’ – an ancient hospital. It has been restored and visitors are allowed to view the premises consisting of four rooms: the consulting room, room for preparations and storage and a room for hot water baths. There are several stupas in the area creating an atmosphere of reverence as well as ancient ponds and sculptures.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka

The sacred city of Anuradhapura has been nominated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage. The main reason for the historical city of Anuradhapura to become a sacred city was the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
The sacred Bodhi sapling has been ceremonially brought here by Arahant Sanghamitta Maha Theree, under instructions of Arahant Mihindu Maha Thero. King Devanampiyatissa who ruled Sri Lanka in this period has planted this Bodhi tree with great pageantry in the Maha Megha Vana Royal Park dedicated to the venerable bhikkhus. The present age of the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is 2,247 years.
Accordingly, the oldest tree of the whole world with a written history is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura.
This tree belongs to the family of trees known as ‘asvastha’ in Sanskrit, ‘asvattha’ in Pali, ‘aesatu’ in Sinhala. Botanists have named it ‘ficus religiosa’ taking into account its religious significance.
But, what we see living in Anuradhapura is the southern branch of the original Bodhi tree under which Gautama Buddha was seated with his back against it.

Duration: 30 minutes