Anuradhapura, the ancient city of the 3rd century BC in Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura is one of the oldest capitals of Sri Lanka. It is currently one of the largest and best preserved archaeological centers in the world.

It was founded in the 4th century BC and remained active until the 9th century AD.

In its day, the civilization that developed around this city was one of the greatest in Asia. For over 1,000 years it was one of the most stable, enduring centres of political power and urban life in South Asia.

At present this ancient city,  sacred to him buddhism, covers an area of ​​more than 40 km² . In its day, it was one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

We would need several days to visit the place. As it is not always possible, we will comment on the most important things to see in this ancient city.

What to see in Anuradhapura?

The city of Anuradhapura is made up of 3 monasteries: Mahavihara, Abhayagiri and Yetavanarama.

We could spend days and days and still not see the vast area that is this ancient city made up of stupas, lakes, gardens, etc.

So, we recommend focusing on the most important thing, which is…

1. Mahavihara

This is the oldest monastery. The ruins of which date back to the 3rd century BC and up to the 11th century AD. You will see hundreds of white-robed Sri Lankan Buddhists meditating and giving offerings.

Inside this enclosure we can see:

• Jaya Sri Maha Bodiya

 

It was grown from a cutting brought by the sister of Mahinda, the promoter of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It has been cared for and guarded for over 2,000 years, making it the oldest tree on earth.

• Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba:

It is a huge white stupa. It is one of the most evocative images of the ancient city of Anuradhapura. If you have time, take a walk around this place. You will find a beautiful green garden with ruins, pools, ancient columns…

• Thuparama Dagoba:

This is the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka. It is even said to be the oldest in the world. It was built in the 3rd century BC by the great Tissa, one of the most important kings of Sri Lanka, the founder of lakes and cities.

2. Jetavanarama

The Yetavanarama Stupa was built in the 3rd century AD. It originally measured 120 meters.

At the time, it was the third tallest building after the two Pyramids of Egypt.

Today, it is 70 metres tall and is made primarily of bricks.

3. Abhayagiriya

Abhayagiri Vihāra was a major monastery of Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

The term “Abhayagiri Vihara” means not only a complex of monastic buildings, but also a fraternity of Buddhist monks, or Sangha, which maintains its own historical records, traditions and way of life. Founded in the 2nd century BCE, it had become an international institution by the 1st century CE, attracting scholars from around the world and encompassing all shades of Buddhist philosophy. Its influence can be traced to other parts of the world, through branches established elsewhere. Thus, the Abhayagiri Vihara developed as a large institution opposite the Mahavihara and Jetavana Buddhist monastic sects in Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura.

Recommendations for visiting Anuradhapura

• Water: It is very hot so it is essential to drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
  
  
• Clothing: As always, it should be discreet and not too tight. On the one hand, because the rules in temples are to keep arms covered up to the elbow, and legs covered up to below the knees. And on the other hand, given that it is so hot, it is better to wear loose cotton clothing. It will be a nice touch for the traveler to wear white, as the Sri Lankans dress.
  
  
• Respect: As in all sacred places in Sri Lanka, one must have an attitude of respect in the places where we see people meditating.
  
  
• Feet: Wear socks that protect your feet from the heat. The pavement and sidewalks in this city literally “burn,” especially from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Since this place is so big, in some places you can wear shoes and in others you can’t. This depends on whether it is a sacred enclosure or pagoda. As it is difficult for the traveler to know when to take off your shoes or wear shoes, the best thing to do is to observe what the locals do and imitate them. You know the saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Other activities to do in Anuradhapura

In Anura, as it is affectionately called by the locals, there are three lakes or reservoirs: Nuwara Wewa, Tissa Wewa and Basawakkulama.

 
All of them were built by the ancient Kings. They are water reserves to supply the rice fields and others in this part of Sri Lanka considered a dry zone.

They are all huge and are ideal for cycling or just walking.

From Anuradhapura you can also visit Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism. Or other sites such as Isurumuniya, the Royal Pleasure Gardens, Vessagiriya or the stupa of Mirisavatiya, very close to Tissa Wewa.