Experiences
Elephant & Nature Resort in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, provides deluxe lodging, eco-friendly lodging, and opportunities to interact with elephants. The resort, which connects with Sri Lanka’s rich culture, history, wildlife, and customs, provides a varied and immersive experience while being dedicated to sustainability and responsible tourism.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is among the oldest trees now living high in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The ancient tree has flourished from a cutting taken from Bodh Gaya, India, where Gautama Buddha had achieved enlightenment. The sacred tree is a realistic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is treated with respect as the oldest tree in the history of the plantation.
Ruwanweliseya Stupa
Ruwanweliseya Stupa
Ruwanweliseya pagoda is one of the main stupas or dagobas in the center of the magnificent heritage city of Anuradhapura. The great King Dutugamunu built this ancient stupa. The Ruwanwelisaya stupa is also famous as the Maha stupa and is among the most embellished structures of the people of Sri Lanka. It’s one of the must-visit places in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.
Tissa Wewa
Tissa Wewa
Tissa Wewa, an ancient reservoir in Anuradhapura, was built by King Devanampiya Tissa around 300 BCE as part of a sophisticated irrigation system to support agriculture in the region. Spanning over 180 acres, this man-made tank played a crucial role in transforming Anuradhapura into a thriving agricultural center, primarily for rice cultivation. Today, Tissa Wewa remains an important water source, surrounded by lush greenery, and is a peaceful spot for both locals and visitors. The area is also home to ancient ruins, adding to its historical significance, and making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the rich heritage of Anuradhapura.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park
The nearest safari destination to Anuradhapura is Wilpattu National Park, located about 30-40 kilometers to the northwest of the city. As one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest national parks, Wilpattu is famous for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. The park’s distinctive “villus” (natural lakes) add to its beauty and provide ideal spots for wildlife viewing. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris and guided tours, making it an excellent choice for those looking to experience the rich nature and wildlife of Sri Lanka while being just a short drive from Anuradhapura.
Royal Pleasure Gardens
Royal pleasure gardens are one of the oldest structures in Anuradhapura. It is dated to the 3rd century BCE. Most of the artifacts excavated here are showcased in the museum of the nearby Isurumuniya temple. The garden faced a reservoir named Tissa wewa. In the garden are a set of small ponds, aqueducts, rock carvings, and three ruined buildings. A herd of elephants very much similar to the one found inside the Isurumuniya temple can be seen here too. On another boulder, a curious-looking symbol is hidden from general view. Known as the Chakra, it symbolizes the universe according to later doctrines of Buddhism. It is surmised that monks performed some sort of tantric meditation ritual. Buddhist monks may have occupied the grounds after it was abandoned in the 10th century. The garden is named “Ranmasu Uyana” after the goldfish pond found inside it. This also shows a connection with the Chinese where later forms of Buddhism flourished.
The Tale Of Anuradhapura - Mihintale
The tale of Anuradhapura begins at Mihintale. It is the place where a little-known Sri Lankan king (Tissa, one who is loved by gods) embraced Buddhism and changed the kingdom of Anuradhapura and Sri Lanka forever. The place became to be revered and eventually developed into a Buddhist monastery. Today it is a place full of ruins, legends, and faith. Located 12kms away from the urban hubbub of present-day Anuradhapura are the scattered ruins of Mihintale. Ruins of a monastery complex peek out from a dense forest that spreads over a hill crowned by a huge boulder. It is believed that enlightened Mahinda appeared on top of this boulder and met King Tissa in 3rd century BCE. The curious ascetic earned king Tissa’s faith in himself who was brother to King Asoka of Northern India. Enlightened Mahinda taught king Tissa the ideas of Buddha. What followed was a revolution of ideas held by the islanders. The impact of this incident reverberates throughout Sri Lanka even today.
Isurumuniya – The lost temple
Isurumuniya is one of the oldest temples at Anuradhapura. It shows distinctive architecture and sculptor styles that are unique to the temple. Many sculptures are hewn out of the existing rock. Most notable sculptures are the herd of elephants, horse head and seated man, and the intricate carving of Isurumuni lovers. The temple dates back to pre-history. It might have been dedicated to a pre-Buddhist faith of unknown origin. The artifacts found here deviate from traditional Buddhist styles. It is one of the few places where non-Buddhist artifacts were discovered at Anuradhapura archaeological sites. Especially the carving of Isurumuni lovers is famous for how sensual its lines are. Yet undoubtedly, one would think such artistic traditions may have been discouraged at a Buddhist temple. This is also the case with the sculpture of a horse head and a seated man. Some historians argue that this sculpture symbolizes pre-Buddhist deities. It is a mystical place where relics of unknown faiths were forgotten forever.