Joanna James
Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka, which was founded in the 5th century B.C. It was a civilisation that's unparalleled by any other, with unbelievable hydraulic systems and unique constructions. Here are some things to see and do during your vacation in this majestic city.
Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura takes a foremost place in the hearts of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It is the world's oldest authenticated tree, which is said to be the southern branch from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Buddha Gaya, under which Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment. This sacred tree shrine travels a long way back in the history towards the 3rd century B. C., when Theri Sangamitta brought, sister of Arahat Mahinda, brought it to Sri Lanka. Throughout the ages, it has been a source of constant veneration of Buddhists not only of Sri Lankan origin but those that are spread across the globe as well. It is considered a national treasure in Sri Lanka and is safeguarded by the gold-gilded fence that was built around the shrine.
A visit to Anuradhapura isn't complete if you don't pay a visit to the magnificent carving of Lord Buddha in Aukana. Located within a driving distance from Anuradhapura, it can also be accessed from Kekirawa on Dambulla-Anuradhapura road. According to chronicles, this striking sculpture was built during the reign of King Dhatusena during the 5th century. Standing at an approximate height of 12 metres, it is also the tallest ancient Buddha Statue in Sri Lanka, making it an ideal location to visit near Anuradhapura. Things to do in this ancient city are many, and one of the most serene experiences you can have at the Aukana Statue premises is meditating at its Bo Maluwa, which has pristine sheets of soft white sand that contributes to the calming ambience along with the sweeping breeze that comes from the rocky pond that thrives with scenic lotus plants.
Less than an hour's drive from properties like Ulagalla lies the Anuradhapura Archeological Museum, which can be located at the old kachcheri building, between Ruwanweli Seya and Lowamahapaya. It was founded in 1947 under the prime effort of Professor Senarath Paranavithana, who was a pioneering epigraphist and archeologist in Sri Lanka. The museum showcases an array of fascinating exhibits that are discovered on the same site, along with explanatory displays. Among these exhibits are stone, metal, timber, coins, beads, drawings, puppets, and a mélange of other items that are found from various regions of Sri Lanka.
Built under the guidance of King Devanampiyatissa, Thuparamaya is the first-ever stupa to be built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism to the country in the 3rd century. It is said that this dazzlingly white stupa enshrines the sacred collar bone of Lord Buddha, which stands as testimony to the cordial relations between India and Sri Lanka at the time. The columns that rise around the stupa are the ruins of a walkway that once supported a conical roof that housed this spectacular edifice.
There are many examples peppered across Sri Lanka that the ancient civilisations carried incredible knowledge and expertise that helped them build long-lasting roads and other infrastructure. One such example lies about two miles away from the Kuttam Pokuna in Anuradhapura is a village called Halpanu Ela, in which you can find this Ancient Bridge of Stone, which is built across the Malwatu Stream. It is said that one of the main roads of the Anuradhapura era, running from the north of the country, was sprawled across this bridge.
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