Anuradhapura Ancient City

You will be picked up at 7.00 am from Colombo Hotel and drive to Anuradhaura city. - 3 Hours Drive

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, located in the Mahamewna Gardens of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a revered sacred fig tree believed to be a southern branch of the original Sri Maha Bodhi in Buddha Gaya, India, under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. Planted in 288 BC, it is recognized as the world's oldest living human-planted tree with a documented planting date. Today, it is one of the most sacred relics for Buddhists in Sri Lanka and is revered by Buddhists worldwide.

The Ruwanwelisaya, a stupa in Sri Lanka, is a sacred site for Buddhists worldwide. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 B.C., it commemorates his victory over the Chola King Ellalan, uniting Sri Lanka under his rule. Known also as "Mahathupa," "Swarnamali Chaitya," "Swarnamali Mahaceti" (Pali), and "Rathnamali Dagaba," this hemispherical structure houses two quarts (or one Drona) of the relics of Gautama Buddha, the largest collection of his relics enshrined anywhere.

This historic site believed to be where Pulasthi Rishi lived and the birthplace of King Ravana, holds a written history spanning around 5,000 years. It is also considered one of the three-star gates in the world. The temple was initially constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa, who reigned from 307 BC to 267 BC in Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. It was built to provide residence for 500 high-caste children who were ordained.

The viharaya was later renovated by King Kasyapa I (473-491 AD) and renamed "Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera," deriving from the names of his two daughters and himself. The site features a viharaya connected to a cave, with a cliff above it. A small stupa has been built atop this cliff, with construction suggesting it belongs to the present period. At a lower level, carved into a rock emerging from a pool, are figures of elephants on both sides of a cleft, showcasing ancient craftsmanship.

One of the best specimens of bathing tanks or pools in ancient Sri Lanka is the pair of pools known as Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds/Pools). The said pair of pools were built by the Sinhalese in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura. These are considered one of the significant achievements in the field of hydrological engineering and outstanding architectural and artistic creations of the ancient Sinhalese

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