Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: Attractions, photos, weather

The city of Anurapura is located in the north-central province of Sri Lanka, 194 km from the actual capital of Colombo (Colombo) and 168 km from Colombo International Airport. Anuradhapura is the administrative center of the district of the same name. Objects ancient sacred City Anuradhapur included in the list World Heritage Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura is one of the "angles" of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, which also includes the cities of Candy and Polonnaruva. The city was founded in the 6th century BC. On the River Malwatu Oyia. In the Middle Ages, from 4 to 11th century, the city was the capital of the independent Singhale kingdom of the same name. The city over the centuries is a major religious Buddhist center.

Map Anuradhapura

Aluradyhapura is considered one of the oldest constant towns of the world along with Luxor, Alexandria (Egypt), Mexico City, Vera Cruz (Mexico), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Peshawar (Pakistan), etc. Today, this ancient capital Sri Lanka is considered sacred for everything. Buddhist World, the area of \u200b\u200bthe surrounding Anurapur monasteries is more than 40 sq. km, the city is one of the main archaeological objects of the world.

According to Mahavams, the Great Chronicles of Sri Lanka, the city of Anuradhapura was named after the Minister named Anuradha, who initially founded the village settlement in the area. Anuradha was one of the ministers who accompanied the Indian Prince Vijai, which, according to legends, founded the Sinhala race in Sri Lanka.

Photo of the city of Anuradhapura

Open photos of Anuradhapura in a new tab.

How to get to Anuradhapuru

Anuradhapura is a major city, including a railway station and bus station. Of large cities Sri Lanka in Anuradhapur can be reached by train or bus.

How to get to Anuradhapur from Colombo

From Colombo in Anuradhapur, there are about 8 trains a day. Also between the cities of Colombo and Anuradhapura, a direct bus service is developed:

• №15-1-1 Colombo (Colombo) - Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura),
• №15-1 Colombo (Colombo) - Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura),
• №4-3 Colombo (Colombo) - Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura),
• №57 Colombo (Colombo) - Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura).

How to get to Anuradhapur from Negombo

Negombo is located on the parallel Anuradhapur railway branch and therefore, to reach the train must be changed in Ragama (Ragama). From Ragama to Anuradhapur go 4 trains per day. You can also drive to Anuradhapur from Negombo by bus. To do this, it is necessary to sit in Nembo to a bus from Colombo, or get to Colombo and sit there at the end station.

How to get to Anuradhapur from Kandy

You can drive to Anuradhapur from Candy by train with a transfer at Polgahavel station (PolgaWela). From Candy in Anuradhapur, direct buses go:

• №42-2 Kandy (Kandy) - Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura)
• №43 Kandy (Kandy) - Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura).

How to get to Anuradhapur from Galle / Matara

By railway You can get to Anuradhapur from the southwest coast on the train with a transfer to Colombo. You can drive to Anuradhapur by bus No. 2/4-3 Matara (Matara) - Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura). And also with a change in Kalutar by bus No. 57/221/420 Kalutara (Kalutara) - Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura).

How to get to Anuradhapur from Trincomale

Theoretically you can get to Aniuradhapura from Trinomaly by train with transfer to Mao (Maho), however, because of the passage of railway tracks on the big hook map to the south, it is much more economical to use the bus. From Trinomali in Anuradhapur, you can take the bus No. 835 of Anuradhapura (Trincomalee).

How to get to Anuradhapur from Dambulla

Buses, following Dambulla to Anuradhapuru:

• №15-17 Kurunegala (Kurunegala) - Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura),
• №314 / 580/42 Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura) - Badulla (Badulla)

How to get from Polonnaruva to Anuradhapuru

Buses pass through Polonnaruva:

• №22 / 75/218 Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura) - Ampara (AMPARA),
• №27 / 218/58 Anuradhapura (Anuradhapura) - Wellava (Wellawaya).

Attractions Anuradhapura

Sacred places of Anuradyhapura

Tree Jaya Sri Mach Bodhi
(Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi)

Jaya Sri Mach Bodhi is a sacred fig tree located in Mahamewna Gardens. It is believed that the right southern branch is a seedl of a tree Sri Maha Bodhi in Bodhgaye (Buddha Gaya) in India, a tree, under which the Buddha reached enlightenment.

Sri Mach Bodhi is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines not only in Sri Lanka, but also in the world. Believers believe that pilgrimage to the sacred tree helps to heal the disease, helps pregnant to avoid malformations of the fetus development, protects the peasant fields from natural cataclysms, etc.

The existing fence around Sri Mach Bodhi was built in 18 V. King Kirth Sri Rajasinha (Kirti Sri Rajasinha) to protect the tree from wild elephants, in abundance taken in the district. The height of the wall is 3 m., Thickness 1.5 m. The length of the barrier from the north to the south is 118 m, from the east to the west of 83 m. The first gold fence around the sacred tree was built in 1969 in the city of Kanda under the leadership of Yatiravan Narada Tero ( Yatirawana Narada Thero).

In the traditional house of the Buddha, there are two ancient statues. Stone sculpture cobra is a very rare image. In the southwest of the temple complex Sri Jaya Mach Bodhi, there are remnants of Dakkin Tup.

Dagoba Ruvovelisaya
Ruwanwelisaya)

Stupa Rowanweelisay, or as it is also called Ratnamali, was built by the King of Datugmun in 161 BC After the victory over Chola's invaders from India. The king hired an architect, who designed Dagobu, the dome of which, according to the monarch, in shape, resembled a "milk bubble". The King himself did not live up to the completion of construction that took over a total of more than 33 years, and construction was completed by his brother King Saddhatissa.

The height of the RuVule's stupes is 103 m, and the diameter of 292 m. This soup was truly a miraculously architectural skill of that time. The ancient chronicles describe in detail the materials used in the construction of the canagle and its foundation. In addition to ordinary stones, gold, silver, pearls, corals and precious stones were used.

The initial building was destroyed in 19 V, and then restored in 1940. There is a sanctuary in which there are 5 limestone statues of standing Buddha. Four statues belong to the 8th century and symbolize the past Buddha incarnations, and the fifth statue symbolizes the future (Buddha Maitreya) with Tiara on the head and a lotus flower in his hands.

Dagoba Rouvelisayia is one of the 16 places of Buddhist worship in Sri Lanka, denoted by the term Solosmasthana (Solosmasthana). It is believed that the stupa contains part of the dust of the Buddha. Dagoba was built in such a way as to meet the teachings of the Buddha: the dome symbolizes the infinity of the exercise, the four sides above it are four noble truths, concentric rings point to a noble octal middle path, and a large crystal on top of the stupa constitutes the final goal of enlightenment.

Dagoba Tuparama / Taraparamya
(Thupramaya)

Snow-white Dagoba Tuparama was elevated in the form of a bell, with a diameter of the base of 18 m, a height of 50 m. Previously, Dagoba Tuparama had much large sizes, but throughout its history has repeatedly completely collapsed. The last time the stupa was rebuilt in 1862

The base of the stupa is paved with granite slabs, 4 rows of stone columns surround the dagoba. The height of the stone pillars, which previously relied the massive roof, decreases with the external circle to the internal. The dome-shaped roof over the step that existed earlier, but not previously survived to the present moment, was maintained 176 columns.

Dagoba Tuparama was built in 3 V. BC. During the reign of King Devanampyatissa (Devamnampiyatissa). The stupa was built by the king at the request of Mahinda Tero (Mahinda Thero), who brought Buddhism in Sri Lanka to conclude a relic in it - the right clavicle of the Buddha. The building has an original design: Vatadaga vaulted Temple as if pushed under the dome of the canoba.

In the 7th century, Stupa Taraparamya was completely covered with gold. Included in it the temple of the Vataadaga, made of gold bricks, with golden doors. After the attack of the South Indian Tamils \u200b\u200bfrom the kingdom of Pandya (Pandyan), the stupa was looted, and all gold, jewels and treasures were exported.

In the middle of 10 century The Singhalese King of Mahinda IV restored Dagobu, lined with gold and installed golden doors in it, but again at the end of the 10th century, Tamil tribes from southern India Chola (Chola) completely plundered the temple complex. The last recovery of the Stupa was completed in the middle of the 19th century, however, in the process of recovery, the ancient stupa fully lost its former architectural features.

Bronze Palace Lovamahapaya
(Lovamahapaya / Lohaprasadaya)

The Lovamahapaya Palace was founded in 3 V. BC. The first Buddhist king of Sri Lanka Devanampyatissa, who, at the request of Mahindia Tero, which brought Buddhism to the island, built the first building in this place. After a century, in 2nd. BC, King Datugamun significantly expanded the architectural complex to that scale, the traces of which can be observed today.

According to the Singhalese chronicle of Mahavams, the building of the Lovamahapaya Palace was a nine-story building with a height of 47 m. His arches supported 1600 stone columns. The palace was decorated with corals and precious stones, and the roof is covered with copper-bronze plates. Obviously, for this reason, the Lovamahapaya Palace is also called Lohaprasadaya (Lohaprasadaya), which is translated from Sinhalean and means "Bronze Palace". The upper floors of the building were made of wood and were destroyed in 2 V to AD. With fire.

During history, the building of the palace was rebuilt 7 times. At the beginning of the 3rd century, during the rule of the King of Sirinaga II (Sirinaga), the palace was rebuilt, but his height was already 5 floors. By mid 3 c. Jettatissa's king (Jettatissa) was two more floors, making it seven-story. Then, at the end of the 3th century, Mahasena king (Mahaasena) destroyed the palace, using materials for the construction of Abhayagiri complex, which caused a sharp conflict with the Mahavihara monastic community.

In 4 c. His son Sirimegavanna (Sirimeghavanna) restored the palace again. In such a form, the building existed to 9 centuries, until the invasion of the South Indian kingdom of Pandia was destroyed. At the end of the same 9 century. The king of Hayen II (SENA II) rebuilt the palace, but in 10 century. Indian invaders of Cola invaded the territory of the kingdom and completely plundered and destroyed it. Then the fall of Anuradhapura and the city stopped being the capital of the kingdom and only at 11th century, during the reign of King Parakramabha I (Parakramabhu I), the stone poles were raised, and the building of the Lovamahapaya Palace was partially restored. In this form, the building of the palace and abides so far.

Dagoba Jetavanaramaiya.
(JetavanaraMaya)

Dagoba, erected from red brick, Jetavanarama, is the largest in Sri Lanka, initially its height accounted for 122 meters, but over time it decreased to 71 meters.

Dagoba Jetavanaramya was built at the end of the 3th century by the King of Mahasen (273 - 303) and in the future completed by his son, the King of Syrimegavanaya I. 93 million bricks were used for the construction of a giant stua, it was built on a rock, on the foundation of a depth of 8.5 meters. Each side of the base, on which the stupa has a length of 176 meters, the length of the stairs leading to it is 9 meters.

It is believed that Dagoba Jetavanaram was erected at the place of cremation Mahinda Tero - a man who brought Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Like all other buildings in Anuraphapur, this was also subjected to the destruction of Indian invaders in the 9-10 centuries. After the fall of the kingdom of Anuradhapur, the Stupa was abandoned and quickly covered with the jungle.

In the 12th century, during the rule of the King of Parakramabha the Great, the stupa was restored from the ruins, but its height was reduced to the current value.

Dress Dzhetavanaramya / Patimagara
Jethawanaramaya Image House / Patimaghara)

On the territory of the monastery of Jetavan with an area of \u200b\u200b48 hectares, west of Dagoba Jetavanaramya, there is a vaulted building of the Dzhetavanaramai image (Jethawanaramaya image), also called Patimaghara (Patimaghara).

It is believed that the building was built by the King of Seine I in the 9th century, and then destroyed when capturing the north of the island by the Indian kingdom of Chola in the 10th century. Subsequently, the house of the image was restored by Sinhalean kings already during the sunset of the kingdom of Anuradhapura.

The Dzhetavanaramai Image House is the largest of the Anuradhapura or Polonnaruva found in the anoradhapura.

Earlier, the entrance to the building closed the monolithic door, supported by stone pillars with a height of 8 meters, and in the house of the Buddha's image, a massive limestone statue was located 11 meters high and 25 Buddhist relics. According to calculations, the height of the building was 15 meters. Subsequently, in Polonnaruva, vaulted buildings (Gediga) Tuparama, Lancatilac and Tivanka were erected on the similarity of the image of Dzhetavanaramayia.

Dagoba Mirisavietia
(Mirisavetiya Stupa)

Dagoba Mirisavietia was built during the reign of King Datugummoun in 2 V to AD, the building refers to the Maha Vihar complex. The diameter of the base of the stupa is 43 meters, and the height is 59 meters.

The name of the Stupa explains the popular Sinhala legend: when the king of Datuhummun after his coronation was going to the Water Festival in Teessavev, he left his Scepter (Kunt) at this place, within which a sacred relic was laid. Then the king returned behind the scepter, as if stuck and no one could move it off.

Then the king remembered that he had broken the tradition before this, forgetting to offer monks from chili pepper (Miris) before trying her. In those days it was a common practice to give part of all the food, which is preparing in the Palace of priests before the king can enjoy it. Seeing a miracle and remembering his misconduct, the king ordered to build a stue in this place and call her Mirisavyiya (Pepper Stupa).

Dagoba was restored in the 1980s, but the whole design hit in 1987, destroying one of the best samples of the architectural frontones "Vahalkada" Auraurapura's era. Dagoba Mirisavietia, observed now, was completed in 1993, but in the recovery process lost all historical features of the original.

Dagoba Lancarama
(Lankarama Stupa)

Lancarama Stupa (Lancaramya) is located on the territory of the ancient city, south of the elephant pond. Dagoba Lancaramya was built in the 1st century BC. King Walabandamba (Walagamba). The diameter of the layout of Lancarama is 14 meters, and the diameter of the base is 406 m, the base height is 3 m.

The stupets surround the remains of 88 stone pillars that supported the building previously not preserved until now the roof. During its history, Stupa experienced a reconstruction, what her form was previously unknown. Dagoba, built in medirigyriy, near Polonnarvoy, was erected in the same architectural styleAs Lancarama Stupa.

Dagoba Lancarama is located 400 meters from Abhayagiri Monastery, its ancient name is Silasobbha Khandaka Cetiya.

It is called the place so because after the defeat from Tamil invaders in 103 BC The Sinhalese King of Waladamb was hidden from enemies in a place called "Silasobbha Khandaka". After the victory over the Tamil invaders and the liberation of the country in the same year, returning the throne, he built a Lancarama stupa on this spot.

Dagoba Abhayagiri.
Abhayagiri Stupa)

Stupa was built in the 1st century BC. Singhale King Waladamba. Stupa Abhayagiri is the second stage in Sri Lanka.

According to the descriptions of the Chinese monk, Fa-Xiang in the fifth century, the height of the stupas was 122 meters, its outer surface was decorated with gold, silver and jewelry. Also at this place was the statue of Buddha 6m high, made of green jade. The upper superstructure over the dome called Hataras Kotuwa (Hatharas Kotuwa) has been preserved since ancient times.

According to the chronicles, after the King of Valakambahu ascended to the throne in 104 BC, in just seven months, the Tamil invasion occurred in the ancient Sri Lanka through the port of Mantat. Port for the port, the city outside the city, Tamila captured the territory. The Singhala army suffered defeat and was forced to quickly retreat, the Tamil king in the meantime captured his wife Waladambahu and several relics and took them to India. The King of Valakambahu was forced to hide in the jungle, where he could not find Tamils.

At this time, the Jain Monk lived in a place where Dagoba Abhayagiri is worth today. When the king left the anuradhapura territory, passing through the gate, the monk-jain named Geri offensively shouted: "Look like a great Singhale king, you fly away!". The king ignored this comment, but when he returned to Anuradhapur, 14 years after the victory over the invaders, he did not forget about this incident.

The king completely destroyed this skete and in her place elevated a massive stue and 12 buildings and suggested her Mahatis Tero. The stupa was named Abhayagiri, by name of the two sides of the conflict - the names of "Abhaya" (the name of the king) and "Geri" (Monk-Jain). Later Abhayagiri Vihara became the opponent of Mahavihara. The monks of Mahavihara Monastery were followers of Buddhism of Theravada, and monks at the same time Abhayagiri followed the principles of Tharavada teachings and Mahayana.

Ratna Prasadaya Palace
Rathna Prasadaya)

The Palace Ratna Prasada / Prasadaya was erected in the 2nd century by the Singhale King of Kanitta Tissa (167 - 186). The name of Ratna Prasadaya is translated from Sinhales as the "Palace of Jewels".

Once the Palace Ratna Prasadaya was a multi-storey building, it can be judged by the residues of columns that supported the windows of the building.

In the 8th century, the king Mahinda II restored the building in several floors and decorated it with a lot of statues of Buddha made of gold. However, all these treasures were looted during the invasion of the South Indian Empire of Monda during the reign of the King of Seine I (833-853).

Subsequently, the palace of jewels was again restored by King Seine II (853-887), who returned the treasures in him. Then the rant prasadaya building was renovated by the Singhala King of Mahinda IV in the 10th century.

The guard stone, designed to save the treasures of the palace, has survived to the present day. It is located on the inner entrance to the building, is one of the best examples of a stone thread in the Epoch of the Kingdom of Anuraurapura.

Pond Kuttam Pokunov
(Kuttam Pokuna)

Ponds Kuttam Pokunov are an ancient engineering miracle. Real builders of the buildings are unknown, it is assumed that the ponds were built during the reign of King Aggabodhi (Aggabodhi i) at the turn of 6 and 7 centuries.

Ponds Kuttam Pokunov were used by the monasters of Abhayagiri Monastery for ablutions. Walls of ponds are made of carved granite slabs.

Translated from the Sinhalean language "Kuttam Pokhun" means "twin ponds". The first was built the northern pond (small), over time the second pond of the larger size was completed.

The dimensions of the small northern pond by Kuttam Pokunka are 28 * 15.5 meters, the depth is 4 meters. The sizes of the southern (large) pond 40 * 16 meters, depth of 5.5 meters.

Water in the ponds was supplied through an underground water supply and was filtered, consisting of four levels before entering the pond through a stylized dragon tube. Next, water from both ponds was merged into one channel and then used for the irrigation of the fields.

Statue of Buddha Samadhi
SAMADHI STATUE)

The statue of Buddha in the state of Samadhu is located in the ancient Park Mahamvnava (Mahamevnāwa Park). The statue of Samadhi is considered one of the best sculptures of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. It is believed that the statue of samadhi was created during the 3rd or 4th century.

Buddha statue in the DHYANA Mudra meditation posture with crossed legs and open palms, put on each other, made of dolomite marble. Ancient statue has a height of 2.2 meters.

In 1886, this statue was found in the place of the same place where she is currently fallen, her nose was damaged. After that, the statue was re-installed, and the nose was reconstructed.

In 1914, the statue was again damaged by treasure hunters and again restored. The eyes of the statue are currently hollow, which indicates that they were previously decorated with crystals or precious stones. It was not known whether this statue was brought from another monastery or she was originally here.

It is believed that if you look at the statue from three different sides, then looking at the right and left side of her face will express sadness, and if you look at the statue of the right, then her face smiles slightly.

Objects of the ancient city of Anuradhapura

Lake Tissa Wieva
(Tissa WEWA)

Ancient man-made reservoir Tissa Veva was built by the Sinhala King of Devanampyatissis, which was ruled by the country in the 3rd century BC. The dimensions of the embankment erected to form an ancient reservoir are impressive: the length of the embankment is 3.4 km and the height is 7.5 meters.

The surface size of the veva reservoir is 2.2 sqm. The purpose of creating such a bulk reservoir, according to the ancient Sinhalese chronicle of Mahavams, was the nutrition of gardens and parks located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, as well as irrigation of the surrounding rice fields in the arid period.

The man-made lake Tissa Veva gets water through the ancient construction of Jaya Ganga (Jaya Ganga) - a channel connecting the reservoir and the Kala VaVa River. Excess water from the reservoir is discharged into the Malvathu River Oyia.

According to the archaeologists, the ancient Tissa Veva reservoir was built so reliably that even after 1,200 years old can supply water in modern city Anuradhapura.

Lake Nuwar Veva
Nuwara WEWA)

The ancient reservoir of Nuvara Vec is the largest of the three manual reservoirs of Anuradhapura. Nuwara Veva is translated as "City Lake".

The exact time of the reservoir construction is unknown. Presumably it was erected in the 1st century BC. e. King Wattagini Abaya (Vattagamini Abaya).

According to historians, the initial structure of the embankment was made of brick used in the construction of Abhayagiri Daging. The embankment was renovated in 3 and 5th centuries.

The surface area of \u200b\u200bNuvara Vev's reservoir is 31.8 sq. Km, a dam and a canal on the River Malvathu Oyu used to fill it. The dam extended to 1873, when the construction of a car bridge across the river was started.

The depth of water in the channel connecting the lake and the river is 1.2 meters, the depth of the reservoir is 45 meters from the dam. Currently, the channel is used to drive excess water from Nuvara Veva back to the river during floods.

Temple of Isrumia
(Isurumuniya)

The ancient Buddhist temple of Isuruminia is located on the banks of the Tissa Veva reservoir (Tissa WEWA). The temple was founded by the king of Devanampia Tissa (Devanampiya Tissa) at the end of the 4th century. BC. Earlier, the temple was known as Megagiri Vihara (Meghagiri Vihara). The temple is known for its unusual carving on a stone, made in different architectural styles, depicting different stories:

• thread lovers from Isurumnia (Isurumuni Lovers)

  The carving was created allegedly in the 6th century. In the style of Gupta, it shows a man and a woman who is sitting on his knees, one of the versions of the King Kuvera Vaisrawana's personification king (Queen Kuni) and his queen Kuni (Queen Kuni), on another god Shiva and his wife Parvati, on the third scene captured Prince, son of King Datugmun, who abandoned the throne for the sake of marriage on the girl of the lowest estate.

• royal Family Carving

  The carving was created allegedly in the 8th century, the work was performed in the architectural tradition of Gupta Cala; The image carved on the granite plate includes 5 human figures, in the center of the composition, the King of Datougamunu is presumably depicted (Dutugamunu).

• cutting Elephant Pond (Elephant Pond)

  The carving was created alleged in the 7th century, was performed in the Pallavian tradition. The image captured floating elephants, but what is noteworthy: images of elephants correspond to images in a stone thread in Mamallapuram (Mamallapuram) in southern India.

The temple of Incemunia is the first place in Sri Lanka, where the Buddha tooth was placed upon arrival on the island. Stupa near the temple and the statue of the Buddha, located inside it, are modern. Part of the caves near the temple used to serve as a refuge for the monks, now there is a lot of volatile mice.

Church of Ransimalakaya
(Ransimalakaya)

Across the road from the Bronze Palace of Lovamahapaya, Ruins Rannsimalakaya are located. Between the sacred tree of Sri Mach Bodhi and a huge Dagoea Ruvanvelisayia is a section of ruins with towering stone pillars.

This plot was examined by the archaeologists of the Royal Asian Society, which found the foundation of the building, for the first time spending excavations in 1895.

The current ruins of the building indicate that it was an open building without walls, and its not previously preserved the roof was previously supported by 8 rows of 10 granite columns.

Only a few of these pillars can be observed today. You can enter the building through four entrances located on each side of the building.

According to the Archeology Department of Sri Lanka, this building in the Middle Ages was used as a meeting room of Maha Vihara monks. In the same building, the body of Maha Mahinda Tero was kept to cremation.

Ruins of the complex Tolowyl
(Toluwila Ruins)

The ruins of the Buddhist complex Toluville are located near the anuradhapura railway station, outside the borders of the ancient city. Complex Toluvil was supposed to be part of Pabbata Vihara (Pabbatha Vihara).

The estimated time of the construction of the monastery of the toluvil complex is a period between 7 and 9th centuries.

According to the chronicles, in Toluvilu in the 3rd century BC Mahinda Tero stopped (a man who brought Buddhism in Sri Lanka) during his pilgrimage from Chijia Pubbath (CHATHIYA PABBATHA) in Maha Vihara.

In the house of the Toluville's image was discovered and taken to the National Museum of Sri Lanka, located in Colombo, the Buddha statue sitting in the samadhi pose, who is considered the most skillful similar statue in Sri Lanka.

The house of the Buddha, who was on the elevation, surrounds a large number of remnants of economic buildings, made in a unique architectural style, and the Complex Complex itself is surrounded by the RV.

Ruins Temple Temple Buddha Daladag
(Dalada Maligawa / Daladage)

To the northeast of the Royal Palace, Vijayabahu are located the ruins of the ancient Maha Pali complex, the Temple of the Tooth Buddha Dalada Ga and two houses of the Buddha's image with the dome roof of Gediga. All four buildings are located 50 meters away from each other.

The ruins of the building, known as Daladag, are considered to be the remains of the structure of the Temple of the Buddha Tooth, built by the Sinhale King of Mahinda IV in the 10th century after the defeat of the Sinhalese army from the South Indian Empire of Chola and the transition to the northern part of the island.

The remains of the Temple Temple of the Buddha Daladag are on the four-piano case with dimensions of 60x65 meters. The temple consists of a large building with wide compartments in three sides (of four) and two practically disappeared small auxiliary buildings in the North-West and the North-East of the Temple.

The main entrance to the building of Daladag is in the center on the north side of the temple. The inscription above its entrance, made during the reign of Mahinda IV, allowed the archaeologists to identify the purpose of the premises.

Elephant Pond Strain
(Eth Pokuna)

Not far from Lancaramya Stupa is an ancient irrigation miracle - a huge artificial pond of Et Stroke. The name of the pond from Sinhalean is translated as an "elephant pond."

This pond is the biggest pond not only in Abhayagiri, but also in the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

The dimensions of the ancient pond of this is very impressive: its length is 159 meters, and the width is 52.7 meters. Pond This is a depth of 9.5 meters and accommodates 75,000 cubic meters of water.

Water in the Pond Pond is supplied from the reservoir of Periamkulam through the network of underground channels. Visitors to the present time can still see parts of the elements of the water supply system that supplies the pond.

Channels, drilling water, were made by ancient masters from stone blocks. Previously, the pond was used by the monks of Abhayagiri Monastery for ablutions and other everyday needs, their number at that time exceeded 5,000 people.

Ruins of the complex Mahapali
(Mahapali Alms Hall)

Mahapali Mercy Hall was supposedly built by the King of Devanampyatissa in the 3rd century BC. And subsequently, other kings were expanded in the period of the kingdom of Anuradhapura.

The ruins of the Mahapali complex are located north of the Palace Vijayabha I, their area is 0.5 hectares. To this day, massive granite columns have been preserved, which previously supported the roof of the building of the Maha Hall of Pali.

After the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century to our era, the island became one of the largest centers of Buddhism in the world.

Thousands of monks lived in the cities of the ancient Sri Lanka, the provision of their food was the responsibility of the king, and the Chairs of Mercy appeared (Alms Hall) - a place for monks supplied with food.

One of the main attractions of the place is a deep well, which supplied water to the building of the Mahapali complex. The walls of the well are built of granite and brick, the steps located around the perimeter of the square well allow you to go down to the water.

Temple Gediga
(Gedige)

The temple with the once-vaulted dome Gedig is located on the territory of the Maha complex. Building Gediga (can also be called Gedi Ge) is a brick structure, externally more or less similar to the house of the Buddha image.

Gediga is considered a sanctuary of the tradition of Mahayana, who preached the tantra because of which they had a conflict with followers of Theravada, ended with the full victory of the last. The story of the construction and the time of creating this building is unknown.

Gediga and the House of the Buddha complex of Maha Pali complex are the only known houses of the image in Anuradhapur, fully made of brickwork: only the door and the window frame were made of granite.

Previously, the building of the Buddha's House of the Buddha was decorated with a vaulted dome, stone stairs were led to the second floor, and the sanctuary was located inside. Gediga covers an area of \u200b\u200b10 square meters. meters, house of the buddha is 11 square meters. meters.

Training Center Mautura Pirivina
MAYURA PIRIVENA)

This training center is one of the main training centers owned by Maha Viharai complex in the Epoch of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. The training center of Mautura Pirivina was built by King Buddadasoy in the 4th century.

To date, the building of Mautura pyrive is completely destroyed, only a foundation with several pillars previously supported the roof remained from the building.

The training center of Maura Pirivina is considered a place where Granthakar Piroven was also located previously, where the Indian Buddhist monk Buddudhagosha Tera was prepared by the comments on the sacred texts of Tharavada in the 5th century. Being in India and finding text, the comment for which he was lost to the truck, Buddadagosa went to Sri Lanka to explore the Singhala comment, which at that time was preserved at the Maha Vihar monastery in Anuradhapur. There, Budddhagosha began to study a large amount of comments that were collected and preserved by Maha Vihar monks.

The interpretations represented by Buddhagosh, usually made an orthodox understanding of the sacred texts of Theravada, at least from the 12th century. Buddedanov's works were recognized by Western scientists and monks of the direction of Tharavada as the most important comments by Theravada. Budddhagosha described the center of Mautura pyrivine as "located in beautiful place, well-maintained, cool and with sufficient water supply. "

Monastery Veszagiriya
(Vessagiriya)

An ancient forest monastery is located on the territory of the anguard Angugadhapura, a pair of hundreds of meters south of the temple of Isurumnia, on the road Anuradhapura-Kurunagala. The place may also be called IsSarasamanarama (Issarasamanarama). The monastery is among the huge stone boulders.

Buddhist Monastery Vesgizagiria was founded in the 3rd century BC. And expanded in the 5th century during the rule of King Kasyapa (Kasyapa), up to 500 people lived on its territory.

Currently, only residues of 23 stone caves are observed on this area. Now the visitor can only see stones, because All other structural elements were made of fragile materials and are not preserved.

In natural stone shelters that served as a shelter for monks, laid inscriptions were found in Brahmi (Brahmi), one of the oldest writing systems. Also, the archaeologists were found by the ruins of the building with a round foundation for the purpose of which it is unknown, 70 rare coins were found during the excavations. On the territory you can contemplate the rest of the buildings of the refectory for monks and several Dagobes.

Royal Palace Vijayabahi I
(Vijayabahu I Royal Palace)

The Royal Palace is located on the southwest, across the road, from the Maha Pali complex. The palace was built by the Singhale King of Vijayabha I (1055 - 1110) in the 11th century in the era of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura.

In 1070, the Singhal King of the Summors of the South Indian invaders from the Empire of Chola, the kingdom rule, and after the military campaign, which lasted 18 years, united the country. After the victory over Chola, the Singhal King recreated Buddhism, almost destroyed during the reign of Tamilov and restored the ancient infrastructure and irrigation projects.

During the rule of the king, the capital was the city of Anuradhapura, but, noting his dedication to the monarch, the king suffered the capital of the country to the city of Polonnaruva.

It is believed that the building of the Royal Palace was used to conduct official celebrations and ceremonies. The width of the structure is 39 meters, length is 66 meters.

Two massive security stones at the entrance to the building are depicting "Sankhanihi" and "Padmanidhi" - servants of the god cubeers. On the walls of the palace, you can still observe the remnants of ancient plaster.

Stupa Sangamitta
SANGAMITTHA STUPA)

Sangamitta Red Brick Stupa is 150 meters east of the famous Canopa Taraparamya. The ancient stupa was named presumably in honor of the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka named Sangamitta Teri (Sangamiththa Theri).

The daughter of the emperor arrived in Sri Lanka in 249 BC, bringing a branch of the original sacred tree Sri Mach Bodh with him to the island.

The princess has done a way to the neighboring country along with his brother Mahinda Tero (Mahinda Thero), which is a person who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Arriving on the island, the son and daughter of Emperor Ashoki dedicated their lives the spread of Buddhist teachings in the country and so far revered as founders of Buddhism.

In the ancient chronicles, it is mentioned that the Sinhale king of Utti (Uttiya) laid into a small Dagoba to the east of the Tuparama of the ash of Arhat Sangamitta Teri. Archaeologists suggest that it was about the stage of Sugamitta.

Stupa Dakkin
(Dakkhina Tupa Stupa)

The ruins of an ancient temple, apparently not completed, are located south of the temple complex Jaya Sri Mach Bodhi and Training Center Maura Pirivina.

The name of the site translated from Sinhalean means "Southern Monastery", it is considered a cremation site of several Sinhalese kings.

This place was defined as Dhakkhina Stupa Professor Paranavitan (Paranavitana) in 1946. According to the ancient chronicles of Sri Lanka, in place where the cremation of the Singhal King of the Datuhummun, which was ruled in the 2nd century BC Dakkin's Stupa was erected.

Initially, after the king cremation, the volume was possible much less, but during history it was rebuilt several times and over time reached modern sizes.

Next to the stage are stone pillars with elegant carvings with the image of Weisravana (Vaisravana) and Calpavruk (Kalpawruksha).

Church of Nyha Vihara
(Nakha Vihara)

The church of Nacks belongs to the unique view of square brick buildings, being one of the four such unusual buildings found in Sri Lanka.

The temple building is constructed presumably during the Kingdom of Anuradhapur in the range of 7-10 centuries. And belongs to the tradition of Mahayana.

The foundation of the temple is 9x9 m, the ruins of the Buddha image of the Buddha were found next to the temple, but the object was not preserved to our time.

Excavations carried out by archaeologists in the area of \u200b\u200bthe temple of Nash revealed the presence of several layers of clay plaster, which allegedly suggests that the building, before it was abandoned, was active and lived for a long time.

The church of Nacks is rarely visited by tourists, the most popular of four is a brick building Satmakhal Prasada in Polonnaruva, two others are in Anuradhapur on the territory of Abhayagiri Monastery.

Ruins Daging Padalanchan / Power of Chietia
(Padalanchana Chethiya / Sila Chethiya)

In fifty meters from the famous Stua Tuparama are the ruins of a small ancient Dagina Padalanchan of Chietia. The place is also called the power of Chiiya (Sila Chethiya), Kujajatissa (Kujjatissa) or Stupa Diga (Digha Stupa).

Stupa is an archaeological object with features of the late period of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, which probably indicates that it has been rebuilt or restored.

The power of Chietia is one of the 16 main places of worship in Sri Lanka, called Solosmasthana (Solosmasthana). Dagoba was erected at the beginning of the 2nd century. BC. King Lognatissa.

According to the Sinhal Chronicles of Mahavamsa (Mahavamsa), Dipavamsa (Dipavamsa) and Mahabodhivamsa (Mahabothivamsa), the Buddha left his mark on the location of the Stupa Padalan during the third visit to Sri Lanka.

According to Mahavams, it is also considered that this place is one of four, where all Buddhas (Kakusanndha, Konagamana, Kassapa and Gauthama Buddha) at one time came to the island and left their footprints before leaving him.

Ruins of Padanagara pavilions
(Padanagara)

Two objects called Padanagar pavilions are located to the west of Abhayagiri Monastery, away from other ancient buildings.

The granite base of the building is erected on the elevation of the cliff.

Pavilions are located outside the anoradhapura anoradhapura and were used by monks, presumably for meditation and retreats.

The structure of the pavilions surrounds ditch. The building, over the ruins of which rises rows of stone pillars, are deprived of any decorations and ornaments, with the exception of their small number in the structure of the stone toilet, located on the right of the pavilion.

The first Padanagar Pavilion has a smaller size than the second. Both pavilions are equipped with an ancient water supply, with aquifers, passing under the foundation of an ancient structure, and stone toilets.

Park Ranmaas Uyan / Magul Uyan
(Ranmasu / Magul Uyana)

Even before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka at 3rd. BC. Parks were a common part of the urban layout. Founder of the Park Ranmas Uyan is unknown.

It is believed that the park was built as an alternative to the parks that existed earlier and the Divanampyatvi away king with the arrival of Buddhism on the island, monastic community (Sanghe).

According to the inscription found in the ancient Monastery of Veszagiriya, water for the needs of the park came from the Tissa River and then distributed through the fields in the area of \u200b\u200bthe temple of Isurumnia.

There are several small ponds on the territory of the park, where goldfish were previously swam and blooming lotuses. Stone framing of ponds is decorated with traditional carvings with a picture of swimming elephants.

Ancient Park Ranmas Uyan is located on the square of 16 hectares. The park is an excellent example of the ancient Lankan park architecture of the pre-Christian era. Sakwal Chakraya Sakwala Chakraya is located on the territory of the park.

Petroglyphs Sacawal Chakraiya
Sakwala Chakraya)

In the park Ranmas Uyan, an ancient drawing is depicted on a large boulder, called Chakraya Sacawal or Bava Chakraya (Bawa Chakraya).

The creator, purpose and time of the creation of Petroglyph are unknown.

One of the assumptions is that the image is the most ancient of the existing map of the world: cosmmographic graphs of the universe or "world map", described in ancient Buddhist texts.

According to another theory, Sacawal Chakraiya - some star gates, similar to those found in Peru not far from Lake Titicaca and in the complex Pyramid Abu-Sir.

The kingdom of Anuraphapur existed in the period from about 400 BC. Before the beginning of the second millennium, however, there is a version that the age of this artifact is at least 5,000 years, and refers to the period of the Board of King Ravan.

Weather in Anuradhapur.

The best time to visit Anuradhapura is the period from January to September inclusive - at this time the lowest amount of precipitation falls in the city, the weather is established, favorable for pedestrian excursions in the ancient city.

The high season for visiting Anuradhapura is the period from June to September - the drin time in the year. The most rainy months, the rainy season in Anuradhapur, are October, November and December under the influence of the northeast monsoon.

During the year, the air temperature in the city is stable and changing at the time of year is insignificant: the night air temperatures fluctuate within +21 C +24 C; Daylight air temperature is in the range from +29 with to +34 C.

Anuradhapura from A to Z: Map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photo, videos and reviews about Anuradhapur.

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Anuradhapura is the administrative center of the North-Central Province of Sri Lanka and one of the most ancient cities of Ceylon Island. For a long time Anarathapura, located in a strategically important place - at the intersection of two port zones - and covered in the depths of the jungle, was the capital of the state - until 1017, when the city was seriously destroyed by the invaders from South India and leave the inhabitants.

For almost a thousand years, the city stood in the launch, and only in the 19th century, an English hunter accidentally pushed him into the jungle.

Today, Anuradhapura is preferably restored and divided into two parts: an old town, which is a non-residential security area, and a new city where the entire population of Anuradhapura (about 50,000 people) lives and is a tourist area with hotels, restaurants and shops.

The city is quite far from the coastline, so tourists in Anuradhapur are primarily attracted to the world-famous monuments of culture and the history of Sri Lanka, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

How to get

Anuradhapura is in 200 with small kilometers from the capital of the island - Colombo . You can get to the city by train (there are two railway stations here), as well as by bus in 5 hours (it comes to the bus station in a new city) or on the schedule car along the A9 highway for 4 hours.

Search for flights to Colombo (Nearest a / n to Anuradhapur)

Transport

On the new city, buses and Tuk-Tuki are running, but the need for them is small - this small area can be quietly pass from the end to the end for half an hour. But the security area on the other side of the Malvathu river-oyia is very large on the territory - and without a Tuk-Tuka here can not do. However, in many places of the Old Town, the movement of any transport, even Tuk-Tukov, is prohibited.

Popular hotels in Anuradhapura

Excursions, Entertainment and Attractions Anuradhapura

As mentioned above, most tourists come to see the monuments of the Old Town. Among them are the so-called dagundages (Buddhist religious structures, intended for storage of relics) ThumAparama, Ruonwelli with famous stone statues of Buddha, Jetavanaram, considered one of the highest brick structures in Ancient world, as well as the statue of the Buddha Auchans and the sacred tree of Bodhi, considered the oldest of famous trees, with the temple of Mahabodhi built around him. And this is only a small part of those monuments that are waiting for travelers in the old town of Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura

In the new city there are many hotels, restaurants and shops, there is also a market where you can buy souvenirs.

It is worth remembering: although alcohol is sold in tourists-oriented establishments, the public drinking of alcoholic beverages on Sri Lanka is not welcome.

• Where to stay: On one of alpine resorts Ceylon, where in colonial times the British were hidden from the heat, namely in Kandy or in Nuvara Eija . In addition, you can stay in the capital

(Anuradhapura) is ancient city On Ceylon Island, who was the first capital of Sri Lanka. Singals have built the city of Anuradhapur already in the V century BC! Since then, a lot of time has passed, but the remains of this interesting city of Singalov can be seen in the north of Sri Lanka, arriving there from Colombo on the bus. We wanted to simultar time visit his ancient ruins, impregnated with the spirit of ancient history!

Compared to the south of the country, the main cultural attractions are preserved in the center and in the north of Sri Lanka - the so-called "golden triangle". Anuradhapura is its part. There are famous stupes or dagins that spread as an architectural norm throughout South-East Asia, and the highest brick building in the world! And we began our acquaintance with Sri Lanka here, in Anuradhapur. Practical information and experience has accumulated a lot, and now we will tell about everything in detail.

- This is the first capital of the Singhalese state and was founded in the V century BC, Indian Prince Anuradha. Located in the modern town of the same name in Sri Lanka. The name of him literally translates "City Anuradha".

basic information

Name	Anuradhapura, (English Anuradhapura)
Where is	In the northern central part of Sri Lanka Island, on the banks of the Aruvi River, at an altitude of 81 m above sea level
What is myself	The city of Anuradhapura is sacred for Buddhists and consists of an old city (historical part + archaeological zone) and a new city behind the river (residential neighborhoods and tourist zone). Is the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982
GPS coordinates	8 ° 21 '0 "N, 80 ° 23' 7" E 8.35, 80.385278
Distance to Colombo	206 km
How to get	From Colombo - by bus, train or taxi; From Matara - by train; By bus from Trinomale, Vavuni, Polonnarvava, Dambulla, Kandy and Kurunegaly
Date of foundation	V century BC
Square	36 square meters KM
Population	65 thousand people
Climate	Sub-screenal, there are two season rains (April-May and October-January). Dry month - June
What to watch	Main Attractions: Ancient Dagoba, Ruins of the Palaces of the Sinhalean Kings, Rock Monastery, Isourming, Sacred Tree Bodhi

View from the top of the monastery in Anuradhapur

Ancient city

City of Anuradhapura "This is a small modern city in the north of Sri Lanka, which is located next to the impressive ancient ruins of the first capital of Singalov. We arrived here afternoon. Our bus stopped at the bus station, and all passengers came out. Then we got our baggage and went to get acquainted with the new city. At that moment, we really really knew anything about Anuradhapur except that there is an ancient city and outstanding attractions of Sri Lanka.

Reading information about Anuradhapur on the Internet, we are very interested in his history. It turned out that the city was built in the area, which is called Rajarat - that is, the "land of the kings." Another and more modern name of this region is a cultural triangle. Well, then there is sure here there is something to see independent travelers and tourists!

The city of Anuradhapura is also called the most important of the ancient cities, since he was the center for a long period of time - almost a thousand years held the capital status of the Singalez kings and the South Indian emperors of the Chola dynasty. There were durable trade relations with China. And he was an important center of Buddhism not only for neighbors, but also the fame of his power reached even the Mediterranean. The ambassadors from Anuradhapura met in Rome with the emperor Claudius.

Observation deck on huge megalite

What to watch

Located on a large area and enjoy great interest among numerous tourists. Ruins of palaces and ancient canagle, as well as the sacred tree of Bodhi - all this is definitely worth seeing.

It was here that the Contemporary Modern City of Anuradhapura, which had arisen only at the beginning of the 20th century, comes tourists who want to learn about the last past Sri Lanka and visit the UNESCO heritage object. Someone rides with organized tour Or knocks out a couple of days with beaches on a tour, and we traveled here on your own.

Card Archaeological Park Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura consists of the so-called "Old Town" (Old City), in which the archaeological zone and the main attractions of the ancient capital, and the "New City" with a tourist area, cafes, shops in hotels and guesthouses separated from the old town of the river.

Here is an overview video about Anuradhapur:

From the very beginning it becomes clear that the city of Anuradhapur is not just so standing on the river, which tied him with the northern coast (at Mannar island). Previously, it was very important for communication with the allies in the face of the Chola dynasty, which spread its influence not only on the nearest neighbors, but also to other states and empires of Southeast Asia.

For example, on Khmer, which under the influence of Chola was built, and on Dwravati, an ancient state in Thailand. Remember the biggest knock of Thailand - Chedi Puzzle with Patha! And thus, precisely from Sri Lanka and Anuradhapura Buddhism spread throughout the world.

Council. During an excursion around the city of Anuraphapur, you should not forget about the sun and take care of the head and skin if you are easily susceptible to tan. During hot days, it is better to drink water more.

Archaeological zone

Coming out from the bus station, we immediately fell into the so-called archaeological zone, which all tourists attend. The main tourist office of Anuradhapura is located on Sri Maha Bodhi Street, 200 meters from the Old Northern Railway Station and the bus station. Here we took the card and learned all the information you are interested in. We recommend to go to this useful place.

• Tourist Office Operation: 9.00 - 16.45 on weekdays and 9.00 - 13.00 on weekends.
• Working hours ticket office: 7.00 - 19.00 daily. And the ruins are open around the clock.
• Ticket It costs $ 25, acts within 24 hours from the moment of purchase. Entrance to the monastery of Isurumnia and to the tree Bodhi is paid separately - 200 rupees.

It is important to know! In Sri Lanka, it is customary to shoot shoes when you go to holy places. And the Janurapura can certainly relate to them. Therefore, do not forget to leave your sandals before entering Buddhist shrines. If you do not plan to return to the same place, where they entered, or are afraid that your shoes will declerate, then wear shoes with you in a package or remove it into the backpack. Since brick buildings on a hot sun are heated greatly, and there is a risk of getting a burn burn, we advise you to make special socks for Dagob inspection. And yet, the clothes should also be modest: shoulders and knees should be covered.

How to get

There are several options to get to Anuradhapur, which are suitable for tourists. For myself, we decided that the easiest way would come by bus from Colombo to Anuradhapuru. Although it would be possible to buy a train ticket and make a journey through the railway without any problems. Or take a taxi / minibus, but it will be profitable and convenient if you travel a large company.

• By train: From Colombo goes 6 trains a day. There are cars of three classes, 2 and 3 can be a bedroom. Ticket price - from 100 to 520 rupees. Time on the way is 5 hours. Stations are located next to the new bus station and 2 km north of the city.
• By bus: there are several options. From Colombo to Anuradhapuor to go 5 hours, the cost of the ticket 100-200 rupees; from Candy - 3 hours for 70-150 rupees; From Polonnarva, the time on the way will be 3 hours, the price of the ticket 50 rupees. And you can still sit on a bus, the next from Nembo (with a change in Kurnegal), the road will take 6-7 hours and will have to pay 120-200 rupees.
  Important! All buses coming from the North and Eastern Directions stop at the new bus station, and from the South - on the Old Northern Bus Station. It should be borne in mind that with whatever bus station did not go away, he necessarily goes to the second and retries passengers. However, it may not be convenient places in the cabin, so they are better to immediately occupy at the point of departure.
• By taxi: If you take a car from Colombo or Negombo, the cost of the transfer will be $ 150. Driver services with a car throughout the cultural triangle will cost $ 170-200.

Anuradhapura on the map

Where to spend the night

Despite the fact that the city is not very big, it turned out to be a fairly wide selection of hotels and guesthouses of a different price category. We decided not to settle here in an expensive hotel, because we needed only to spend the night and go further. Book a room at the Anuradhapura Hotel here:

Guesthouse FRENCH GARDEN.

In Anuraphapur, we stayed in a very decent guesthouse FRENCH GARDEN.Located not far from the center. We arrived there on the recommendation of the driver. However, the place turned out to be very good and with pleasant prices (3,000 rupees per room with air conditioning and 2500 - with a fan). The territory is very beautiful, it is broken by a well-kept garden in accordance with the title. We were satisfied with accommodation and service. The only thing that did not like it, with a pretty expensive restaurant (for example, fried rice costs about 400 rupees), but they feed there tasty. You can also rent bicycles for inspection archaeological Park and order tours and guide.

Good hotels in Anuradhapur

To make it easier for you to deal with the search for hotels, we studied all the accommodation options in detail, made a review and we recommend the best hotels in Anuradhapur(Clickable links):

• Rajarata Hotel. - Evaluation 7.6 (modern hotel 4 * with stylish rooms and pool)
• Gamodh Citadel Resort. - Evaluation 8.4 (Resort with garden and swimming pool surrounded by ancient ruins)
• DIAMOND LAKE TOURIST REST- Evaluation 8.8 (Clean and cozy guesthouse with your restaurant)
• Villu Villa. - Evaluation 8.3 (Family villa with garden not far from Lake Nuwara Veva)
• London Palace. - Evaluation 8.1 (Stylish hotel in the city with a good restaurant and garden)

All hotels in Anuradhapur Watch →

See also:

We talked about the practical issues related to the journey to Anuradhapur, and now we turn to the beauties founded by Prince Anuradha in the V century BC of the Northern Capital of Ceylon Island! The old town is famous for Dagobami scattered throughout the territory, or bell-shaped stups. All of them played a role in a different period of the history of the Sinhalese state Lanka.

How best to watch anuradhapur

Keep in mind that the territory of the old town is simply huge, and the sights are scattered quite far from each other. Walking on the heat to examine them will be quite problematic, so it is worth thinking about transport. There are several options, how to drive between the sights of Anuradhapura:

• By taxi: The driver will carry all the sights of the old city for $ 20;
• Tuk-Tuka: Cost - 100 rupees per hour;
• By cycling: In any hotel or guesthouse, you can rent a bike and ride on ruins yourself. Cost - 200 rupees per day.

We took a taxi with the driver. At first they thought to inspect themselves, but there were random opportunities. However, the cost of its services eventually entered into the total amount that we paid him for a trip through the entire cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

Since we arrived in Anuradhapuru rather tired after the flight and a roast bus, the driver came as it should not be. He drove us in all attractions and sometimes even told something and kindly made photos for us. However, as a whole, we were not very lucky with the driver, and he later tried to deceive us. You can see all details.

We recommend to take the driver or a guide those who have not a lot of time or who, like us at the moment, knows little about Anuradhapur. However, if we immediately went to the hotel immediately after the bus, and then they were well prepared for sightseeing, as we usually make it, we would go to the archaeological park in the morning. And I would prefer in this case to inspect the sights of Anuradhapura on bicycles on their own.

Council. Inspection of the sights of Anuradhapura are most closely starting from a visit to Bodhi's sacred tree and ruins next to him, and then go to the Monastery of Isrumuni, located in the south. After that, starting with Dagoba Mirisawa, and the rushenwieels can move to the north to the palace of Mahasen and the lunar stone. And it is possible to finish the inspection at the highest Dagoba - Jetavanaram.

On the territory of the Old Town Especially worth noting the sacred for Buddhists tree Bo. (SRI Maha Bodhi or Mahabodhi), which grows here for more than 2000 years. Its landing is documented in the chronicles, and the seed is brought from India. It comes from the very tree, under which the Buddha has gained enlightenment.

Dog at the Holy Stupa Anuraphapura in Sri Lanka

Keep in mind that the entrance to the tree is paid separately. It turned out that the main trunk of Mahabodhi was destroyed in the XIX century English religious fanatic. However, his small trunk remained, which support numerous backups.

Next to the tree Bodhi is Bronze Palace - The pyramid structure of the king Dutthagamani. Only 1600 granite columns are preserved.

Then we went to study the ruins of the archeological zone of Anuradhapura. First of all, we arrived at the Isurumuni Monastery (Isurumuni Raja Maha Viharaya), the entrance is paid separately (200 rupees), and the assembled means allegedly go to the restoration of the object.

Entrance to the monastery of Isrumuni

The monastery stands on the shore of Lake Tissa. He is famous for the ancient stone reliefs - in love, sitting man and horse head. Most of the sculptures and reliefs moved to the museum, which is here at the monastery.

Relief "Sitting Man"

Stones around which and on which the monastery was built, we seemed huge! These are not just megaliths, but supermegalitis, and although they are not processed by a person, but simply used in construction, they still inspire respect! Straight on the stone breed, steps to the observation site are cut down.

Rag of Megalithov

If you go upstairs, there are excellent views of the surroundings. Here, apparently, to celebrate the sunset and dawn well, as Panorama is all 360 degrees. Unfortunately, we did not manage to see this beauty, and still regret it.

The monastery laid a stone pool

Also close to the lake is Dagoba Mirisavi (Mirisavatiya Dagoba), where we went straight from Isrumuni. In antiquity, its height reached 61 meters, but in the X century it was rebuilt. Mirisawa was built the very first in Anuradhapur, immediately after the founding of the city. It is focused on the sides of the light by four gates. We went around her, carefully looking at the details that seemed interesting to us.

According to the legend, this Dagobu king Dutthagamani ordered to build on the place where he folded his royal regalia, which kept the power of the Buddha. The king went to swim, and in returning could not take his things back. So he understood what exactly in this place and you need to put Dagobu. After all, the STUP (or Chedi) on the representation of Buddhists is a funeral hill, and the holy relics of the Buddha should be stored inside.

Among the ruins sometimes you can find such unexpected surprises

Dagoba Ruvuvellee

Another interesting Dagoba Ruvanveli (Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba) stands out to the other attractions of Anuradhapura by the fact that he is surrounded by a wall of 400 elephants. The construction of this canagle also began the king Dutthagamani in II BC, and her height is 54 meters. The original name of Dagoba - Mahathupa, that is, the Great Stupa. Such a name is not connected with a height (it was the third among the stupid of Anuradhapura), and with the value - inside hidden golden tree Bodhi.

Interesting fact: When the renovation of shrines began in the XIX century, Buddhists from Burma presented the precious stones to decorate the spire.

Dagoba Rowedlies in Sri Lanka is surrounded by building elephants

Walking along the walls with elephants from Dagunda Rowered, we involuntarily remembered and compared the Lankan shrine with. And although the material and style are completely different, there are similar features - the same removing elephants in Sri Lanka and in. Elephants in the first capital of Singalov were drawn in almost biological accuracy, but Khmers are rather similar to the conditional image of the beloved animal.

Dagoba Thuparama

And then we were near the smallest of the Stairs of the ancient Anuradyhapura - Daga Thaparama (Thuparama Dagoba). Its height is only 19 meters - was laid in the III century BC as a sign of adoption by Buddhism. This means that this Dagoba is the most ancient in Sri Lanka. Inside the clavicle of the Buddha. This is a gift of Mahinda, the son of the Indian king Ashoka.

Dagoba Thuparama

When Dagobu was rebuilt in the XIII century, the roof was built above it. Wooden building rotted over time, but the stone columns remained. This building is called Wat Dag. It seemed interesting to us, we have never seen this anywhere else.

Also built in the style of Wat Dagi Dagoba Lankarama (Lankarama Dagoba) is not a very large stupa. She was erected in the first century, and fully corresponds to the canon, which was popular in Anuradyhapur, and later will not disappear in the second capital of Singalov - in Polonnaruva. We looked at her, but if we had more time, I had to approach closer. It is worth it.

Palace Vijayabahu

Very interesting, we seemed to us the territory of the former palace of the local ruler. And although only columns remained from the Palace of Vijayabahu, built in the 9th century, there are still a huge pool and refectory. The sizes of the so-called pan for rice and for Curry we are really impressed!

The gorge bath has struck us with their sizes.

The "refectory" palace of Vijayabahu. At first I did not believe that I was prepared here!

Mahasen Palace and Moonstone

We continued to inspect the archaeological zone on the territory of another popular palace. Compared with other attractions of Anuradhapura, mahasen Palace It is famous for its lunar stone. And the era of this king was marked by the temporary victory of Buddhism-Mahayana over Buddhism Tharavada. The change of accents led to a change in construction - the filigree stone carving was very popular. AND moonstone It is the best and most famous cast of the time - the VII-VIII century. We saw a similar moonstone later in Polonnaruva.

Dagoba Abhayagiri.

One more Dagoba Abhayagiri. Abhayagiri Dagoba) was built in the first century to our era, and its height is 115 meters. However, now, after the restoration, Dagoba rushed at only 75 meters. Next to her before was one of the largest monasteries of the country, in which about 5,000 monks lived. It is a pity that I could not see him.

According to legend, the name Abhayagiri is connected with the escape of the Tsar Valakambahu from enemies. Seeing his running, Monk Giri ridiculed the king. And he promised to return and ... revenge. After 14 years, the king truly returned to his capital, found the monk Giri and executed him. And on the site of the execution built a stulet, calling her in honor of his mockery.

We saw one of the highest Dagobes standing in the forests. Apparently, she was expected by the ambulance reconstruction. We hope that you will be able to see what she became after repair.

And here there is Pool Kuttam-Powderwhich was built specifically for Abhayagiri Monastery. It seemed interesting to us that it consists of two parts connected with each other. Not good it was done!

In general, the ancient structures of the anuradhapura are very impressive. They do not look like they were built for monks, but rather for kings.

But the most important thing is to look in the ancient city - brick Dagaba Jetavanaram(Jetavanarama Dagoba). This is one of the few Auradhapura, not covered with white paint. Dagoba was built in the III century by the king of Mahasen, and her height was 122 meters in antiquity, and now - only 70 meters. Nevertheless, it was the biggest (high) structure of bricks in the world. During the heyday of the Sinhalese states, it was one of the highest structures around the world, yielding only ancient egyptian pyramids. It is interesting to know that now the highest stupa in the world is the heiress Sri Lankan Dagob - in Thailand.

Restoration of the canagle continues until now (conducted since 1981), therefore it is possible to walk in its territory without removing the shoes.

The height of this stupa fascinates. We had to move far to accommodate it in a frame, and people who visited the Buddhist shrine at this moment and walking on the foundation seemed very small.

Have you noticed at the bottom right?

Our impressions from Anuradhapura

Despite the fact that we spent in Anuradhapur only half of the day, unambiguously we can say that this is a grandiose place that is worth visiting all interested in Buddhism, his history and countries of Southeast Asia. After all, Anuradhapura is not only the first capital of Lanka, but also a missionary distributor of Buddhism in other countries.

Especially we were impressed by the ancients, at first glance, seemingly similar to each other, but nevertheless putting interesting records are the most ancient, the highest! Each of them has its own legend. And we were striking the evidence of monastic life with these Dagobah! Just imagine how rice prepared in these giant stone chains?!

During the inspection of the city of Anuradhapura, we particularly interested in a practical hydraulic system consisting of artificial pools and irrigation channels. Previously, she supported the successful life of the city, located in a rather arid area.

We really liked it in Anuradhapur, and we did not regret that we put this ancient city in first place in our travel route in Sri Lanka, which we continued after. So we started began the history of the island from the very beginning. Although it would be a little more correct to look at Mikhintall, the place from which Buddhism was spread through Lanka. But you can visit the shrine and the next day, as we did.

in Anuradhapur, we have already habitually went on the bus. Riding 3 hours, the cost of 2 tickets - 300 rupees. And, as usual, we were landlocked not at the station, but somewhere in the city. First of all, we wanted to go on the railway station. So far we have moved along Lanka on buses. However, now decided to use the services of Sri Lankan railway roads. The fact is that the next point of our trip was Unawatun. Almost the very south of the island. By e-mail, the hostess reserved Villas in Unawatun asked - at what time we will arrive. We reported that already on Sri Lanka and on the appointed day we will arrive from Anuradhapura in the evening. Having learned that we are planning to get a bus, the hostess expressed big doubts about the success of our venture.

The distance of Anuradhapura-Colombo-Unawatuna on Russian standards is not very big, and quite, in our opinion, is overcome for the light day. But buses on Lanka, really do not hurt, and the hostess of the house, although it was a New Zealander, but lived here for a long time. There is no direct railway from here to Unavatuna, you need to go through Colombo. We read that to take tickets in 1 or 2 class (about 3 class wrote some horrors), you need to take tickets in advance. Therefore, we needed to first at the station. We started looking around, trying to navigate. We quickly noticed the tucker and offered to bring to the railway station for 100 rupees. We knew that in Anuradhapur two stations, but what exactly we needed, it was unknown. 100 rupees (40 rubles) - a small amount and, specifying that we need a station from which you can go to Colombo, we drove. At the station we approached the window with the inscription "1, 2 class" and asked two tickets to the day after tomorrow to Colombo in the first class. We were answered that in this direction of the first class cars there is no one train. And not only on the day we need, but in general. I had to take 2 second-class tickets with the post of day after tomorrow at 9 am. The cashier took 1800 rupees from us and issued a leaf perforated on the edges half of the A4 format, where the date, time, class of the car and the rooms of the places C7, C8 were indicated. We clarified at the cashier, rightly this inscription means the numbers of our places, and received an affirmative answer. The mood has improved: it means to stand in the passage and fight for seating seats we will not have.

A cargo man in a shirt, sarong and sandals on a barefoot came from the station to us. "Taxi, sir?" He turned to her husband. Taxi?! Is there really a taxi here?! Not a Tuk-Tuk, but a normal car with a trunk and even air conditioning?! Riding on Tuka in any country does not give us pleasure. To ride in the heat, inhale the exhaust gases of a passing car, dust, dying away from the driver's pyruets, and then understand why the price was higher than agreed - not the most pleasant lesson. With a taxi is always easier and more comfortable. Only still to see a taxi on Sri Lanka, except at the airport, we were not managed. Joyful, we threw things in the trunk and plunged into the air-conditioned cooling salon. Our hotel was in the strip between urban building and expanses of rice fields. She even called Heaven Upon Rice Fields - "Heaven over rice fields." I have chosen it because I liked the description and reviews. Our driver knew the object reserved. On the way, he asked our plans. We answered that today I would like to visit Mikhintal and would gladly have done it by car. He literally jumped on the seat and shook his hands - he was ready to take us. By unloading the suitcases at the hotel and giving 200 rupees, we asked the driver at the cost of a trip to Mikhintale on the car. He called the price of 2500 rupees. As we knew from the network, the trip had to cost no more than 1,500. In the end, it was impelled to 1700, agreed on the departure time, I wanted to take a shower and snack from the road.

In the room through open flaps of the balcony to our room covered palm protein.

We wanted to treat her, but it turned out to be so frightened that, running a minute on the eternity and the curtains, quickly jumped out. From the windows is really a view of the rice fields and Mikintal Mountain, where we planned to go today.

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At the appointed time, a miniatribus drove into the courtyard. From it came out a completely different person and asked, we were not going to Mikhintal. We answered that they are really going to Mikhintale, but have already agreed with another driver. In response, he reported to us that Abi (the name wrote to us the previous driver) is his brother, and that he is busy now. We approached miniatures and saw a guy and a girl in the cabin. The driver reported to our question that they are also going to Mikhintal. But so we did not negotiate! We were going to go, and not in the company with unfamiliar people, and did not want to adapt to someone themselves, nor forcing someone to adapt to us. We strongly unfolded back. The driver has undermined for us, convincing that we will not interfere at all. Then he said that he would make a discount to 1500 rupees - "Only for you." Time was 16 hours, the owner of the hotel said that he could, if necessary, organize a Tuk-Tuk. But Tuk-Tuk, not a car. Time was now more expensive, to lose him in search of another car did not want. We agreed.

Couple in the miniatribus was from the Czech Republic. To the question - in what language they prefer to communicate - English or Russian - they confidently chose Russian. The guy was from Karlovy Vary (probably the most "Russian" Czech city), understood in Russian and, although slowly and carefully choosing words, but spoke quite well. He told that they came from Colombo, where there were two days, and that Colombo is a boring and uninteresting city in which there is absolutely nothing to do. We shared our impressions.

Now about Mikhintal. Located only 12 kilometers from Anuradhapura. Very atmospheric place, we recommend it to mandatory viewing. They met the statements that Mikhintall is even more interesting than Anuradhapura itself. It is difficult to compare, but I really liked this place. It is known that it was from here that Buddhism began to spread around the island, here the first teacher of Buddhism was preached here - Mahindu. The complex includes three hills: mango plateau (Ambastala), Royal Hill (Rajagiri), Elephant Mountain (Anaikutti). The rise of Mikintal's mountain is quite difficult: the mountain height is 305 meters and to get up, it is necessary to overcome 1840 steps.

But on transport you can drive up to the upper parking lot, which will shorten the path half, the truth will remain unsubstituted steam, as we read, less interesting attractions. But almost near the parking lot and 68 caves, and the ruins of Medamalwa, and a mango plateau.

Coming out of the car, we broke up with fellow travelers, without negotiating when we return to the car. We intended not to hurry to inspect everything that was planned.

It's better to go here early in the morning until it is too hot, or after a meal heat, as we did. Be sure to stock with water and take socks with you (walk throughout the complex, as always on Lanka, will have to do without shoes). We did not seek to inspect all the ruins here. In addition to the mango plateau (tickets for two - 1000 rupees), the rest of the sights of Mikhintale are available for free, but are quite far from each other.

Right from the upper parking area, the narrow staircase leads to the station of the Canta of Chetya (II century. BC), is one of the oldest facilities on the Lanka.

South-west of Cantak Chetya - the races of huge boulders, the ridge of 68 caves stretches for them.

Slightly above the stairs and to the side - the pond of the cobra, the natural reservoir filled with rainwater. The edges of the pond are lined with stones, and an image of a five-liter cobra with an open hood was carved on the rock. According to the legend, Mahindu was bought here. But the main value was as a source for the irrigation system of the entire complex Mikhintale.

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Mango Plateau is a place where the main attractions of Mikhintale are concentrated. It is a platform, in the center of which the stupa of the barber (Ambasthala Dagoba) is installed, the columns around were previously supported the incredible roof of Vata-Da-GE (on Singhal - "Round House Reliquia")

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monkeys traded lotus on the altar.

Next to the stage is a rounded piece of untreated stone into the platform - a place where King Devanampia Tissa first met Mahindu. The stone is protected by a fence and roof and was covered with money donated to believers.

the main hill of Mikhintale is towers behind, Aradhan Gala (Aradhana Gala), from which Mahindu read his sermons

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top need to be closed on carved steps, and then by iron stairs. From there open beautiful views

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on the left, the statue of the Buddha (Buddha Statue), historical value does not represent, but adds the surrounding atmosphere of the appropriate color

on the right - the White Stupa Maha Seia (Mahaseya Dagoba) is the largest in Mikhintal, its construction belongs to the King Mahadathika Mahanaga (beginning. 1st century). In it, according to legend, closed Buddha hair.

view from the site near the stage

bodhi tree

endemic birds Sri Lanka without any reverence tall wicks from candles

water with fish and turtles

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Stupa Mahindu (Mihindu Seya) (on the map), where Mahindu himself is kept.

If you go along the path between the ambassayment and Aradhan Gala, you can go to the Mahinda cave, where he lived and meditated. There you can see the so-called bed Mahinda - a flat rock plate.

Mikhintale is impregnated with some goodness and peace. Is it connected somehow with Buddhism (in the middle between the stups there is a small current temple) or just is natural location Forces - I do not know. But from visiting the sense of mental strength and health remained. We stayed very satisfied visiting.

On a leisurely inspection, all of us left two hours, but I repeat, we did not view numerous ruins below the parking lot. In general, we adhere to the opinion that it is impossible to tire too tired and take away from sightseeing. Museum or archaeological complex - after 3 o'clock comes fatigue and dullness of perception, and then the effect and impressions are not at all. Always better underson than busting, in my opinion.

When we returned to the miniature, it turned out that the Czechs were already there. Their bored look said that they were waiting for us clearly for more than five minutes. It turned out to be half an hour. We were a bit uncomfortable, but did not give up from watching everything that we wanted in a comfortable mode for us ... Here is the result of a joint trip of different people. True, then the guy, apologizing, asked us to allow the driver to first take them there, where they can buy beer, but only then to the hotel. We gladly agreed, compensating for them the time of their expectations.

We also had a dinner at the hotel, since judging by the reviews, it is better not to risk it, but to eat at your hotel. Moreover, it cost 600 rupees per person, everything is very tasty (curry with another variety of sauces). In general, the hotel and the hosts (young family) we really liked. I have a review on Bucking

In the evening we asked the owner of the hotel to call our familiar Abbi and order a car for us to inspect Anuradhapura. Objects are located far from each other, and inspect the complex, and even in the heat, best in transport.

In the morning at the appointed time, the courtyard of our hotel was joined by Miniatribus - again another - not the one yesterday. Another was the driver. Young guy. From the conversation with him it turned out that he came for us, and Abi is his uncle. In general, family clan. This time there were no fellow travelers, it was possible to inspect everything with comfort, cooling every time in a saving air-conditioned atmosphere of the car after the next object under the scorching sun.

We had a printout of the circuit of the tourist objects of Anuradhapura. The Monastery Complex Abhayagiri at first we were considered as an object for visiting (1 ticket of $ 30). But now they decided yet to refrain from his inspection or, in any case, leave again. The driver to the question is whether it is worth going to Abkhayagiri, doubtfully shrugged and said that "Abkhaiyagiri is not very important." In addition, there were such an opinion on the Internet: "Many tourists are generally refused to buy a ticket, there are sights independently, without entering the territory of Abkhaiyagiri, visiting only free. Paid and free Dagins are generally monotonous, and you will most likely be bored already after the third "fourth."

Anuradhapura is the first ancient capital of the Singhale kingdom. The main tourist facilities in the city are stupes. Some of them are just gigantic. One of them is brick Jetavana.It is really just huge, visible from afar. It is the highest in the world in the world, built of bricks (initially 122 m, III century). Inside the allegedly closed the Buddha belt.

The rest of the steps are also quite interesting and completely free. Especially liked Ruvanvelism. The most revered from all other stations, since it is kept most of the relics.

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Stupa is located on a platform decorated with bas-reliefs from more than a hundred elephants (elephants participated in the construction of a gift).

Around the Stupa are: sanctuary with 5 statues of Buddha and frescoes,

4 mini-dagobas, a layout of the canagle in a glass cube and the sculpture of the King Dutugemne.

The height of the stupa is 92 m, diameter 90. From the initial appearance, almost nothing remains. We even saw the next restoration work, in which both monks and the local population participated.

Stupa Thlapara (Thuparama Dagoba) is the very first stupa on Sri Lanka, dedicated to the appearance of Buddhism.

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The Buddha's clavicle is closed in the steps, around the remnants of destroyed buildings of the old city.