Wanderlust Ageless Anuradhapura

8 February 2022 10:01 am

Out of the many destinations ideal for travelling and sightseeing in Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is the most prominent. This city, once serving as a flourishing capital, is home to diverse travel sites and attractions. However, Anuradhapura is mostly famous for its historical beauty, among other things. This issue of Wanderlust aims to give you an overview of the best places to visit, if you are ever in the mood for a trip to Anuradhapura.

Sri Maha Bodhi

Located in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Maha Bodhi is a definite destination people visit when on a trip to Anuradhapura. It is of religious importance to all Buddhists, and thus is a popular pilgrimage site as well. Sri Maha Bodhi is the center of all important places in Anuradhapura – it is a sapling of the original Peepal tree in India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Four prominent festivals are held in honor of the Bodhi tree. Sri Maha Bodhi is visited by locals and tourists; since its significance radiates to religious and historical aspects alike.

Ruwanweli Seya

This stupa, being one of the largest of its kind situated in Anuradhapura, is located about 1 km from the Sri Maha Bodhi site. It is also known by the names Swarnamali Seya and Maha Seya, and is an important heritage site frequented by Buddhists owing to its religious importance.

Started by King Dutugemunu and completed by King Saddhatissa, Ruwanweli Seya continues to remain as an important place of worship, apart from being a famous tourist attraction. This is included in the Atamasthana (Eight places of veneration) and Solosmasthana (Twelve places of veneration).

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