Anuradhapura

This sacred fig tree is the most revered site in Anuradhapura and one of the holiest places in the Buddhist world. Grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree in India under which Buddha attained enlightenment, it was brought to Sri Lanka in 288 BC by Sanghamitta Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka. The tree has survived storms, invasions, and centuries of change, remaining a living symbol of peace and resilience.

Pilgrims from all over the world come to offer flowers, light oil lamps, and walk quietly around the golden railings. The air is filled with the scent of jasmine and the gentle sound of prayers. Visiting at dawn or dusk is especially magical, as the tree glows in the soft light and the atmosphere is calm and spiritual.

• Worlds oldest recorded tree with documented history
• Direct descendant of Buddhas enlightenment tree
• Continuous worship for over 2,300 years
• Protected by golden railings and platforms

Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, this magnificent white dagoba stands 103 meters tall and is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese architecture. The structure contains sacred relics of Buddha and remains an active pilgrimage site. The Ruwanwelisaya is surrounded by a wall of 344 stone elephants, each one unique, symbolizing strength and protection.

The stupa is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when its white dome glows against the sky and the chanting of monks fills the air. During full moon (Poya) days, thousands of devotees gather here, creating a sea of white-clad pilgrims and colorful lotus flowers. Restoration efforts have kept the dagoba shining for generations to come.

• 103 meters tall with 292-meter circumference
• Contains sacred relics of Lord Buddha
• Surrounded by elephant wall with 344 elephants
• Restored to original glory in modern times

Built in the 3rd century AD, Jetavanaramaya was once the world’s third tallest structure after the pyramids of Giza. At its peak, it soared to 122 meters (400 feet) and was the tallest stupa in the ancient world. The massive brick monument is a testament to the engineering genius and spiritual devotion of ancient Sri Lanka.

Today, Jetavanaramaya is a place of quiet reflection, surrounded by grassy courtyards and ancient ruins. Archaeological excavations continue to reveal new secrets about the monastery complex that once housed thousands of monks. The stupa’s reddish bricks glow warmly in the afternoon sun, and the site is less crowded than other main attractions, making it perfect for peaceful exploration.

• Originally 122 meters tall (400 feet)
• Built with over 93 million bricks
• Contains Buddhas sash relic
• Ongoing archaeological excavations

Thuparamaya holds the distinction of being the very first dagoba built in Sri Lanka, constructed in the 3rd century BCE by King Devanampiya Tissa. This sacred monument houses the right collarbone relic of Lord Buddha, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Buddhist world. The original bell-shaped design has influenced Sri Lankan stupa architecture for over 2,000 years.

What makes Thuparamaya unique is its architectural evolution - it has been restored multiple times throughout history, each restoration reflecting the artistic styles of different periods. The dagoba is surrounded by stone pillars that once supported a wooden roof, a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other stupas.

• First dagoba built in Sri Lanka (3rd century BCE)
• Contains Buddha's right collarbone relic
• Original bell-shaped architectural prototype
• Unique stone pillar arrangement around the stupa
• Multiple historical restorations spanning centuries

Lovamahapaya, also known as the "Brazen Palace," was once a magnificent nine-story monastery built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE. This architectural marvel housed 1,000 monks and was entirely covered with copper tiles, giving it the name "Brazen Palace." Today, only the stone pillars remain, but they still convey the grandeur of this ancient structure.

The building was constructed using advanced engineering techniques of the time, with 1,600 stone pillars supporting multiple floors. Each floor had specific purposes - from dining halls and meditation chambers to libraries and living quarters. The palace was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, with the current stone pillars representing the foundation of various reconstruction attempts.

• Originally nine stories tall with 1,600 stone pillars
• Housed 1,000 monks in its heyday
• Covered with copper tiles (hence "Brazen Palace")
• Advanced ancient engineering and architectural design
• Multiple reconstruction attempts throughout history

Abhayagiri Dagaba was the centerpiece of one of the most important monastic complexes in ancient Sri Lanka, built in the 1st century BCE by King Valagamba. This massive stupa, standing 75 meters tall, was once part of a monastery that housed over 5,000 monks and served as a major center of Mahayana Buddhist learning. The complex was so large it covered an area of 200 hectares.

The monastery was famous for its international character, attracting scholars from China, Korea, and other Buddhist countries. It had advanced facilities including hospitals, libraries, and refectories. The shape of this stupa is slightly different from Jetavanaramaya, featuring a more elegant bell-shaped dome that has influenced Buddhist architecture across Asia.Read more about Shapes of Stupa

• 75 meters tall with 200-hectare monastery complex
• Housed over 5,000 monks at its peak
• International center of Mahayana Buddhist learning
• Advanced facilities: hospitals, libraries, refectories
• Unique architectural style influencing Asian Buddhism

Mirisavetiya Stupa has one of the most poignant origin stories in Sri Lankan Buddhist history. Built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, this stupa was constructed as an act of atonement. According to legend, the king once forgot to share his meal with the sangha (monks) while eating chili curry, a breach of Buddhist protocol that deeply troubled his conscience.

To atone for this oversight, the king built this beautiful stupa on the exact spot where he had his meal. The name "Mirisavetiya" literally means "the place where chili was consumed." Standing 60 meters tall, it enshrines sacred relics and represents the Buddhist principle of mindfulness in daily actions. The surrounding area contains ruins of ancient buildings and beautiful stone carvings.

• Built as royal atonement for forgotten Buddhist protocol
• 60 meters tall with beautiful proportions
• Contains sacred Buddhist relics
• Surrounded by ancient ruins and stone carvings
• Symbol of mindfulness in Buddhist practice

Lankarama Dagaba, built in the 1st century CE by King Valagamba, represents a unique architectural style among Anuradhapura's great stupas. Unlike the massive monuments elsewhere in the city, Lankarama was designed as an intimate forest monastery with distinctive circular stone pillars surrounding the stupa. This 30-meter tall structure showcases the Vajrayana architectural influence that was rare in Sri Lankan Buddhist construction.

The most striking feature of Lankarama is its unique design with stone pillars arranged in concentric circles around the stupa base. These pillars once supported wooden structures that served as meditation halls and living quarters for forest-dwelling monks. The peaceful forest setting and smaller scale create an atmosphere perfect for contemplation and meditation, making it a favorite among visitors seeking tranquility.

• Unique circular stone pillar arrangement
• Intimate 30-meter forest monastery design
• Vajrayana architectural influence
• Peaceful forest setting for meditation
• Built by King Valagamba in 1st century CE

If you visit Anuradhapura, you might have seen this stupa - it's similar to the Ruwanwelisaya but not as large. Sandahirusaya, also known as "Sandahiru Seya," is a beautiful white dagoba that showcases the classic bell-shaped architectural style of ancient Sri Lankan stupas. This is actually a modern construction, built in recent times following traditional Buddhist architectural principles and designs.

What makes Sandahirusaya unique is its role as a contemporary Buddhist monument that maintains traditional design elements. While it may appear ancient due to its classical style, it represents modern Sri Lankan Buddhist devotion and craftsmanship. The stupa is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and provides excellent opportunities for meditation and photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.

• Modern construction following traditional Buddhist architecture
• Classic bell-shaped design with white limestone coating
• Contemporary Buddhist devotion and craftsmanship
• Peaceful setting ideal for meditation and reflection
• Less crowded alternative to ancient stupas