Sacred City, Anuradhapura SRI LANKA | Travel Vlog OurHoliday 🍀🌸🌧️🇱🇰 | අනුරාධපුර

Anuradhapura is a sacred city in Sri Lanka renowned for its ancient ruins, religious sites, and historical significance. It served as the capital of ancient Sri Lanka for around 1,300 years and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. The city is home to impressive monuments, stupas (such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya), ancient pools, palaces, and intricately carved stone sculptures, all of which reflect the grandeur of its past. Anuradhapura is a significant pilgrimage site and a treasure trove of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
In Anuradhapura, you can explore an array of ancient and culturally significant sites. Some of the must-see attractions include:
1. Sri Maha Bodhi: A sacred fig tree believed to be a cutting from the original Bodhi tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
2. Ruwanwelisaya: One of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka, revered by Buddhists, with a striking architectural presence.
3. Jetavanaramaya: Another monumental stupa, once the tallest brick-built structure in the world during its time.
4. Thuparamaya: An ancient dagoba (stupa) considered to enshrine the collarbone relic of Buddha.
5. Abhayagiri Monastery: A vast monastic complex with ruins of a stupa, monastic buildings, and other structures.
6. Isurumuniya: A rock temple housing ancient stone carvings, including the famous “Isurumuniya Lovers.”
7. Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds): Magnificent bathing ponds displaying ancient hydrological engineering.
8. Archaeological Museum: Offers insight into Anuradhapura’s history through artifacts and exhibits.
These sites collectively offer a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage, religious significance, and architectural brilliance from its ancient past.
The distance from Colombo to Anuradhapura is approximately 180-200 kilometers, depending on the route taken. It’s about a 4 to 5-hour drive by car, depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transportation chosen.
The main route from Colombo to Anuradhapura involves taking the A6 highway, which connects Colombo to Kandy. From there, you’ll continue on the A9 highway, which leads directly to Anuradhapura. This route is the most direct and commonly used road to travel between the two cities.
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