With natural beauty, ancient value, and new adventures, Sri Lanka is one of the exceptional destinations in South Asia. Travelers can easily reach the island from any part of the world as it locates in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and it is well known as Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Anuradhapura, the capital of North Central Province, is one of the major cities in Sri Lanka, which is lied 205 km from Colombo.
The city is world-famous for its antique values such as ancient culture, religion, architecture, etc. Any person can find better accommodation, including tasty food which is suitable for their economic status and can reach by public transportation, buses, and trains. Tourists can enjoy a private ride, also hiring a private vehicle, and it may cost around 150 USD.
The city was considered as one of the most influential ancient kingdoms in Sri Lanka that supported to enrich the island’s culture and religion. Therefore it has named as a World Heritage Centre by UNESCO. There are countless places to visit; Mihintale, Isurumuniya temple, Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds), Ruwanwelisaya, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, and many more. As most of them are religious sites, do not forget to wear decent clothes all the time, mainly covering your shoulders and knees.
Mihinthale is considered as an important sacred place by Sri Lankan Buddhists; it is believed that Mihindu Thero from India came to this place and delivered the message of Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa. It is a mountain located away 13 km from the city of Anuradhapura and can be accessed via steps. You can enjoy the airy atmosphere while climbing the rock on the top, and the view is picturesque.
A historical place that brings charms and serenity altogether, and it has tremendous historical value because of its architecture, art, and craft. This is a rock temple surrounded by a beautiful pond. The stone carving “Isurumuniya lovers” is the major attraction of the temple that exhibits the creativity and the spiritual delight of the ancient artist. The Royal Botanical Garden is so closed to Isurumuniya, and you can visit the place within a few minutes by walking.
Kuttam pokuna, or in other words, twin ponds are massive architectural and hydrological engineering creation of the ancient history in Sri Lanka. They belonged to the Abhayagiri aramaic complex and were built with large rocks. It is believed that the ponds were used to bath, mainly reserved for Buddhist monks by the ancient kings as respect.
This is another wondrous creation of ancient Sri Lankans built by King Dutugemunu c. 140 BC. Historians consider the sputa as a similar creation to the construction of Pyramids in ancient Egypt. This is the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka, and the place is entirely religious.
A Buddha statue which is situated in meditation pose, and the name itself reveals it as “Samadhi,” which means meditation. It is located in Mahamevnāwa Park. Due to its significant age and the fine tune of the carving, it is regarded as one of the best Buddha statues in all of Sri Lanka.
A prominent worship site of Buddhists brings tranquility and peace to your mind. It is a sacred tree lying in the middle of the temple. There are several places that indicate the historical value that you can visit, enjoy, and learn apart from the above mentioned, including; Lowamahapaya, Jethawanaramaya, Thupamaharamaya, Abhayagirirya, Mirisawatiya, and many more. Not only these historical sites but also the human-made lakes called “Wava” are another wondrous creation of hydrological engineering in Anuradhapura. Thisa Wava is the major tourist attraction that helps you to enjoy nature and culture together.
As a major travel destination in Sri Lanka, you can find better accommodation, which is something to suit your preferences and budget. You can taste authentic Sri Lankan food which is made according to the rural village styles, and at the same time, the modern western cuisines are also available. Do not forget the fried fish called “waw malu.” There are few hotels you can visit and enjoy;
A luxury hotel that includes rooms with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a minibar and guests can stay connected with free internet access.
