Anuradhapura is a city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka.
It is possible to get to Anuradhapura on the A9 highway from Kandy.
The drive from Colombo is approximately five hours by bus; or 4
hours by private vehicle. Buses travel along this highway, as well,
and there is a bus station in the Anuradhapura New Town. Train
service also runs to Anuradhapura from the south, with two stations
being in and near Anuradhapura.
The A9 road will lead you out of the city, and you can find buses to
Kandy, Colombo, and other destinations from the bus station in the
Anuradhapura New Town. There are also two train stations in and
around Anuradhapura, which can take you to Colombo.
*** Bodhi Tree Temple (The Sri Maha Bodhiya), is the second most
sacred place in Sri Lanka, after the Sri Dalada Maligawa, or Temple
of the Tooth, in Kandy. The Bodhi Tree is allegedly a cutting from
the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment,
and has been continuously guarded for over 2000 years, making it the
oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. The temple
complex is surrounded by walls, and is quite busy with monks and
worshipers. Due to terrorist activities in the 1980s, it is not
possible to drive up to the temple, and one must go through a metal
detector before entering the complex. Bags will be checked, and it
is advisable to leave luggage at the hotel, as it will not be
allowed near the site. Shoes can be left near the entrance. It is
polite to leave a tip.
*** Ruwanwelisaya: the oldest and most voluminous stupa at
Anuradhapura, has been fully restored, painted white, and is
currently a centre of worship. Walk from the Sri Maha Bodhiya, past
the Brazen Palace (an ancient palace that once supported a bronze
roof) to the stupa. There are several image houses at the stupa, as
well as four smaller stupas in the four corners of the complex.
Please be respectful of the worshipers at the site.
*** The Archaeolgy Museum: Showcases many of the artifacts found at
the site, from jewelery and gems to coinage and pottery. The museum
is more focused on religious and elite objects, although some
commoner artifacts are also shown.
*** The Folk Museum: Showcases the archaeology of Anuradhapura from
a more folk perspective.
*** Jetavana: Large stupa (Buddhist worship structure. Also known as
"Dagoba"), currently undergoing restoration work. At ~120m (400ft.)
tall, this was the third tallest structure in the ancient world
(after the Great Pyramids at Giza), and the largest in Sri Lanka.
*** The Citadel: This was the secular centre of the city. The Gedige
and other palaces can be found here, as well as the old city walls.
*** The Moonstone: Moonstones, to be found throughout Anuradhapura,
were at the entrances to monasteries, and represented the movement
from the secular to the sacred worlds, by following the path to
enlightenment, as carved into the moonstone. This moonstone is of
particular note, for its size and impressive decoration.
*** The Western Monasteries: These monasteries represent a different
take on worshiping the Buddha than can be found in the main part of
the ancient city. Whereas many monasteries were opulent and richly
adorned, the Western Monasteries sought a more orthodox existence,
without any sort of decoration within the monastery, save for urinal
stones. Urinal stones were often very richly adorned, and the
symbolism here need not be explicitly stated.
Hotels Accommodation
*** Galway Miridiya Lodge Anuradhapura, Wasaladantha Mawatha,
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, +94(0) 25-2223262, . Located near
Nuwara Wewa, and is very close to ancient sites and outdoor wonders.
39 standard and deluxe rooms are available, with modern facilities.
Facilities include an in-house restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and
meditation facility. Excursions to tourist sites can be arranged.
There are also numerous other guest houses near Anuradhapura, and
many more budget accommodations.
*** MILANO TOURIST REST, 596/40, stage 01, Anuradhapura.Sri Lanka.,
0094-025-2222364, . checkout: 12 noon. MILANO TOURIST REST is
situated in the heart of the town and it surrounded with well
maintained garden.It has 16 clean spacious rooms with a/c,hot
water,satellite t/v and telephone facilities.As a guest, you can
enjoy internet/email facilities free of charge here. 25$. |
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