The massive Jetavanarama Dagoba
The ancient city of Anuradhapura is located roughly a 4 hour drive northwest of Sigiriya, which, along with Polannaruwa, comprises Sri Lanka’s three most significant ancient cities. This city is, to a large extent, defined by a series of dagoba’s, monumental stupas featuring massive domes.
Whitewashing at Thupurama
Although the small museum at GPS: N08°20.897’ E080°24.225’ is nothing to write home about, it is within a short walking distance to the Jetavanarama Daboba, a massive edifice in a state of disrepair which is nonetheless impressive, in that it shows off its underlyling brick structure. At the time of its creation (3rd century), it was the third tallest monument in the world at 100 meters (today it’s 70 meters), ranking behind two Egyptian pyramids.
We at WoWasis found the Thuparama Daboba to be perhaps the most elegant in the city, and considered t be the oldest visible stupa in the world. It is surrounded by a circular vatadage, is located in a shady woodland area, and is away from the traffic and general hubbub at the city’s other sites. It can be found at GPS: N08°21.316’ E080°23.765’
The world’s oldest historically documented tree, the Sri Maha Bodhi, is located here in Anuradhapura, at some 2,000 years old. Said to have been brought to Sri Lanka from India by Princess Sangamitta, it is considered a significant holy spot by the Sinhalese.
Considered to be the finest examples of bathing tanks in the city are the remarkable Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds), found at GPS: N08°22.243’ E080°24.103’ . Any many visitors make a stop at the Samadhi Buddha at GPS: N08°22.254’ E080°23.680’, a 4th century statue, which Sri Lankans consider to be among the finest in the country.
Although Anuradhapura is well worth seeing, we feel about ½ day is about right. The monumental dagobas are wonderful, and can be seen as well to good effect at sunset at nearby Mihintale.
Anuradhapura ticket entrance and museum
Open daily, 7 am – 5:30 pm
GPS: N08°20.897’ E080°24.225’
Price: $25 USD
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