Anuradhapura is nestled between three vast reservaoirs known as tanks – the Basawakkulama, the Tissa Wewa and the Nuwara Wewa. Part of sophisticated irrigation system developed from the 4th c. BC onwards, therse still carry life-giving water to the field in the dry zone, living testament to the engineering skills of the ancient rulers. The raised bunds of the tanks are perfect for an evening stroll and some bird-watching, while also offering great views of the City’s dagobas.

Monuments in Anuradhapura

Sri Maha Bodhi (The Sacred Bo Tree) 

The Sri Maha Bodhi is regarded as the first of the eight sacred places in Anuradhapura. This is recorded to be the right branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Buddhagaya in India under which the Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment, and was sent here by Indian Emperor Ashoka through his daughter, the Buddhist nun Their Sangamitta on request of Sri Lankan King Devanampiyathissa in the 3^rd century B.C. It is generally accepted that it is the only tree in the world with the longest written history, and at present nearly 23000 years old.

Thuparama Stupa

King Devanapiyatissa built the Thuparama on the site of a pre Buddhist shrine in the 3^rd century B.C. This is also considered the first historical Buddhist building in the country and it contains the right collarbone of the Lord Buddha. The site was completely ransacked during the Cola invasion in the tenth century and what you see now is the restoration as done in 1862.The three concentric circles of pillars you see once held a roof over the stupa. Such stupas were called Shrine Enclosing Stupa.

Ruvanveliseya

Ruvanveliseya also known as the Great Stupa was built by Sri Lankan national hero King Dutugamunu. Five kings reigned after the death of king Devanampiyathissa, Elara who came from India overpowered the then reigning king Asela and seized the kingdom. At the time there were two other kingdom in the south of the country at Magama and kelaniya and both kings remained independent but maintained a policy of co-existence with Elara. But this situation left Prince Dutugemunu the son of the king of Magama by the daughter of the king at Kelaniya unhappy, who determined to reunify the county. He waged war against Elara, declaring that it was not for personal glory but to foster Buddhism. Defeating Elara, he reigned for twenty four years which period marks one of the finest spells of Buddhism. Ruvanveliseya is of interest to note that India had nothing to compare with these massive monument and elsewhere in the world only the two great pyramids in Egypt were taller than them. But brick structures of such dimension were not found anywhere in the world. The chronicle describes the inauguration of the stupa as a great festival that was held in Anuradhapura. But the king died when the building reached halfway and his brother King Saddhathissa completed it.

Mirisaveti Stupa

On the old Puttalam road adjoining the Tisaveva lies the Mirisaveti Stupa. When King Dutugemunu went for a bath in the Tissa reservoir after defeating the Cola invaders his people who carried the spear planted it on the spot where the Mirisdaveti Stupa is now located. Coming back from his bath he found that the pear could not be moved from the spot where it was planted.

The Brazen Palace

To the north of the Secret Bo Tree you will see a collection of standing stone pillars which has been identified as the ruins of the Brazen palace. In the centre is a structure on stone pillars, which is the chapter house of the present Bodhi tree guardian monks. The location of the terrace for holding fortnightly rehearsals of the monks’ code of discipline was later constructed into a nine storied building with thousand rooms by King Dutugemunu in second century B.C. The name, Brazen Palace derives from the fact that its roof was covered with copper tiles.

Isurumuni Monastery

Isurumuni Monastery is located near the Royal Pleasure Gardens by the side of the Tissa reservoir.  Nestled in a pleasant environment here is a temple within the huge boulder. The moonstone at the food of the steps, guardstones and the balustrades are carved. The rock face with a herd of elephants is of special significance. The sculptor has magnificently captured the sagacious look of the leader elephant. This scene reminds one of the similar carved scenes at Mahabalipuram. Above in a cavity are the figures of a horse’s head and a seated man. He has his right hand on his raised right knee. According to Prof Senerat Paranavithana, the figure of the man represent Parjanya, the personification of the cloud, and the horse symbolizes Agni, the Fire God. He also believes that the sculpture was concerned with some kind of agricultural ritual.

Isurumuni Lovers

Perhaps it is correct to say that the Isurumuni Monastery became famous in recent times because of the sculpture on a slab of granite popularly referred to as the “ Isurumuni Lovers”. Many interpretations have been given to this. It has been identified by some as representing Saliya, the son of King Dutugemunu and Ashokamala, the low-caste girl with whom he fell in love. What is important to note is the elegance of the sculpture, the graceful movement of the girl’s body and the marvelous suppleness. Note the expression in her face, the bashful look of a girl in love.

Royal Pleasure Gardens (Gold Fish Garden / Ranmasu Uyana)

As you walk along the embankment of the Thissa reservaoir you will see below some small ponds and remains of buildings. Open brick aqueducts supply water to the ponds and remains of buildings. Open brick queducts supply water to the ponds and the site has been identified as the Royal Pleasure Gardens. The Pond here displays a cheery group of elephants sporting themselves in a lotus pond carved out of the rock similar to the group of elephants seen on the boulder at the Isurumuni Vihara. That this was certainly not a religious site but meant for some mundane purposes is quite evident. And the baths here were not meant just to have a dip, but the king perhaps spent much of the day on certain occasions here with his queen engaging in water sports. Note the stone couch with a headrest in the room adjoining the pond. With many ponds and the open aqueducts carrying water, it must have been quite a refreshing spot. There is evidence showing that it was once landscaped and obviously it contained many varieties of trees. A Gold Fish pond here had added to the beauty of the site in ancient days. 

Mihinthale Rock

About 16km to the east of Anuradhapura ies Mihinthale remembered in national consciousness at the cradle of the Sinhala Buddihist Civilisation. It is here that Thera Mahinda, son of the Indian Mauryan Emperor Ashoka,met King Devanampiyatissa in the third century BC, as a result of which the king embraced Buddhism. In fact the name Mihinthale, which menas the “Plateau of Mahinda” is derived from the thera’s name. Since then, various kings of Sri Lanka have blessed this rock with magnificent masterpieces of architecture. On the western slope of the mountain is the main flight of steps that would take you to Ambastala plain. It is a wide flight of steps, perhaps the widest in Sri Lanka, and is considered symbolic of the spiritual ascent of man. It has 1840 stone steps arranged in three flights. Shaded by temple trees on either side, a slow and leisurely climb along the steps listening to birdsong on a sunny day is a memorable experience. These include a hospital, a monastic complex, stupas and dagebas. While some of these structures are in an almost perfect state of preservation, some others are in complete ruin. The most spectacular of these is the Kantaka Chaitiya, which displays some of the finest architecture of the early Anuradhapura era.

The Avukana Lord Buddha Statue

This Colossal statue of the Buddha carved out of living rock is situated to the west of Kalaveva, an artificial reservoir built by king Dathusena in the fifth century. It is one of the five colossal standing statues of the Buddha found in Sri Lanka. Situated on a hilltop it is in a state of perfect preservation. From the lotus seat to the top of the head it is 11.36 meters in height. The stature is unusual not only in size but also in its expression. The massiveness of the statue suggests the transcendental quality of the Buddha that is in essence a basic ideal in the Mahayana form of Buddhism. The right had is in fearlessness and the left hand holds the end of the robe, which is depicted as clinging to the body outlining the limbs. Although the face displays prominent thick lips, it somehow expresses and fortitude. Bronze statuettes Brahma and four directional divinities within the chamber of the lotus pedestal suggest the Buddha’s supreme position above gods and Brahmas as opined by Prof. S.Paranavitana.

Ritigala Mountain

Not only because of its sheer rise but also because of its isolation from a mountain range, Ritigala rock, rising up some 766 meters towards the sky, captures the imagination of the visitor. Having a legendary, historical and monastic past it remains in the consciousness of the villager a retreat that jealously guards many a secret of years bygone. Ruins of monasteries, ponds, and other unidentified edifices, now silent and reticent, evoke awe and wonder for a stupendous past where hundreds of monks once lived in these monasteries, cells and rock shelters a life of utter simplicity and detachment.

Abhayagiri Monstery

The Abhayagiri Vihara is not only a complex of monastic buildings, but was also a great seat of learning. Established in the second century BC, it had reached international recognition by the first century of this era. Going beyond the conventional Mahavihara, it entertained various shades of Buddhist opinion and thus fostered lively intellectual discussion. Even a casual glance at the now tumbled down carved pillars, the weatherworn stupa and many ruined buildings about the place, you will not fail to realize the grandeur that these magnificent ruins would have displayed in the days bygone. In fact, the monasteries here rose to many stories and their roofs were covered with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay burnished in brilliant colours. Abhayagiri stood in the centre encircled by great walls within which were bathing ponds that were architectural marvels, exquisitely carved balustrades and moonstones.The monastery was founded by King Vattagamini Abhaya during the period of his second reign from 89-77 BC. During his first ascension, a Brahmin called Tissa declared war against him. But at the time, there was a Tamil invasion and the shrewd king sent a message to Tissa that if he could conquer the Tamils he could have the kingdom to himself. In the battle that ensured the Tamils killed Tissa, and enraptured by the victory, they entered the city and defeated the king. He abandoned the throne and went into hiding in the hills.

When the king got into vehicle to flee, a Niganta ( a jaina monk) called Giri cried out rudely: “The great black lion is fleeing”. Hearing this the king resolved to build a temple at the site of the Niganta’s monastery if his wish of regaining the throne was fulfilled. To do thathe had to live in exile for nearly fourteen years. In 89 BC he marched on Anuradhapura, and overcome the reigning king, Bhatiya. He then built the Abhayagiri Vihara at the site of the Niganta’s monastery as he vowed.  It is said that the monastery was so named by the combination of the King’s name (Abhaya) wit that of the Niganta’s (Giri). No one knows for sure how the monastery was named, but the fact remains that its establishment heralded a religious and national resurgence and marked the end of Brahmin and Jain authority in the county. Abhayagiri Vihara is located in an area of roughly 200 hectares and it contains all the essentials required by the doctrine for a Buddhist Monastery: the image house, stupa, Bodhi Tree Shrine, chapter house, living quarters, refectories, bath houses etc.

Lankarama

The Lankarama monstery is located to he south of the Abhayagiri Vihara and east of the Bulankulama tank. The chronicle states that wattagamani Abhaya built a stupa called Silasobbhakandaka, which is generally believed to be the one now known as Lankarama built on raised ground to the north of Ruvanweli Stupa. Built on a high platform it has the signs of a Circular Relic House as evidenced by the three concentric circles of columns. An opinion has also been expressed that this stupa and the monastery were meant for the nuns of the Abhayagiri Vihara just as the Thuparama, was meant for the monk of the Mahavihara.

Elephant Pond

Popularly known as the Eth –Pokuna or Elephant Pond, situated to the south west of the Abhayagiria Vihara closer to Lankarama, is perhaps the largest man made pond in the Island. Built during the third century AC, it is roughly 150 meters long, 50 meters wide and 10 meters deep. A flight of steps leads down to the pond from all four sides. Underground conduits supplied (one of which functions even today) water to the pond from nearby reservoirs. In the south west corner there exists a cistern sluice which suggests that water was distributed to other ponds in the vicinity. A conduit that supplied water to the refectory has been found. By its sheer massiveness and design it remains an eloquent testimony to the superb hydraulic engineering skills of the ancient Sinhalese.

Moonstones

The moonstone is one of the most beautiful creations of the ancient sculptor. It serves as a doormat at the foot of a flight of steps to the shrine, but the sculptor transforms it into a work of art par excellence. Both exquisitely carved moonstones so far discovered in Sri Lanka are found within the Abhayagiri Vihara premises. Various scholars have expressed many views about the figures appearing on the moonstone. As explained by Prof. Senarath Paranavitana: ‘the outer motif represents the world on fire that symbolizes desire. The next ring of animals depicts the four states of birth, disease, ageing, and death. Going beyond these sorrows on your path of emancipation there is the creeper and leaves that symbolize the life force. When you surpass this craving you reach the swan representing purification. And the lotus at the center represents Brahama World.’

Samadhi Stature

known as the Samadhi Stature, this is one of the finest specimens of Buddha Statures in the Buddhist world. Samadhi is the state of deep mediation, and in this particular posture the Buddha is represented after his Enlightenment. Note how the legs are placed, the right leg over the left, which is known as virasana, common feature in Sri Lanka. This stature originally must have been under a Bodhi tree as one of the four statures facing the four cardinal points. The ruins of a similar stature can be seen back to back with it. The stature may be datable to about the fourth century. The nose, as is visible. Is a modern restoration in the thirties. Some pigments now visible on the body of the stature suggest that it was once painted. Probably the eyes were inlaid with gems.

Twin Ponds

Built on low ground the twin ponds are undoubtedly exquisite specimens of landscape architecture. They are of the same breadth, namely 51ft, but differ in length: the larger of the two being 132 ft and the smaller 91ft long, at the ground level. The stone molding and the flight of steps leading to the ponds are executed with a fine aesthetic sense and poise. Resting on lotus pedestals there are post of plenty at the head of the flights of steps. The five hooded cobra sculpture, topped with a Dragon arch, to the north of the smaller pond is an appealing work of art. Incidentally, this cobra sculpture is found hear reservoirs and ponds in Sri Lanka revealing that there was some connection between the cobra and water. No one knows for sure what this connection was, but probably the ancients believed that the presence of the cobra could ensure a constant supply of water. The ponds are not mere showpieces but are functional. Believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Aggabodhi in the 6^th century they were meant for the use of the resident monks of the Kapara mula fellowship. Steps lead into the ponds in tiers so that monks would sit on them with their feet in the water and bathe pouring water onto their heads with pots. At the far end of one of the ponds there is a cistern sluice that purifies the water draining into the ponds. The water is poured into the pond through a stone spout.

Willpattu national Park

This national park is located 30 km west of Anuradhapura. The park that lies on the northwest coast spans the border between North Central Province and North Western Province of Sri Lanka. To The south of wilpattu national park is River Modergam Aru to the north is River Kala Oya. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard population. Samples of forty-nine individual leopards were photo-captured in the surveyed area and the core area density was between that of Yala National Park’s Block I and Horton Plains National Park. There are many types of vegetation to be found in Wilpattu, including littoral vegetation, such as salt grass and low scrub monsoon forest with tall emergents, such as palu (Manilkara hexandra), and satin (Chloroxylon swietenia), milla (Vitex altissima), weera (Drypetes sepiaria), ebony (Diospyros ebenum) and wewarna (Alseodaphne semecapriflolia). 31 species of mammals have been identified within Wilpattu national park. Mammals that are identified as threatened species living within the Wilpattu National Park are the elephant, sloth bear, leopard and water buffalo. Sambhur, spotted deer, mongoose, mouse and shrew are more of Wilpattu’s residents. The painted stork, the open bill, little cormorant, Sri Lankan junglefowl (Gallus lafayetii) along with many species of owls, terns, gulls, eagles, kites buzzards are to be found at Wilpattu National Park. Wetland bird species that can be seen in Wilpattu are the garganey, pintail, whistling teal, spoonbill, white ibis, large white egret, cattle egret and purple heron.
The most common reptiles found in the park are the monitor lizard, mugger crocodile, common cobra, rat snake, Indian python, pond turtle and the soft-shelled turtle which are resident in the large permanent Villus. The unique feature of Wilpattu National Park is the existence of “Willus” (Natural lakes) – Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is located 30 km west Anuradhapura and located 26 km north of Puttalam. The park is 1,317 square kilometers (131, 693 hectares). The best time to visit Wilpattu is during the months of February and October. There are a few private eco-tourism groups that show tourists around the park in Safari like trips. In 1905 the area was designated a sanctuary and in 1938 it was upgraded to the National Park status.