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Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
25m · Admission ticket not included
Visit one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka and stand beneath the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree with a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. I’ll share the fascinating story of how a branch of the original Bodhi tree from India came to Anuradhapura and why this tree is still deeply respected by Buddhists today.
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Ruwanweli Maha Seya
20m · Admission ticket not included
Walk around the magnificent Ruwanwelisaya, one of Anuradhapura’s most important stupas. Here you can experience the peaceful atmosphere, see pilgrims making offerings, and hear the story behind King Dutugemunu and the building of this great monument.
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Dagoba of Thuparama
15m · Admission ticket not included
Discover Thuparamaya, traditionally regarded as the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after Buddhism was introduced to the island. I’ll explain its connection with the Buddha’s teachings and show you some of the beautiful ancient stonework surrounding it.
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20m
Come close to the enormous Jetavanaramaya and imagine what this place must have looked like when Anuradhapura was one of the great cities of the ancient world. We’ll talk about its construction, the incredible amount of bricks used, and the monks and people who lived around this huge monastery.
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15m
Take a short visit to the Jetavana Museum and see archaeological discoveries from the ancient city. It’s a great way to understand how people lived, worshipped, built, and created everyday objects more than a thousand years ago.
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Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
15m · Admission ticket not included
See the beautiful Twin Ponds, once used by monks of the Abhayagiri monastery. Beyond their beauty, these ponds show the remarkable knowledge ancient Sri Lankans had about water management, cleanliness, and stone construction.
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Samadhi Statue
15m · Admission ticket not included
Spend a quiet moment with the famous Samadhi Buddha Statue. I’ll explain the meaning of the Buddha’s meditation posture and the story behind this beautiful ancient sculpture. It is also a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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Abayagiriya Stupa
20m · Admission ticket not included
Explore the impressive Abhayagiri Stupa and learn about the huge monastery complex that once surrounded it. This was much more than a religious site—it was a busy centre of learning where monks from different parts of the ancient Buddhist world came to study and live.
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Main Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery
10m · Admission ticket not included
Step into the remains of the ancient monastery’s refectory and imagine hundreds of monks gathering here for their daily meals. I’ll show you the large stone structures and explain how this huge monastery community was organised.
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Moonstone or Sandakada pahana
15m
Admire the exquisite Sandakada Pahana, a masterfully carved semi-circular stone step that beautifully symbolizes the Buddhist cycle of rebirth and the path to enlightenment.
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15m
Marvel at the Eth Pokuna, a massive 2,000-year-old man-made bathing pool that showcases the highly advanced hydrological engineering of Sri Lanka's ancient monastic complexes.