Ruwanwelisaya , Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
About Ruwanwelisaya
The ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, is the seat of religion, traditions and cultures. Every piece of this land has some historical significance. The maximum number of Buddha’s relics are believed to have taken shelter in this island and most of these are in Anuradhapura. Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, UNESCO designated site, is the most famed dagoba in this city that enshrines a begging bowl of Buddha. It is ranked second in the 8 holiest places of this city. The white bowl-shaped dome stands elegantly amidst green trees. To the west of this complex lays the oldest tank in the country, Basawakkulama, of 4th century BC. The Dagoba was originally 338 feet in height and 951 feet in its circumference and water- drop shaped, one of the largest and the tallest buildings in those times. However, the present reconstructed form shows a decrement in its height. King Dutugamunu commissioned the construction in the month of Visakha, on a day that coincides with many pious events in the history of Buddhism. The monument is protected by a base wall with hundreds of vibrant elephants painted on it. The whitewashed dome under the blue sky with a number of pillars and ponds form a picturesque setting.
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Places to Visit near Ruwanwelisaya
Thuparama Dagoba, North Central Province
0.8 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Dagoba of Thuparama is one of the many holiest shrines of Anuradhapura. It stores the right collar bone of Lord Buddha which was brought by...
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Lovamahapaya, North Central Province
1 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Lovamahapaya was once a majestic palace with roofs covered with copper-bronze plates, the inner walls studded with precious stones and had a...
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Mirisawetiya Vihara, North Central Province
1.4 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Mirisaveti Stupa, located 1 kilometre to the east of Maha Bodhi, along the banks of Tisawewa, is yet another tourist and religious spot in the...
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Jethawanaramaya Stupa, North Central Province
1.7 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Jethawanaramaya Stupa, originally 400 feet, was once counted in the list of the tallest monuments of the world and its scale was matched only by...
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Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, North Central Province
1.8 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple is the centre of tourist attraction in Anuradhapura. Buddhists from all over the world visit this place because it...
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Lankarama Stupa, North Central Province
2.3 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Although little is known of the Lankarama Stupa, it is certain that it was built by King Vattagamini Abhaya around 1st century BC. This dagoba...
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Isurumuniya, North Central Province
2.9 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Isurumuniya Rock Temple is a lovely, eye-catching temple, situated close to the Tisa Wewa. The temple stands on rock boulders and is set in...
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Abhayagiri Dagoba, North Central Province
3.3 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Abhayagiri Vihara monastery that sheltered 5000 monks was once the seat of knowledge. It was a thriving centre of Buddhist philosophies that...
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Mihintale, Anuradhapura, North Central Province
13.3 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Mihintale, famously known as ‘Cradle of Buddhism’, is a mountain peak located close to the religious center of the country, Anuradhapura. It...
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Kaludiya Pokuna Forest, North Central Province
14.5 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Kaludiya Pokuna forest in Kandalama has rich biodiversity and the ruins of ancient time are also scattered here. The forest is renowned for its...
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Isinbassagala, North Central Province
32.6 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Isin Bassa Gala or Isinbassagala is an unknown place to the tourists but this off beat place can be as surprising as any other famous tourist...
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Wasgamuwa National Park, North Central Province
*54.7 km from Ruwanwelisaya - See map
Wasgamuwa National Park is a peaceful inland nature reserve, where one is assured to spot large herds of elephants and buffalos. Unlike other...
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