Anuradhapura
Located in the North Central part of Sri
Lanka and named after the great King Anuradhapura
in 500 BC is Anuradhapura the first capital
of Sri Lanka one of the extensive and
important ancient cities of the country
that attracts all tourist. Hence explorers
re-discovered the crumbling ruins of this
ancient monastic city in the 19th Century
which sparked the beginning efforts to
restore and re-build this city.This historical
and archaeological site now continues
to attract Sri Lankan and foreign visitors
as well as pilgrims to bask in the glories
of the magnificent city of the Kings.
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Today
the city is a pleasant place to visit,
with shady trees, nice guesthouses and
a distinct lack of overdeveloped concrete.
Situated 206km away from Colombo, for
the first time traveller Anuradhapura
appears to a modern town set in dry forest
area. Yet a short distance away from this
modernity you are sure to discover the
distinctness of the city sited with classical
ruins. A city where both public and private
transports are available, it takes approximately
8 hours by train and 5 to 6 hours by private
or bus transport.
Anuradhapura
is both a tourist and pilgrimage ground.
The ancient city of Anuradhapura evokes
its visitors to picture and imagine life
in the early millennia shining with all
its glory and grandeur. The astonishing
dagaobas considered the second mightiest
masses of monumental history after the
Egyptian pyramids makes one wander of
the impeccable details used by the architects
in constructing these monuments and the
marvel of huge solid stones transported
to great heights for the purpose.
The
Sri Maha Bodhi a sapling of the tree under
which lord Buddha attained Nirvana heads
eight principal places of worship for
the Buddhists visiting the city. These
include Ruvenveli Seya the oldest
dagopa constructed like a shape of a water
bubble in 2nd century BC, considered as
the pride of the Great Emperor Dutugemunu,
Thuparama believed to enshrine the collar
bone of lord Buddha, the 120m high Jetawana
monastery the third tallest monument in
the world during the fall of the roman
empire founded by King Mahasena and believed
to be the resting place of Mahinda Thera
who introduced Buddhiam to the then Ceylon,
the 108 meter high 200ha spread Abayagiri
Stupa the largest monastery of this ancient
kingdom built by King Valagamba, Lankarama,
Mirisevati and Isurumuniya the 3rd century
stupa with, the Isurumuniya lovers believed
to have been inspired by love that bloomed
between Saliya the son of the great emperor
and a low cast maiden of the Palace, and
believed to been the source of creation
for many ancient writers and poets.
Other
site seeing include The 13 meter
high Buddha Statue carved out of solid
granite dating back to the 5th century
that is situated 50 km off the town is
a sight one can ever miss and the perfection
of this statue really owes all the credit
to its sculptor for his outstanding achievement.
The 2000 year old Brazen Palace built
by King Dutugemunu as a dwelling for the
Buddhist monks; Kuttam Pokuna (twin pool)
used for monks to bath; the palace of
King Mahasena; Moonstone carvings and
the 4th century Basawakkulama tank built
by King Pandukabhaya. Few meters away
from this site and up the rocks you can
feast your eyes on the finest and oldest
carvings dating back to About 50km south
east of the town is the Ritigala rock
ruins. Dating back to 350 BC the unearthed
ruins that stand still at the foot of
the 600m Ritigala rock is considered to
the oldest historical places mentioned
in the ancient chronicles.
Moreover the sandy shore of the great
Tissa Wewa built during the 2nd Century
BC that covers 65 hectares (160 acres).
The water travels 85 km (54 miles) from
the Kala Wewa, feeding 70 tanks on its
way. The cool shore of the tank is ideal
to watch the sunset. You could also feast
your eyes on the local tourists enjoying
a quick bath or resting under the shady
trees after a meal on their way towards
the city relaxing in cool river breeze
and boutique vendors selling local sweets
meats and toys to attract the children.
From the city limits a few meters away
is the Anuradhapura Museum, showcasing
the British colonial building and the
Folk Museum containing a collection of
historical monuments depicting the rural
life of the area. 12 km away form this
great city you will arrive upon a rock
dotted with shrines and dwelling named
Mihintale with a grand stairway of 1,840
steps made of granite slabs that leads
to a summit with a splendid view of the
countryside.
Anuradhapura is a must to visit while
you plan your travel in Sri Lanka to explore
and be fascinated by its ancient history
of the once glorious Island Pearl.
