Anuradhapura

Places of Interest - Sri Lanka

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introduction

Anuradhapura is the capital of the Northern Central Province in Sri Lanka and of the eponymous district of Anuradhapura. The city is on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. It is a sacred city for Buddhism because a shoot of the Tree of Enlightenment, the fig tree under which the Buddha found Enlightenment, in the 3rd century BC. by Sanghamitta - who founded an order of Buddhist nuns - was brought to Anuradhapura.

The city would be the Royal capital of the Sinhalese for more than 1000 years, longer than any other. Later it would become a frontline city in the battle against the Tamil Tigers who were situated just north of the city. Besides the ruins, it is a nice city with a reasonable number of hostels and a good atmosphere. The city is an important pilgrimage site.

highlights

Sri Maha Bodhi:

The Sri Maha Bodhi or the sacred Bodhi tree is the heart of the city in the literal and spiritual sense of the word.

Once taken as a cutting from Bodhgaya in India, it is now the oldest tree in the world of which the origin is known. It has been continuously guarded since 2000 even during the Indian occupation and is seen as the base of the Sinhalese religion.

There are many Bodhi trees but the largest and most decorated is the one who’s standing right here. Next to the tree is the ruin of the once grotesque Brazen palace. The roof made of bronze and some pillars are the only remains of the palace built some 2,000 years ago.

Ruvanvelisaya and Thuparama dagoba

The beautiful white Ruvanvelisaya dagoba temple is surrounded by a wall decorated with hundreds of white elephants. Originally built in the year 140 BC. are most now unfortunately replicas.

The dagoba is 55 meters high and built by king Dutugemunu. Just north of this is the oldest dagoba of Sri Lanka - the Thuparama and perhaps even the oldest stupa in the world.

Built in the 3rd century BC, it would contain a collarbone of Buddha as a relic. Around this stupa is a series of slender pillars that give the temple a unique view.

Isurumuniya Vihara

At the very south of the complex is the rock temple Isurumuniya Vihara. Built in the 3rd century BC. it is known for its beautiful stonecarving. So you can see the playing elephant, the "lovers" and a beautiful Buddha statue.

A large water tank has been built for it, giving it a special, almost romantic atmosphere, especially when the sun goes down.

Other attractions:

Archaeological museum, the Mahasena's palace, the Samadhi Buddha, the Kuttam Pokuna ponds and the Royal Gardens.

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history

The city was founded in the 4th century BC. and was for centuries (from 377 BC to 1017 AD) the capital of the Ceylonese kings. This was in spite the many invasions led by South India, it remained the capital for about 1000 years.

These invasions were easily planned the construction of good roads to their city and the cultivated land. According to the oldest Buddhist chronicle (Mahavansa), the city was built according to a well-developed city plan with special neighborhoods intended for certain professional groups and stands. After the invasion of 993, the pressure of the invaders from South India became too great.

Despite heavy fighting, the city eventually had to be abandoned and was swallowed up by the jungle. The city became known as a military border post in the 20th century - wood was sold which often comes from the forests under LTTE rule (Tamil tigers). In this way both parties benefit from the profit made. Many prostitutes have also taken refuge in this city where many (solitary) soldiers are located. Now that the fight has stopped, the population and the city are looking for a new direction.

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Tips & advice (2009)

There are two train and bus stations present in Anuradhapura: the main station is at the new bus station and the second (smaller) train station in the south.

In the north (next to the train track) is the old bus station. So figure out at which station you have to board for which destination. Between the old and new bus station is about 2 to 3 kilometers each at the outer-end of the citycenter.

Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa: I departed from the new bus station - the bus ride took about 3 hours and costed 46 Rp. Buses leave every hour throughout the day (during the day).

There are not really many restaurants in Sri Lanka and not even in the fairly tourist destination Anuradhapura.

In the main street there is a nice local tea house where you can also get a snack. Food is best at your hostel - please do so in time so that you can be taken into account. Also agree on a price in advance and what is included.

Name: Lake View Tourist guest house

Address: 4C / 4 Lake Road

Price: 700 Rp

Phone nr. : 2221593

Content:

A friendly hostel with 10 rooms, some of which overlook the lake. There is a fence in the yard but you have your own entrance. The room is simple but you have your own toilet and shower. The disadvantage is that it suffocates from the mosquitoes - you have a mosquito net.

Breakfast is not included but you can easily order breakfast, lunch and/or dinner here. The latter is very tasty and affordable. The hostel is located in a neighborhood with multiple hostels; it is located in a side street near Harischandra Mawatha. The center is within walking distance but still a bit of a walk. You can also walk to/from the bus station. Renting bicycles costs 250 Rp per day. People are very friendly and helpful.

The ruins of Anuradhapura are sometimes miles apart and it is therefore advisable to rent a scooter or bicycle. In addition to the many temples you can make a wonderful bike ride over the complex. It looks more like a green park with lots of bushes, trees, grass, some hidden pillars, a ruin of a temple and parts of open ground where suddenly a pond or small lake lurks behind.

ENTREE: $ 20 (4500 Rp) valid for the sites of Anuradphura, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Strangely enough, this ticket is only valid for 1 day. You can therefore buy better tickets at the relevant temple.

1. Bodhi tree = 100 Rp entrance

2. Isurumuniya Vihara = 200 Rp entrance

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