Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital city, even known s the sacred city of Anuradhapura, is located in Northern Central Province, Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is renowned for archaeological sites, civilization, food, and attractions placed upon an iconic inheritance setting. Anuradhapura is considered as a perfect holiday destination for visitors almost all year – round. However, July to September and December to February are the best time to visit Anuradhapura. During these months, the weather is dry and comfortable for visiting. Anuradhapura usually requires 1-2 days to visit the most important tourist attractions. As this is the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka, it is famous for its well–preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilization, Anuradhapura is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight world heritage sites of Sri Lanka.
At a distance of 1.5km from Anuradhapurarailway station, Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred tree standing tall in the Mahameuna Gardens in Anuradhapura. It is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world. This is the center of tourist attraction in Anuradhapura. 1km away from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwenweliseya Buddhist stupa is located. This is a sizable stupa that predates the Jetavanarama stupa for over 1000 years. The gleaming white building is pretty extensive, with a height of 91.4 meters and a perimeter of 290 meters. This is the second highest stupa in Anuradhapura and remains an influential site of worship. Jetawanaramaya is unique because of its massive stupa. The premises where the Jetawanaramaya is located were earlier referred to as Nandana Park. The Isurumuniya viharaya is located near Tisa wewa in Anuradhapura. There is a Viharaya attached to a cave, and above is a rock. This is renowned for its stone carvings, and the one recognized as Isurumuniya Lovers is the most – admired and world-famous. There is an unusual and unexplained artifact of an old civilization of Sri Lanka built on the rock in Ranmasu Uyana, also known as Gold Fish Park, found in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The Samadhi Buddha statue at Anuradhapura is among the best–preserved figures in the country. Ahayagiri Stupa is the second most abundant of the stupas in the country. This continues up to the area of nearly 200 hectares. Eth pokuna, also called as elephant pond is a massive artificial pond situated close to Lankaramaya. The Abhayagiriya museum was established within the ancient monastery complex of Abhayagiriya in Anuradhapura. Tguparaa stupa is the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka. Though not as crucial as other stupas in Anuradhapura, it is sacred because it retains a collarbone relic of the Buddha. Kuttam Pokuna twin ponds is a set of dressed–stone ponds located near Abhyagiri monastery. Awkana Buddha statue is the highest ancient Buddha sculpture in Sri Lanka. This is considered as a masterpiece of Sri Lankan; early iconography is carved out of a natural rock stone. Mihintale is a hill peak near Anuradhapura. This is located around 13km away from the center of Anuradhapura.
As same as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is also an ancient kingdom that is considered as one of the main sacred places in Sri Lanka. On a visit to Polonnaruwa heritage city, the royal place is a never miss attraction on the journey. Also, the Shiva Devala no 2 is considered to be the oldest building in the city of Polonnaruwa as it dates back to the South Indian dynasty period. The Audience Hall is a monument having beautiful stone-carved elephants alongside each of its walls. The sacred quadrangle has several significant sacred monuments. It is a representation of the grandest architecture of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa during that period. Pabalu wehera is the third largest dagaba in ancient Polonnaruwa and it is in excellent condition. The origin of this uniquely shaped Pabalu wehera stupa is yet to be discovered. The Lankathilaka Vihara is said to be one of the emblematic structures of an ancient kingdom of the city of Polonnaruwa. Lord Buddha figures at Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya is a UNESCO world heritage site. The sculpture artist of the Gal Vihara possessed a great deal of skill and expertise in stone sculpture in the land of Sri Lanka. The statue of King Parakramabahu is also a must-visit place in Polonnaruwa.
Someone visiting Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka can have the best historic experience that one can have in anywhere in the world.
