Anuradhapura, the ancient civilization of Sri Lanka, thrived as the political and religious capital of Sri Lanka over the course of 1300 years. A sudden invasion abruptly ended its reign in 993. With its dagobas (stupas) and temples dating back to the 4th century BC, it's one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites found in Sri Lanka.

The entrance fee is $25 USD which is really steep. To be honest, I didn't think it was worth the price (which also includes entrance to the museum). The grounds are extensive but the ancient ruins are few and far between. For this reason, a tuk-tuk or bike is essential to get around. Alternately, you can rent a car with or without a private driver. I chose to hire a tuk-tuk driver who turned out to be very engaging.

ANURADHAPURA - THE ANCIENT CIVILIZATION OF SRI LANKA

JAYA SRI HAMA BODHI TREE

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi isn't part of the ancient city that's why I suggest you go here first. Jaya Sri Hama Bodhi  is one of the most sacred relics in Sri Lanka and is highly sacred in Buddhism. The story goes that Lord Buddha himself attained enlightenment under such a tree in Bodh Gaya, an important religious site in India.

Legend has it that Jaya Sri Hama Bodhi was propagated from the original bodhi tree in India. It's considered to be the oldest tree in the world planted by a human. Jaya Sri Hama Bodhi is worth visiting given its significant history.

Note that the entrance fee of 200 rupees is not included in the ticket price of $25 USD. My tuk-tuk driver said he would bring me to a "secret" gate to avoid paying the entrance fee. True to his word, I wasn't asked to pay anything. The only thing the guard asked me to do was to cover my shoulders. I saw a lot of locals entering through this gate so I'm not sure how "secret" it actually was.

As a reminder, women need to cover their shoulders for several of the sites so having a scarf is essential.

THUPARAMAYA DAGOBA

Thuparamaya Dagoba was built by King Devanampiyatissa during his reign in the 3rd century. It's said to have been the first Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka when Buddhism was introduced to the country. Although I've visited plenty of pagodas during my travels in South East Asia, it was my first time seeing a dagoba (or stupa). Although the names are similar,  the two are completely different architecturally-speaking.

A dagoba is a dome-shaped structure while a pagoda is a tiered tower. Dagobas are used as shrines to house relics of Buddhist monks or nuns. Devotees believe the right collar bone of Lord Buddha was kept in Thuparamaya Dagoba. Dagobas are also used as a place to practice meditation.

ABHAYAGIRI DAGOBA

Abhayagiri Dagoba was constructed during the reign of King Vattagamini Abaya in the 1st Century. At nearly 75 meters in height, Abhayagiri is the second tallest dagoba in Sri Lanka. Although the stupa has been refurbished over the years, the top portion is part of the original construction from thousands of years ago.

KUTTAM POKUNA (TWO PONDS)

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) were pools made of solid cut-granite slabs where monks used to bathe. These pools are considered the most significant hydrological achievement in engineering created by the ancient Sinhalese.

The water was transferred from underground ducts (some of which are visible throughout the site) and properly filtered before reaching the pools. It's fascinating how such ancient civilizations could achieve so much with so little. Nowadays, the mossy green waters are mostly enjoyed by a few graceful gold fish.

JETHAWANARAMAYA DAGOBA 

Jethawanaramaya Stupa was constructed using bricks and is the tallest dagoba in ancient Anuradhapura. The most prominent feature of this dagoba is the vibrantly colorful reclining Buddha found inside. What's more, every inch of every wall, as well as the ceiling, is covered in elaborate paintings. Take the time to look at how detailed the paintings are - it's really impressive!

SAMADHI BUDDHA STATUE

The Samadhi statue depicts Buddha meditating in the posture he was in when he was first enlightened. It's thought the statue was built in the 3rd or 4th Century. Samadhi Buddha Statue is made of marble and stands at just a little over 7'.

My tuk-tuk driver told me it was okay to take pictures but, when I did, I was scolded by other visitors who were clearly Sinhalese Buddhists. I think my faux pas was that I had my back turned to Buddha which is a big no-no. I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone but take this as a word of caution.

ISURUMUNIYA TEMPLE

Once again, it was King Devannampiyatissa who founded Isurumuniya Temple during the 3rd Century. The rock temple is famous for its stone carvings. The carvings include a horseman, elephants (as seen in the picture below), the Royal Family and the Isurumuniya Lovers. Visitors can climb to the top of Isurumuniya Temple to take in the views of the sprawling grounds of the ancient sacred city.

FEATURES UNIQUE TO ANURADHAPURA ANCIENT CITY

SANDAKADA PAHANA

As I wandered around Anuradhapura, I noticed many of these half-moon, sculpted elements at the foot of stairs. This feature is unique to Sinhalese culture and architecture. Sandakada pahanas are made from locally-sourced moonstone which is then carved into elaborate depictions of animals. The one pictured below is, apparently. the most elaborate and well-preserved in Sri Lanka.

GUARD STONES

Another common feature often used in ancient Anuradhapura was guard stones placed at entrances. Some represent pot-bellied dwarfs and others depict graceful nagarajas - a mythical cobra/human species. As the name suggests, guard stones were believed to guard sacred sites against evil beings.

PRAYER FLAGS

Prayer flags aren't unique to the ancient city of Anuradhapura but you'll see them everywhere. Prayer flags originated in Tibetan Buddhism and since Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist, the use of prayer flags is common. Contrary to common belief, the prayer flags aren't used to carry prayers to gods or other deities. Rather, prayer flags are used to carry wishes pertaining to peace, wisdom, luck, happiness, compassion, prosperity, health and longevity which are then blown by the wind and put forth into the universe.

As a final note, don't be surprised to see dogs lazying around, mischievous monkeys, grazing buffalo, roosters, chickens and the occasional armed policeman all of which will make your visit that much more interesting.

Have you been to Anuradhapura? Did you find it was worth the price?