Cultural Triangle Sri Lanka

Arrival in Anuradhapura

Distance: 205 km | Time: 3.5–4 hrs | Method: Train/Bus/Taxi

Advice: Book AC coach for comfort. Early start to avoid heat.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Distance from city center: 1.5 km | Time: 5 min | Method: Tuk-tuk/Walk

• One of the oldest living trees in the world.
• Sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
• Daily offerings and rituals performed by devotees.

Ruwanwelisaya (Mahathupa)

Distance from Bodhi: 600 m | Time: 2 min | Method: Walk

• Built by King Dutugemunu, one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka.
• Height: ~103 meters.
• Symbol of ancient Buddhist art and engineering.

Jetavanaramaya

Distance from Ruwanwelisaya: 1.2 km | Time: 5 min | Method: Tuk-tuk

• Largest stupa in the ancient world by volume.
• Height: ~122 meters (originally).
• Part of a grand monastic complex for thousands of monks.

Abhayagiri Dagoba

Distance from Jetavanaramaya: 1.8 km | Time: 7 min | Method: Tuk-tuk

• Built by King Vattagamini Abhaya.
• Center for Mahayana Buddhism and Chinese monk studies.
• Famous for intricate moonstones at entrances.

Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone)

Location: At entrances of Abhayagiri, Ruwanwelisaya, Uttararama

Time to explore: 5–10 min per site | Method: Walk

• Semi-circular carved stone at temple entrances.
• Symbolism: Flames → Impermanence | Swans → Purity | Animals → Rebirth | Lotus → Nirvana

Thuparama Dagoba

Distance from Ruwanwelisaya: 800 m | Time: 3 min | Method: Walk

• Sri Lanka’s oldest stupa.
• Enshrines the right collarbone relic of the Buddha.
• Classic vatadage architecture.

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)

Distance from Thuparama: 1.1 km | Time: 5 min | Method: Tuk-tuk

• Ancient bathing pools for monks.
• Remarkable hydraulic engineering with filtration system.

Eth Pokuna

Distance from Twin Ponds: 2.5 km | Time: 8 min | Method: Tuk-tuk

• Ancient reservoir with advanced water management.
• One of the largest man-made ponds in Anuradhapura.

Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)

Distance from Ruwanwelisaya: 400 m | Time: 2 min | Method: Walk

• 9-story monastery with 1,000 rooms.
• Roof supported by 1,600 stone columns.

Isurumuniya Vihara

Distance from city center: 2 km | Time: 7 min | Method: Tuk-tuk

• Famous for the “Isurumuni Lovers” rock carving.
• Built into a rock face with a sacred pond.

Uttararama (Uttaramula Vihara)

Distance from Abhayagiri: 1.5 km | Time: 6 min | Method: Tuk-tuk

• Ancient monastery also known as Sandalankapabbata.
• Features another exquisite moonstone.

Archaeological Museum & Gardens

Distance from city center: 1 km | Time: 4 min | Method: Tuk-tuk/Walk

• Compact area with statues, inscriptions, and artifacts.
• Ideal for understanding Anuradhapura’s layout.

Mirisawetiya Dagoba

Distance from Ruwanwelisaya: 1.3 km | Time: 5 min | Method: Tuk-tuk

• Built by King Dutugemunu to atone for a personal offense.
• Distinctive bubble-shaped stupa.

Lankarama, Labuema, Saemamalaka, Suluvetivihara

Distance: Within 1–3 km radius | Time: 5–10 min | Method: Tuk-tuk

• Smaller stupas and monasteries around the sacred city.
• Quiet and less crowded, perfect for reflection.

Recommended Hotel: Heritage Hotel

Luxury stay near sites, pool & gardens. Alternative: Rajarata Hotel ($80/night).

Anuradhapura to Mihintale

Distance: 12 km | Time: 25 min

Pro Tip: Arrive by 6:30 AM to catch the sunrise and avoid the midday heat on the stone steps.

Ancient Hospital Ruins

Focus: Archaeology | Age: 9th Century AD | Time: 20 min

Insight: This is considered one of the oldest specialized hospital layouts in the world, proving the advanced medical knowledge of the Anuradhapura era.

Maha Stupa & Aradhana Gala

Steps: 1,840 | Duration: 1.5–2 Hours

Carry thick socks for hot stone floors at the top. The view from the 'Meditation Rock' is breathtaking.

Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa

Distance: 100 km | Time: 1.5–2 hrs | Method: Coach/Car

Advice: Direct coach; stop for lunch en route.

Gal Vihara

Time to explore: 45 min | Method: Walk

Stunning rock-carved Buddha statues, a masterpiece of ancient art.

Recommended: Hotel Sudu Araliya

Central location with pool. Alternative: EKHO Lake House

Minneriya National Park

Distance from Polonnaruwa: 26 km | Time: 30 min | Method: Jeep

Elephant gatherings; jeep safari for wildlife spotting.

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Distance from Minneriya: 16 km | Time: 25 min | Method: Taxi/Tuk-tuk

Ancient rock fortress; UNESCO World Heritage site with frescoes and water gardens.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Distance from Sigiriya: 18 km | Time: 25 min | Method: Taxi/Tuk-tuk

Golden Temple and UNESCO cave complex featuring over 150 Buddha statues and ancient murals.

Athagala (Elephant Rock)

Distance from Dambulla: 56 km | Time: 1h 15 min | Method: Taxi/Bus

Iconic elephant-shaped rock featuring a giant 88ft white Buddha statue and panoramic views of Kurunegala city.

Negombo Beach

Distance from Kurunegala: 76 km | Time: 1h 30 min | Method: Taxi/Private Car

Relax on golden sands; enjoy fresh seafood and stunning sunsets before your flight home.

Ritigala Nature Reserve

Distance from Polonnaruwa: 35 km | Time: 45 min | Method: Car/Tuk-tuk

Ancient ruins in dry zone forest; hiking trails.