Anuradhapura

The Anuradhapura Kingdom (437 BCE – 1017 CE) was the first major kingdom in Sri Lanka and a significant political and religious center in ancient South Asia.

 

Key Features:

Founding: Established by King Pandukabhaya (437–367 BCE), who made Anuradhapura the capital.

Religion: The introduction of Buddhism by King Devanampiya Tissa (247–207 BCE) after Emperor Ashoka’s missionary Arahat Mahinda arrived.

Sacred Sites: Home to the Sri Maha Bodhi (a sapling of Buddha’s enlightenment tree) and the Ruwanwelisaya stupa (built by King Dutugemunu).

Irrigation: Advanced hydraulic systems, including tanks (reservoirs) like Tissa Wewa and Abhayagiriya, supporting agriculture.

Decline: Repeated invasions by South Indian Chola forces led to its fall in 1017 CE, shifting the capital to Polonnaruwa.

 

Anuradhapura remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage center for Buddhists.

 

How to Get to Anuradhapura from Colombo

Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, is about 200–210 km (124–130 miles) from Colombo. Here are the best ways to travel:

1. By Train (Most Scenic & Comfortable Option)

• Duration: ~4–5 hours
• Colombo Fort Station → Anuradhapura Junction
• Popular Trains:
  • Uttara Devi Express (fastest, air-conditioned, departs at 5:45 AM)
  • Night Mail Train (overnight option, departs around 8:30 PM)
• Ticket Cost:
  • 1st Class AC: ~LKR 2,000–3,000
  • 2nd/3rd Class: ~LKR 500–1,000
• Booking: Reserve via Sri Lanka Railways (www.railway.gov.lk) or at the station.

2. By Bus (Cheapest Option)

• Duration: ~5–6 hours (depending on traffic)
• Departure Points:
  • Colombo Bastian Mawatha (Central Bus Stand)
  • Pettah Bus Stand
• Bus Types:
  • AC Express Bus: ~LKR 800–1,500 (e.g., Sri Lanka Transport Board – SLTB)
  • Regular Bus: ~LKR 400–800
• Route: Colombo → Kurunegala → Dambulla → Anuradhapura

3. By Private Car/Taxi (Fastest & Most Flexible)

• Duration: ~4–5 hours (via A9 Highway)
• Options:
  • Hire a Taxi/Uber/PickMe: ~LKR 15,000–25,000 (one way)
  • Self-Drive Rental Car: ~LKR 8,000–15,000/day (fuel extra)
• Route: Colombo → Katunayake Expressway → Kurunegala → Dambulla → Anuradhapura

4. By Air (Fastest but Expensive)

• Helitours (Sri Lanka Air Force) offers flights from Colombo (Ratmalana) to Anuradhapura (~30 min).
• Cost: ~LKR 10,000–15,000 (one way)
• Limited availability – check www.airforce.lk.

Best Choice?

• Budget Travel: Bus or 2nd/3rd-class train
• Comfort & Views: AC train (Uttara Devi)
• Convenience: Private taxi or rental car

Once in Anuradhapura, rent a bike, tuk-tuk, or car to explore the ancient ruins easily!

Landscapes on your way to Anuradhapura via Puttalam

THUPARAMAYA

Visiting Thuparamaya

• Location: Within the Sacred City of Anuradhapura (near Ruwanwelisaya & Sri Maha Bodhi).
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (to avoid heat).
• Entrance Fee: Covered under the Anuradhapura Cultural Site Ticket (~$25 for foreigners, free for locals).
• Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered (modest clothing).

 

 

The First Stupa of Sri Lanka

Thuparamaya is the oldest dagoba (stupa) in Sri Lanka, built in the 3rd century BCE during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (247–207 BCE). It marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka after Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, brought Buddhist teachings to the island.

 Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) – Anuradhapura’s Ancient Engineering Marvel

Kuttam Pokuna is one of the finest examples of hydraulic engineering from the Anuradhapura Kingdom (3rd century BCE–10th century CE). These twin bathing ponds were used by Buddhist monks from the Abhayagiri Monastery for ritual cleansing.

 

Visiting Kuttam Pokuna

• Location: Near Abhayagiriya Monastery, Anuradhapura Sacred City.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (cooler temperatures).
• Entrance Fee: Covered under the Anuradhapura Cultural Site Ticket (~$25 for foreigners, free for locals).
• What to See:
  • The twin ponds’ symmetry and stone carvings.
  • The ancient water filtration system.
  • Nearby ruins of Abhayagiri Monastery.

Why Kuttam Pokuna is Special?

• One of the oldest surviving bathing pools in Sri Lanka.
• A testament to ancient Sinhalese hydraulic engineering.
• A serene and less crowded site in Anuradhapura.