In the 3rd century BC, area of Mihintale (mihinthalaya) was a thick jungleand was a hunting ground reserved for the royals. All this changed in 250 BC when the son of the Indian Emperor Asoka, Mahinda Maha Thero arrived at the Mihintale (mihinthalaya) rock to meet king Devamnampiyatissa.
The Lovamahapaya, or the Great Brazen Palace, stands as a testament to the architectural ambition of King Dutugemunu. Originally a nine-story monastery supported by 1,600 granite pillars, its roof was famously covered in bronze tiles.
Jethawana Stupa built by King Mahasen (276-303 CE) is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. It was originally 400 feet (122 meters) in height and was the third tallest building in the world at that time. Even today as a brick monument, Jethawanaramaya still remains the tallest of its kind in the world.
Isurumuniya is a 3rd-century BCE rock temple in Anuradhapura, famous for its exquisite stone carvings and serene setting by the Tissa Wewa. Originally built by King Devanampiyatissa, it features the iconic Isurumuni Lovers, the Horseman, and bathing elephants. This tranquil site beautifully blends spiritual heritage with legendary Sri Lankan romance.
Abhayagiri Monastery is situated on the ancient city of Anuradhapura and is credited to king Vattagamini Abaya popularly known as king Walagamba ( 103 BC, 89-77 BC). Proof has been found that a Jain temple has existed on this land in the 5th century BC during the rule of King Pandukabaya (437-367 BC).
Dakkhina Stupa (Dakshina Stupa) is a large brick mound structure , probably an unfinished stupa lying close to sri maha bodhi. Untill recently this site was mistakenly identified as tomb of Elara.
Uttara Mula is the name which identifies the most ancient congregation of bikkus in the Abhayagiri Monastery and their head quarters. In ancient times when the the sacred tooth relic of Buddha was in Abhayagiri, Uttara Mula Bikkus were the custodians of it.
