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Dematagala Archaeological Site in Anuradhapura Sravasthipura (අනුරාධපුර ස්‍රාවස්තිපුර දෙමටගල පුරාවිද්‍යා භූමිය)

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Dematagala Archaeological Site in Anuradhapura Sravasthipura

The Dematagala Archaeological Site is located on a rocky outcrop approximately 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) from Anuradhapura town. The route to the site begins along Padeniya Road, continuing for 250 meters past the Sravasthipura Railway Station before turning left towards Nachchaduwa. After travelling 300 meters, a narrow left road at the fork leads a further 1.6 kilometers to a primitive footbridge. Crossing this bridge over the canal brings visitors to the base of the rocky outcrop. A small aranya, or forest monastery, is currently active at the site.

Anuradhapura, the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka, flourished as a center of Buddhist learning, monumental architecture, and hydraulic engineering for over a millennium. Sites such as Dematagala, though modest compared to the city’s great stupas, played an important role in sustaining the religious life of rural monastic communities connected to the capital.

Archaeology Excavations at Dematagala Archaeological Site

At the summit of Dematagala’s rocky outcrop lies the remains of a stupa mound. In 2025, archaeological excavations were undertaken here, revealing the platform base of the stupa and the original ancient structure situated at its center. Evidence suggests that a newer stupa was constructed around the original. The excavation also produced a variety of artifacts, including ancient beads and pottery fragments, which have been dated to the 7th and 8th centuries CE.

Photo source: Archaeology Sri Lanka

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Map of Dematagala Archaeological Site in Sravasthipura

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Traveling Directions to Dematagala Archaeological Site in Sravasthipura

Route from Anuradhapura to Dematagala Archaeological Site in Sravasthipura

Through : Alankulama – Sravasthipura
Distance : 6.5 km
Travel time : 15 mins
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

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