Ransimalakaya at Anuradhapura

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Between the Ruwanweli Seya and the Sri Maha Bodhi, the pathway is lined with numerous ruins, many of which have been either fully or partially excavated. Among them, the most striking to pilgrims is the impressive array of 1,600 granite pillars of the Lovamahapaya. Directly opposite this structure, on the other side of the road, stands another set of ruins marked by a signboard as the Ransimalakaya.

These ruins were first partially excavated in 1895–96 by the Royal Asiatic Society. The remains suggest that the structure was an open-pillared hall with no enclosing walls. Its roof had once been supported by eight rows of ten granite pillars, though only a handful of these pillars still stand today. Entrances were provided on all four sides, reinforcing its open and accessible layout.

During the British colonial period, a market was constructed beside the Ransimalakaya, which controversially included a beef stall. This was intended as a display of Crown ownership over the land. However, following persistent protests from the Buddhist community, the beef stall was relocated on 1 January 1908 (Harischandra, 1908). While it was in operation, the site was even misused as a cattle pound, and the ancient structure narrowly escaped complete destruction (Mitton, 1917).

Today, according to the description provided by the Department of Archaeology, the Ransimalakaya is believed to have served as a meeting hall for the monks of the Maha Viharaya. It is said that the body of Arahat Mahinda Thero was placed here before his cremation.

Important Information for Foreign Tourists Visiting Sites at Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Most of the more popular sites in Anuradhapura strictly check for tickets from tourists, while the less-visited sites tend to be more relaxed due to the lack of staff. However, tourists should be cautious, as some unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers may attempt to exploit this situation.

They sometimes offer to take foreign tourists along routes where ticket checks are less common or even try to collect the entrance fee themselves, claiming they will purchase the tickets on the tourists’ behalf. Tourists are strongly advised not to fall for such scams, as this can lead to unnecessary complications with site security or the police.

Information on the Anuradhapura Cultural Heritage Ticket and where and how to purchase can be found here

Ransimalakaya Between Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweli Maha Seya

References

Wikramagamage, C., (2004). Heritage of Rajarata: Major natural, cultural, and historic sites. Colombo. Central Bank of Sri Lanka. p.61.
Harischandra Brahmachāri Walisinha (1908) The Sacred City of Anuradhapura. with Forty-Six Illustrations. Colombo: The Author. p.110.
Mitton, G.E. (1917) The lost cities of Ceylon. New York, New York: Fredrick A, Stokes Company. p 91.

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

Map of Ransimalakaya at Anuradhapura

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Driving Directions to Ransimalakaya at Anuradhapura

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps