According the Great Chronicle Mahavamsa, Buddha has placed his foot print at the site of Padalanchana Chethiya rising to the air to return to India after his 3rd visit to Sri Lanka.
According the brief description on the board by the Department of Archaeology, this building has been used as the meeting hall of the bikkhus of the Maha Viharaya. The body of the Maha Mahinda Thero has been kept here before cremation.
It has been identified Toluvila as the place where the Great Mahinda Thero took shelter on their way from Chethiya Pabbatha to Maha Viharaya in the 3rd century BC. The Toluvila monastery belongs to the late Anuradhapura period (7-9th centuries).
Nakha Vehera is a rare, square-shaped brick stupa in Anuradhapura’s northern zone, likely dating to the late Anuradhapura period. Standing seven meters tall, its unique Mahayana-influenced design features tiered structures and recessed niches. This distinctive architectural gem offers a fascinating, less-traveled glimpse into Sri Lanka’s diverse ancient Buddhist heritage.
Massive granite pillars where the massive Mahapali Alms Hall stood and a rice trough made of granite lies within these ruins covering over 1/4 acres. One of the main attractions is the deep well which would have supplied water to the alms hall.
Vijayarama is an ancient buddhist monastery lying on the outskirts of Anuradhapura close to the ancient stone bridge (Gal Palama). The complex spans 23 acres which has been declared as an archaeological site.
Tissa Wewa is one of the oldest reservoirs in Anuradhapura, traditionally attributed to King Devanampiya Tissa. Built in the 3rd century BCE, its broad waters and tree-lined embankments offer a peaceful setting near many sacred sites, making it a refreshing stop for travelers exploring the ancient city.
The Abhaya Vapi (Basawakkulama Wewa) is Sri Lanka’s oldest major reservoir, established in the 4th century BCE by Prince Anuradha and later expanded by King Pandukabhaya. This foundational masterpiece of ancient hydraulic engineering provided the essential water supply for the burgeoning capital of Anuradhapura and its vast irrigation network.
Thuruwila (Turuwila) is an ancient reservoir in (Wewa) Anuradhapura district built by King Mahanaga un the third century B.C. This can be considered as the forth Wewa (reservoir) to be built in Sri Lanka.
Described as a “marvelous work that must have occupied 50,000 men for many years” in 1856 by Henry Ward, Governor of Ceylon 1855-1857, Nuwara Wewa is the largest of the three man-made reservoirs in Anuradhapura. Nuwara Wewa is believed to have been built by King Vattagamini Abaya, popularly known as King Valagamba, in the first century BCE.
Sakwala Chakraya, the “Universe Cycle” at Ranmasu Uyana, is a mysterious 6-foot circular rock carving. Often called a “Stargate,” this ancient chart features concentric rings and strange geometric symbols. While some view it as a map for interstellar travel, archaeologists suggest it is an early cosmographical map of the universe.
Vessagiriya is located few hundred meters left to the current Isurumuniya on the old Anuradhapura-Kurunegala road. This temple complex is located in and around 3 beautiful bolder formations spread across a large area in front of the Tissa Weva. On one these is a remains of a dagaba.
The Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I we see today in Anuradhapura is thought to be the temporary palace he constructed in 1055 for the celebrations in Anuradhapura.
The Thapowanaya is first mentioned in the reign of Kassapa IV ( 898 -914 AC) it is said that this king built a dwelling there for the Pamsukulika order of monks. Kassapa V (914 -923 AC) built the Deva dwelling in the Tapovana.
Ruwanweliseya was built by the great king Dutugamunu who reigned from 137BC to119BC. The original stupa has been about 180 feet (55 meters) in height and was renovated by many kings. The stupa is 350 feet (107 meters) in height and 300 feet (92 meters) in diameter today.
Ranmasu Uyana, the “Royal Goldfish Park,” is a 40-acre ancient pleasure garden in Anuradhapura. Famous for its sophisticated hydraulic systems and rock-cut bathing pools, it also houses the mysterious “Star Gate” carving. This tranquil site, where legends say Prince Saliya met Asokamala, perfectly blends history with nature.
Mirisawetiya Dagaba has been built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC) and this belongs to Mahavihara Complex. King Dutugamunu is the great king who defeated the Tamil invaders who ruled the country for 30 years and brought the country under one ruler.
Nestled in a tranquil forest near Mihintale, Kaludiya Pokuna is an ancient monastic site named after its dark, reflective pond. Surrounded by stone ruins, inscriptions, and meditative caves, it offers a peaceful glimpse into Sri Lanka’s early Buddhist heritage and timeless natural serenity.
Amongst its serene, tranquil beautiful forest and bolder clad environs we find some of the earliest examples of Sinhalese hydraulic civilization in Mihintale. Out of the many ponds and waterways that have graced this area three ponds and bathing places can be identified even today; Naga pokuna, Sinha pokuna and Kaludiya pokuna.
Amongst its serene, tranquil beautiful forest and boulder clad environs we find some of the earliest examples of Sinhalese hydraulic civilization in Mihintale. Out of the many ponds and waterways that have graced this area three ponds and bathing places can be identified even today; Naga pokuna, Sinha pokuna and Kaludiya pokuna.
