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The Ancient City of Anuradhapura

According to Mahavamsa, the great chronicle of the Sinhalese, the city of Anuradhapura was named after a Minister called Anuradha who founded this area as a village settlement. He was one of the ministers who accompanied king Vijaya from India, who according to the tradition founded the Sinhalese Race in Sri Lanka.

It was king Pandukabhaya who made it his capital in the 4th Century BC. It was during the period of his grandson king Devanampiyatissa that the Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka by Arhath Mahinda Thero, the son of Emperor Asoka in India. This was 236 years (middle of 3rd century BC) after passing a way of Load Buddha. From this point onwards a great civilization developed based on one of the greatest religions of South East Asia, Buddhism.

Routes to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttlam (Puttalama) and though Kurunegala. Traveling from Puttlam you will pass scenic Wilpattu area. the From Kurunegala there are two main routes to Anuradhapura. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is though Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the commonly used is the Kurunegala - Dambulla route.

Distances from Colombo to Anuradhapura through Puttlam
From	Colombo	To	Wattala		08
			Negambo		35
			Chillaw		80
			Puttlam		132
			Kala Oya		171
			Nochchiyagama		183
			Anuradhapura		206
Distances from Colombo to Anuradhapura through Kurunegala - Dambulla
From	Colombo	To	Miriswattha		25
			Warakapola		56
			Ambepussa		58
			Allauwa		67
			Polgahawela		74
			Kurunegala		93
			Malsiripura		119
			Dambulla		150
			Kakirawa		169
			Maradankadawala		177
			Anuradhapura		209
Distances from Colombo to Anuradhapura through Kurunegala - Galgamuwa
From	Colombo	To	Kurunegala		93
			Variyapola		113
			Padeniya		118
			Galgamuwa		158
			Rajanganaya		172
			Thambuthegama		177
			Thalawa		188
			Anuradhapura		201

Places of Interest

1. Abayagiri Stupa
2. Asokaramaya (Pankuliya Buddha Statue)
3. Dhakkhina Stupa
4. Eth Pokuna
5. Galpalama (Stone bridges)
6. Isurumuniya Vihara (Originally Meghagiri Vihara)
7. Jethavana Viharaya ( Jethavana Temple)
8. Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)
9. Lankaramaya
10. Lovamahapaya (The Great Copper Roofed Mansion)
11. Mihinthale
12. Mirisavatiya Dagaba
13. Pancavasa (Biso Maligaya) with the Moonstone
14. Ranmasu Uyana ( Goldfish Park)
15. Rathna Prasada (Jewel Palace)
16. Ruwanvali Seya
17. Samadhi Statue
18. Sri Maha Bodhi (The sacred Bo-Tree)
19. Tapovana Monastery
20. The Royal palace of King Vijayabahu I
21. Thuparama
22. Vessagiriya (originally Issara Samanarama or Isurumuniya)

1. Sandakada Pahana - Moonstone
2. Korawakgala - Balustrades of Bhuddhist Buildings
3. Mura Gala ( Guard Stone)

Atamasthana

Other Historical Sites around Anuradhapura

1. Awkana Buddha Statue
2. Ras Vehera (Sesuruwa)
3. Hatthikucchi
4. Namal Uyana
5. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
6. Mihinthale

A chronological list of Sri Lankan kings who ruled from Anuradhapura [For a full list click here]

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July 15, 2007
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