During the Anuradhapura Day Tour from Kandy, we explore the main historical sites of Anuradhapura, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and also the Mihintale Monastery of Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura, no doubt the mother of all cultural sites of Sri Lanka, now a world heritage site. Anuradhapura was the capitol of Sinhala Kings from 4th century BC and lasted for 1300 years. After an invasion in 993 AD, Anuradhapura was lastingly abandoned. For centuries, the site lay hidden in the jungle. Rediscovered by the British in the 19th century, Anuradhapura became the heart of Buddhist pilgrimage site once again. Anuradhapura is famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization and is a "Must do" day tour when in Kandy, Sri Lanka to witness the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
Mihintale Monastery, just a 30 minutes drive from Anuradhapura is The most important place of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, considered the cradle of Buddhism of this island. Mihintale Monastery is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura, it is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures. According to Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, Thera Mahinda came to Sri Lanka from India on the full moon day of the month of June and met King Devanampiyatissa and the people, and preached the doctrine. The traditional spot where this meeting took place is revered by the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. Therefore, in the month of June, Buddhists make their pilgrimage to Anuradhapura and Mihintale.
Sri Maha Bodhi - Is the southern branch of the original Bodhi tree under which Gautama Buddha was seated with his back against it. Therefore, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree of Anuradhapura is the only sacred relic in the world comparable to the living Buddha, which has been sanctified by the touch of the Lord Buddha and was subjected to the homage of the esteemed one himself for one whole week through 'Animisa Lochana Pooja'.
Itinerary
