The Majestic Ruwanweli Maha Seya: A Pillar of Sri Lankan Heritage
Explore the sacred Ruwanweli Maha Seya, a historical Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura, embodying Sri Lanka's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya, a revered Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura, is an iconic symbol of Sri Lanka's rich history and spiritual heritage. Known for its magnificent stupa, this site offers tourists a serene atmosphere enriched with cultural significance, making it a must-visit destination in the heart of the ancient city.
A brief summary to Ruwanweli Maha Seya
- Ruwanweliseya Temple, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura, LK
- +94252222120
- Visit website
- Monday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Thursday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Friday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Saturday 5:30 am-9 pm
- Sunday 5:35 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a peaceful experience and the best lighting for photos.
- Dress modestly as a sign of respect when visiting this sacred site.
- Take your time to explore the intricate carvings and murals that tell the story of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
- Observe local customs, such as offering flowers and lighting lamps, to fully engage with the spiritual atmosphere.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, especially if visiting during the hotter parts of the day.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving to Ruwanweliseya Temple, head towards the city center of Anuradhapura. You can use Google Maps or ask locals for directions to Abhayawewa Road. Once you are on Abhayawewa Road, follow the signs for Ruwanweliseya Temple. There is parking available near the temple.
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Public Transportation
To reach Ruwanweliseya Temple via public transport, take a local bus that heads towards the Anuradhapura city center. Once you arrive at the main bus station, look for a bus or a tuk-tuk heading towards Abhayawewa Road or Ruwanweliseya Temple. It is a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know where to take you. The journey should take approximately 15-20 minutes from the bus station.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Anuradhapura, you can walk to Ruwanweliseya Temple. Start from your accommodation and head towards the city center. Navigate towards Abhayawewa Road, which is a straight path leading to the temple. The walk will take around 30 minutes, and you will pass through local shops and sights along the way.
Discover more about Ruwanweli Maha Seya
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
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Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
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Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
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Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
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Unidentified structure
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Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
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Buddhist Railing
1.1 km
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Royal palace of the anuradhapura kingdom
1.2 km
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Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura
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Isurumuniya clock Tower ඉසුරුමුණිය ඔරලෝසු කණුව
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Discover the Isurumuniya Clock Tower, a historical landmark in Anuradhapura that showcases Sri Lanka's rich heritage and architectural brilliance.
Isurumuni Royal Temple
1.8 km
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Main Image House
1.9 km
Discover the historical significance and architectural beauty of Lankarama Dagoba in Anuradhapura, a must-visit landmark in Sri Lanka's ancient capital.
මාස්තොට පිරිවෙන- අභයගිරිය
2.0 km
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Abayagiriya Stupa
2.3 km
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Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
2.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Entrance for the Disabled to the Ruwanwalisaya
0.2 km
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Ruwanweli Maha Seya Wheelchair Entry
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Folk Museum
0.3 km
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Ruwanweli Maha Seya Viewing Point
0.3 km
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Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura
0.4 km
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Lovamahapaya | ලෝවාමහාපාය
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Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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Maha Viharaya, Anuradhapura
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Image House of Jethawanaramaya - ජේතවනාරාම පිළිම ගෙය
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Jethawanarama Pilima Geya - ජේතවනාරාමය පිළිම ගෙය
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Thuparamaya
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Jethawanarama Monastery Complex
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Thuparama Alms Hall ථූපාරාම දාන ශාලාව
0.6 km
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Anuradhapura Unesco Signage
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Basawakkulama(බසවක්කුලම)
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Essential places to dine
Thisavi Rest
1.3 km
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Kamu Machan
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Rangiri Restaurant - Anuradhapura
2.0 km
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Rangiri Restaurant
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Family Restaurant
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Rasa Gedara ( The House Of Taste )
2.2 km
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Restaurant family
2.2 km
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Alankulama Casserole Restaurant Bank Side
2.2 km
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Sri Gayathri Cafe
2.2 km
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Avasta resturant and bar
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Green Way Restaurant
2.4 km
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Salgado Hotel and Bakery
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Chamy Restaurant Bank Town
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Myburger Family Restaurant
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Carlton
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bikku Gift Center
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Multi Emporium
2.2 km
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Araliya Gift Center
2.2 km
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Walk Way Fashion
2.2 km
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Nirmani Dress Point
2.3 km
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The Lover - Anuradhapura 01
2.3 km
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Volls
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Signature Showroom
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CIB Shopping Center - Anuradhapura
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G & G
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ASB Fashion
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US Fashion - Anuradhapura
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DRESS HUB
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Eiffel Complex
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The Factory
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nescafé-Bar
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Bamboo restaurant juice bar anuradhapura
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Bamboo restaurant & juice bar
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Avasta Resort and Spa
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New Victoria wine stores
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Poshana Mandiraya Ayurvedic Hospital Anuradhapura
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Hudo Lounge
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Rajasewana Resturant
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Sooriya Wessagiri Resort
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Creston Park
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Mihira Wine Stores
3.5 km
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D night restaurant
3.7 km
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Massina Beer Garden
3.8 km
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Danawwa Restaurant & Juice Bar
3.8 km
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Hotel White House Anuradhapura
3.9 km
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