Explore the Tranquil Vaulted Vihara in Anuradhapura
Discover the serene beauty and rich history of the Vaulted Vihara, an ancient monastery in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
A brief summary to Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House of Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර ගෙඩිගේ ප්‍රතිමා ගෘහය
- 9C62+5Q9, Anuradhapura, LK
Nestled in the historic city of Anuradhapura, the Vaulted Vihara, also known as Gedige, is a remarkable site that embodies the essence of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and spirituality. This monastery, characterized by its unique vaulted structure, offers a glimpse into the Buddhist heritage of the region. The Vihara is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the artistic prowess of the craftsmen who built it. Visitors can admire the intricacies of the stonework and the serene atmosphere that surrounds this sacred site. As you wander through the grounds, the tranquil environment allows for peaceful contemplation and reflection. The lush greenery and the soft sounds of nature enhance the spiritual experience, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solace away from the busyness of modern life. The Vaulted Vihara is a significant cultural landmark, often attracting both pilgrims and tourists who wish to explore the rich history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The surrounding area is steeped in history, with various ancient ruins and relics that narrate the story of Anuradhapura as one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. A visit to the Vaulted Vihara provides not just an architectural experience but also a deep connection to the spiritual and historical lineage of this remarkable region. Make sure to take your time to appreciate the beauty and significance of this enchanting site.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and optimal lighting for photography.
- Dress modestly to respect the sacredness of the site; it's advisable to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.
- Take note of the surrounding archaeological sites, as they provide context to the historical significance of the Vihara.
- Engage with local guides who can share fascinating stories and insights about the monastery's history.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, head towards Anuradhapura Town. From the center of Anuradhapura, take the Anuradhapura - Mihintale Road (A9) heading north. After about 3 kilometers, look for signs indicating Gedige Vihara. Turn right onto the road that leads to the Vihara. You will see the entrance to the Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House on your left. There is limited parking available near the site.
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Public Transportation
To reach the Vaulted Vihara using public transportation, take a bus from Anuradhapura City to Mihintale. Buses frequently depart from the Anuradhapura Central Bus Station. After a 15-20 minute ride, alight at the Gedige Vihara stop. From there, it’s a short walk of about 500 meters to reach the Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House. Ensure to check the bus schedules as they may vary.
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Tuk-Tuk
For a more direct and comfortable option, you can hire a tuk-tuk from anywhere in Anuradhapura. Simply tell the driver you want to go to the Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House. The ride will take approximately 10-15 minutes depending on your starting point. Negotiate the fare beforehand; it typically ranges from 200 to 500 LKR depending on the distance.
Attractions Nearby to Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House of Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර ගෙඩිගේ ප්‍රතිමා ගෘහය
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Dalada Maligawa Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර පුරාණ දළදා මාලිගාව
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Mahapali Refectory
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Nakha Vehera
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Thuparama Alms Hall ථූපාරාම දාන ශාලාව
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Thuparamaya
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Thimbiri Pokuna - තිඹිරි පොකුණ
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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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Jethawanaramaya
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අභයගිරි කෞතුකාගාරය - Abhayagiri Museum
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Ruwanweli Maha Seya Viewing Point
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Yathuru Pokuna
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Samadhi Buddha Statue
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Jethawanarama Monastery Complex
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Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
Landmarks nearby to Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House of Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර ගෙඩිගේ ප්‍රතිමා ගෘහය
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Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
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Buddhist Railing
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King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
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Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
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Main Image House
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Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
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Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
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උත්තරමූළය - අභයගිරිය
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Unidentified structure
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North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
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Lovamahapaya | ලෝවාමහාපාය
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Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura
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Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
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Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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Maha Viharaya, Anuradhapura