The Enigmatic Anuradhapura Moonstone
Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of the Anuradhapura Moonstone, a historical landmark that reveals Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
Anuradhapura Moonstone is a stunning historical landmark that captivates tourists with its intricate artistry and significant cultural heritage. Located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, this Moonstone is not just a piece of stone but a reflection of Sri Lanka's rich history. Known for its unique semi-circular shape, the Moonstone is adorned with meticulously carved motifs that depict various elements of Sri Lankan wildlife and floral patterns. This art form dates back to the 3rd century BC and showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of ancient artisans. Visitors can admire the detailed work that illustrates the spiritual beliefs and daily lives of the people from that era. As you wander around this site, you'll appreciate the serene atmosphere that surrounds the Moonstone, making it a perfect spot for contemplation and photography. The charm of Anuradhapura lies not only in the Moonstone but also in its surroundings, which include other ancient structures and ruins, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone civilization. The site is easily accessible and well-marked, allowing tourists to explore at their own pace. Make sure to take your time to absorb the beauty and significance of this landmark, as it serves as a reminder of Sri Lanka's ancient history and cultural richness. Visiting the Anuradhapura Moonstone is an enriching experience, and it is recommended to combine your visit with a tour of other nearby historical sites to fully appreciate the depth of Anuradhapura's heritage. Engaging with local guides can provide you with fascinating insights into the stories behind the carvings and their relevance in Sri Lankan culture. With its enchanting beauty and historical significance, the Moonstone is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the Moonstone.
- Wear comfortable footwear as you'll be exploring on foot and the terrain can be uneven.
- Bring your camera to capture the intricate details of the carvings, especially during the golden hour.
- Stay hydrated and carry water, especially during the warmer months when the sun can be intense.
A brief summary to Anuradhapura Moonstone
- 99CR+HQW, B341, Anuradhapura, LK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from the Anuradhapura Railway Station, exit the station and head south on Station Road. Continue straight until you reach the main junction. At the junction, turn left onto the B341 road. Walk along the B341 for approximately 1.5 kilometers. Keep an eye out for the sign for the Anuradhapura Moonstone, which will be on your left. The Moonstone is located at the coordinates 99CR+HQW, and is easily recognizable by its unique stone carvings.
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Tuk-tuk
You can easily hire a tuk-tuk from anywhere in Anuradhapura. Just tell the driver 'Anuradhapura Moonstone' or point to the location on your map. The ride will take around 10 minutes from the city center. Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to the Moonstone site, which is located on the B341 road.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bicycle from various rental shops in Anuradhapura. Head towards the B341 road from your location, and follow it southwards for about 1.5 kilometers. The Moonstone will be on your left side. There are bicycle racks available near the entrance where you can park your bike.
Attractions Nearby to Anuradhapura Moonstone
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Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල
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Main Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery - අභයගිරි ප්රධාන දාන ශාලාව
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Elephant Pond ඇත් පොකුණ
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Abhayagiriya
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Abhayagiriya Buddha Mandiraya
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ජටිල මාවත
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Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
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Relic Shrine of Abhayagiriya - අභයගිරිය ධාතු මන්දිරය
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Square Stupa Abhayagiri Monastery
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Yathuru Pokuna
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අභයගිරි කෞතුකාගාරය - Abhayagiri Museum
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Lankaramaya | ලංකාරාමය
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Samadhi Buddha Statue
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Image House, West of Abhayagiri
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Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
Landmarks nearby to Anuradhapura Moonstone
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Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
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උත්තරමූළය - අභයගිරිය
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Abayagiriya Stupa
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North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
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Main Image House
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Royal palace of the anuradhapura kingdom
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Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
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Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
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King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
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Unidentified structure
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Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
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Vijayarama Archaeological Site - විජයාරාම පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථානය
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Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
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Buddhist Railing
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Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Park)