The Enigmatic Anuradhapura Moonstone
Explore the Anuradhapura Moonstone, a stunning symbol of Sri Lanka's rich history and exquisite craftsmanship amidst ancient ruins.
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
The Anuradhapura Moonstone is not just a historical landmark; it is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lanka. Located in the heart of Anuradhapura, this mesmerizing stone features intricate carvings that represent the cycle of life, showcasing the remarkable skills of artisans from centuries past. Its circular design and detailed motifs make it a notable attraction for both history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. This Moonstone, renowned as one of the finest in Sri Lanka, serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding ruins of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you stroll through the sacred grounds, you will encounter ancient stupas, monasteries, and water reservoirs that tell the story of a once-thriving civilization. The serene atmosphere combined with the historical significance of the site invites visitors to reflect on the spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka. For those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, nearby markets and eateries offer a taste of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, enhancing your travel experience. The Anuradhapura Moonstone is not just a visual delight but a journey into the past, making it an essential stop for any traveler seeking to appreciate the rich history and culture of this beautiful island.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility and avoid crowds.
- Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the significance of the Moonstone and the surrounding ruins.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on uneven surfaces while exploring.
- Bring a camera to capture the intricate details of the carvings.
- Respect the local customs and maintain a quiet demeanor while visiting this sacred site.
Getting There
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Walking
Starting from the Anuradhapura Railway Station, exit the station and head south on Station Road. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with the B341 road. Turn left onto B341 and walk for approximately 1.5 kilometers. You will see signs directing you towards the Anuradhapura Moonstone. Keep an eye out for the nearby archaeological sites as you walk, as they will enhance your experience. After arriving at the designated area, follow the path towards the Moonstone, which will be marked with additional signs.
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Walking
If you are starting from the Ruwanwelisseya Stupa, exit the stupa grounds and head east towards the B341 road. Turn right onto B341 and walk for about 500 meters. You will notice signs for the Anuradhapura Moonstone. Continue walking until you reach the Moonstone, which is located a short distance from the main road, surrounded by lush greenery.
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Bicycle
Begin at the Anuradhapura City Center. Rent a bicycle if you haven't already. Cycle north on B341 for about 2 kilometers. You will pass various historical sites along the way. Watch for the signs indicating the location of the Anuradhapura Moonstone. Once you see the signs, park your bicycle and walk towards the Moonstone, which is easily accessible from the main road.
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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North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
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Main Image House
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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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Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura
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Buddhist Railing
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Anuradhapura Unesco Signage
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Jetavanarama Museum