Explore the Majestic Jethawanaramaya: A Pillar of Sri Lankan Heritage
Discover Jethawanaramaya, a stunning Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura, known for its towering stupa and rich cultural heritage.
A brief summary to Jethawanaramaya
- b341 Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura, LK
- +94777425085
- Monday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Thursday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Friday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Saturday 5:30 am-11 pm
- Sunday 5:30 am-11 pm
Jethawanaramaya, located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, is a magnificent Buddhist temple known for its towering stupa, which is among the tallest in Sri Lanka. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to the island's rich cultural and religious history, attracting visitors from around the globe. The stupa, with its impressive height and grand structure, is surrounded by tranquil gardens and well-preserved ruins that evoke a sense of peace and reverence. As you wander through the temple grounds, you'll be captivated by the intricate carvings and historical relics that tell the story of Buddhism's deep roots in Sri Lanka. The temple complex not only serves as a place of worship but also as an important archaeological site. Historians and archaeologists have conducted numerous studies here, shedding light on the ancient civilization that once thrived in Anuradhapura. The serene atmosphere invites visitors to engage in meditation or simply reflect on the beauty of the surroundings. Jethawanaramaya is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the golden light casts a magical glow on the stupa and its surroundings. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respect the local customs while exploring this sacred site. Guided tours are available, providing deeper insights into the history and significance of the temple. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Jethawanaramaya offers an enriching experience that connects you with the essence of Sri Lankan culture and Buddhism.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility and avoid crowds.
- Dress modestly as a sign of respect when visiting the temple.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the site's history.
- Bring water and snacks, as the temple area can be expansive and you may spend several hours exploring.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from the Anuradhapura Railway Station, exit the station and head southeast on Station Rd towards the Main Rd. Continue straight until you reach the roundabout, then take the second exit onto the Main Rd. Follow this road for approximately 1.5 kilometers until you reach the junction with the Watawandana Rd. Turn left onto Watawandana Rd. Jethawanaramaya will be on your left-hand side after about 1 kilometer. Look for the large stupa as a landmark.
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Walking
From the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, head south on the main path leading out of the sacred area. Continue straight for about 500 meters until you reach the Main Rd. Turn left and walk for approximately 1 kilometer. At the Watawandana Rd junction, turn right. Jethawanaramaya will be on your left after about 1 kilometer.
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Bicycle
If you are using a bicycle, start from the Anuradhapura Central Bus Stand. Head southeast on the Main Rd and cycle for about 1.5 kilometers until you reach the junction with Watawandana Rd. Turn left, and continue cycling for about 1 kilometer. Jethawanaramaya will be on your left, easily visible due to the large stupa.
Attractions Nearby to Jethawanaramaya
- Thimbiri Pokuna - තිඹිරි පොකුණ
- Jethawanarama Monastery Complex
- Jethawanarama Pilima Geya - ජේතවනාරාමය පිළිම ගෙය
- Image House of Jethawanaramaya - ජේතවනාරාම පිළිම ගෙය
- Jethawanarama stone fence ( ගල් ගරාදි වැට)
- Jethawanarama Uposathaghara
- Jethawanaramaya southern pond
- Yathuru Pokuna 2 Jetavanaramaya- ජේතවනාරාමය යතුරු පොකුණ 2
- Jetavanarama Museum
- Anuradhapura Unesco Signage
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya Viewing Point
- Thuparama Alms Hall ථූපාරාම දාන ශාලාව
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya
- The Entrance for the Disabled to the Ruwanwalisaya
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya Wheelchair Entry
Landmarks nearby to Jethawanaramaya
- Buddhist Railing
- Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
- Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
- King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
- Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
- Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
- Unidentified structure
- Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura
- Isurumuniya clock Tower ඉසුරුමුණිය ඔරලෝසු කණුව
- Main Image House
- Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
- Star Gate - Ranmasu Uyana
- මාස්තොට පිරිවෙන- අභයගිරිය
- North Central Provincial Council Administrative Building Complex
- Abhayagiriya