Ruwanweli Maha Seya: A Journey Through Time and Devotion
Experience the tranquility and rich history of Ruwanweli Maha Seya, a remarkable Buddhist stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient capital.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya, one of Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist stupas, offers tourists a deep dive into the rich history and spiritual essence of Anuradhapura. With its stunning architecture and serene surroundings, it's a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and cultural insights.
A brief summary to Ruwanweli Maha Seya
- Ruwanweliseya Temple, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura, LK
- +94252222120
- Monday 5 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 5 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 5 am-10 pm
- Thursday 5 am-10 pm
- Friday 5 am-10 pm
- Saturday 5 am-10 pm
- Sunday 5 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and avoid crowds.
- Dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a sacred site.
- Take time to explore the surrounding temples and historical sites for a deeper understanding of the area.
- Try to witness a local offering ceremony to experience the cultural significance of the stupa.
- Bring water and snacks, as the area may not have many food options nearby.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Anuradhapura, head east on Main Street towards the roundabout. At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on Main Street. Continue straight for about 1 kilometer until you reach the intersection with Abhayawewa Road. Turn left onto Abhayawewa Road and walk straight for about 500 meters. You will see the Ruwanweliseya Temple on your right. The temple is a large, white stupa that is hard to miss.
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Bicycle
If you have access to a bicycle, start from the city center and head east on Main Street. At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on Main Street. Continue for about 1 kilometer, then turn left onto Abhayawewa Road. Cycle straight for approximately 500 meters. The Ruwanweliseya Temple will be on your right. This is a pleasant ride with plenty of sights along the way.
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Tuk-Tuk
To reach Ruwanweliseya Temple by tuk-tuk, find a tuk-tuk stand near your location in Anuradhapura. Inform the driver that you want to go to Ruwanweliseya Temple on Abhayawewa Road. The driver will take you directly there, which is usually a short ride of around 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Make sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
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
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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
1.7 km
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Isurumuni Royal Temple
1.8 km
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Main Image House
1.9 km
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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
0.7 km
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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
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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
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Araliya Gift Center
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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
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D night restaurant
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Massina Beer Garden
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Danawwa Restaurant & Juice Bar
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Hotel White House Anuradhapura
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