Discover Tranquility at Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya, a sacred site in Anuradhapura that showcases Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage.
A brief summary to Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
- 999W+P4J, Watawandana Road, Anuradhapura, LK
- +94773043643
- 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
Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya is a significant religious destination in Anuradhapura, renowned for its historical and spiritual importance. This ancient monastic complex, surrounded by lush greenery, was once a thriving center for Buddhist learning and practice. As you wander through the serene grounds, you will encounter beautifully preserved ruins and stupas that reflect the architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmanship. The tranquil atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for meditation and introspection, allowing visitors to connect with the spiritual essence of this sacred site. The site is a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka and offers a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of a once-thriving monastic community. The intricate carvings and stonework found throughout the site speak volumes about the artistic achievements of the period. As you explore, take time to appreciate the quiet beauty of the surroundings, where the gentle rustle of leaves and distant bird calls create an idyllic setting for reflection. The Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya is not only a place of worship but also a historical narrative that unfolds the stories of countless monks and devotees who walked these grounds in the past. Visitors can enjoy the spiritual ambiance and engage with local monks, who are often more than willing to share their knowledge about the history and significance of the site. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking to experience the tranquility of Sri Lanka's ancient culture, Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya offers a profound and enriching experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to experience the peaceful atmosphere and avoid the heat of the day.
- Dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a sacred site.
- Consider bringing a camera to capture the stunning architectural details and serene landscapes.
- Engage with local monks to learn about the history and significance of the site.
- Plan to spend at least an hour exploring to fully appreciate the site's beauty and tranquility.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving, start from the center of Anuradhapura. Head east on Sri Maha Bodhi Rd and continue straight. After about 1 km, turn left onto Watawandana Rd. Follow Watawandana Rd for approximately 2 km, and you will arrive at Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya, located at the coordinates 8.369339, 80.3952523. There is usually parking available near the site.
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Public Transportation
To reach Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya using public transport, take a bus heading towards Watawandana from Anuradhapura's central bus station. The fare is typically around 50 LKR. After about 20-30 minutes, disembark at the Watawandana stop. From there, it is a short walk of about 1 km along Watawandana Rd to reach the site. Be sure to ask the bus driver or locals to confirm when to get off, as stops may not be clearly marked.
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Tuk-Tuk
Another convenient option is to hire a tuk-tuk from Anuradhapura. Negotiate a fare of about 300-500 LKR for a one-way trip, depending on your negotiating skills and the distance. The journey will take around 15-20 minutes, and your driver will be familiar with the location. Make sure to confirm the fare before starting your journey.
Attractions Nearby to Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
- Abhayagiriya Buddha Mandiraya
- Yathuru Pokuna
- Abhayagiriya
- අභයගිරි කෞතුකාගාරය - Abhayagiri Museum
- Samadhi Buddha Statue
- Main Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery - අභයගිරි ප්රධාන දාන ශාලාව
- Relic Shrine of Abhayagiriya - අභයගිරිය ධාතු මන්දිරය
- Anuradhapura Moonstone
- Image House, West of Abhayagiri
- Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල
- Elephant Pond ඇත් පොකුණ
- Lankaramaya | ලංකාරාමය
- Square Stupa Abhayagiri Monastery
- Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
- ජටිල මාවත
Landmarks nearby to Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
- උත්තරමූළය - අභයගිරිය
- North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
- Main Image House
- Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
- Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
- Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
- King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
- Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
- Unidentified structure
- Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
- Buddhist Railing
- Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura
- Anuradhapura Unesco Signage
- Jetavanarama Museum
- Western Monastery Complex - I