Discover the Serenity of Thuparamaya: A Sacred Buddhist Temple
Explore Thuparamaya, an ancient Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura, where spirituality meets history amidst serene landscapes.
A brief summary to Thuparamaya
- 994W+4HQ, Anuradhapura, LK
- Visit website
Nestled in the heart of Anuradhapura, Thuparamaya stands as a testament to Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage and historical significance. As one of the oldest stupas in the country, it is believed to be built in the 3rd century BCE and is said to enshrine the right collar-bone of Lord Buddha, making it a pilgrimage site for devotees and a point of interest for tourists alike. The stupa, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by peaceful gardens, provides a serene ambiance that encourages meditation and reflection. Visitors to Thuparamaya can explore the beautifully maintained grounds, which are dotted with ancient statues and remnants of past civilizations. The temple's architecture reflects the grandeur of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmanship, showcasing the unique design elements that distinguish Buddhist structures in the region. As you stroll through the temple, you can feel the deep sense of spirituality that permeates the air, making it a perfect spot for travelers seeking to connect with the cultural and religious essence of Sri Lanka. Aside from its spiritual significance, Thuparamaya also offers visitors a chance to engage with the local culture. The surrounding area is bustling with life, with market stalls selling traditional handicrafts and local delicacies. Whether you are a history enthusiast or someone looking for peace and quiet, Thuparamaya invites you to immerse yourself in its tranquility and discover the stories etched within its ancient walls.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and witness the morning rituals.
- Dress modestly to respect the sacredness of the temple and local customs.
- Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and lush surroundings.
- Take your time to explore the area; there are many hidden gems and historical artifacts.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, start from the center of Anuradhapura. Navigate to the main road, A9, and head towards the direction of Jaffna. Continue on A9 for about 5 kilometers until you reach the turn-off for Thuparamaya, which will be on your left. Follow the signs towards Thuparamaya, and you will see the temple complex shortly after. Ensure to park in the designated areas nearby.
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Public Bus
From any location in Anuradhapura, you can catch a local bus heading towards the Anuradhapura bus station. Once at the station, look for buses marked for 'Thuparamaya' or ask locals for assistance. The bus ride should take approximately 15-20 minutes, and the fare is usually around 30 LKR. Alight at the Thuparamaya stop, and from there, it's just a short walk to the temple.
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Tuk-Tuk
For a more personalized experience, consider hiring a tuk-tuk from anywhere in Anuradhapura. Negotiate a fare before starting your journey; it typically costs between 200-500 LKR depending on your starting point. The ride will take around 10-15 minutes, and the driver will drop you off right at the entrance of Thuparamaya, making it very convenient.
Attractions Nearby to Thuparamaya
- Thuparama Alms Hall ථූපාරාම දාන ශාලාව
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya Wheelchair Entry
- The Entrance for the Disabled to the Ruwanwalisaya
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya Viewing Point
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya
- Basawakkulama Tank බසවක්කුලම වැwa
- Image House of Jethawanaramaya - ජේතවනාරාම පිළිම ගෙය
- Jethawanarama Pilima Geya - ජේතවනාරාමය පිළිම ගෙය
- Mahapali Refectory
- Folk Museum
- Dalada Maligawa Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර පුරාණ දළදා මාලිගාව
- Basawakkulama(බසවක්කුලම)
- Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House of Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර ගෙඩිගේ ප්රතිමා ගෘහය
- Jethawanarama Monastery Complex
- Thimbiri Pokuna - තිඹිරි පොකුණ
Landmarks nearby to Thuparamaya
- 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
- Main Image House
- මාස්තොට පිරිවෙන- අභයගිරිය
- Abhayagiriya
- Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල
- Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
- North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
- Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
- Lankarama