Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge: A Historical Marvel
Explore the Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge, a stunning historical landmark in Anuradhapura that showcases ancient Sri Lankan engineering and breathtaking scenery.
Nestled in the enchanting landscape of Anuradhapura, the Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient Sri Lanka. This historical landmark, often referred to as a hidden gem, features intricate stonework that reflects the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Visitors are greeted by the serene ambiance of the bridge, which spans a picturesque waterway, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The tranquility of the area is complemented by the lush greenery surrounding the site, providing a perfect backdrop for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. As you stroll across the bridge, take a moment to absorb the historical significance it holds. The Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge is not only a functional structure but also a symbol of the advanced engineering skills possessed by ancient civilizations in Sri Lanka. Many visitors enjoy taking guided tours that delve into the history, cultural relevance, and stories behind this magnificent edifice. Whether you are an avid history buff or simply looking for a scenic spot to unwind, this bridge offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Anuradhapura’s rich cultural heritage. Make sure to visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the light casts a golden hue over the bridge and the surrounding water, creating an enchanting atmosphere that will leave you in awe. Overall, the Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge promises an unforgettable experience, blending history, culture, and natural beauty in one remarkable location.
Local tips
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting for photography.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you may want to explore the surrounding nature.
- Bring water and snacks, as amenities nearby may be limited.
- Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the bridge's history.
A brief summary to Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge
- CG4Q+7R4, Anuradhapura, LK
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving, start from the center of Anuradhapura. Head east on the A9 road, which is the main highway through the North Central Province. After about 5 kilometers, take the exit for the A12 road towards Habarana. Continue on the A12 for approximately 15 kilometers until you reach the junction with the B151 road. Turn left onto B151 and follow the signs toward Mahakanadarawa. The bridge is located near the coordinates CG4Q+7R4, which you can enter into your GPS for specific directions.
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Public Transport - Bus
To reach Mahakanadarawa by bus, make your way to the Anuradhapura Central Bus Station. From there, take a bus heading towards Habarana. Make sure to ask the conductor to drop you off at the Mahakanadarawa stop. The bus ride should take about 30-40 minutes, and the fare is usually around 50-100 LKR depending on the bus type. Once you alight, you may need to walk approximately 1 kilometer to reach the bridge.
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Tuk-Tuk
If you prefer a more direct option, consider hiring a tuk-tuk from Anuradhapura. You can find them near popular spots like the Sri Maha Bodhi or the Anuradhapura Railway Station. Negotiate the fare beforehand; it should cost around 300-500 LKR for a one-way trip to Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and the drivers are usually familiar with the area.
Attractions Nearby to Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge
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Archaeological Museum Mihintale - මිහින්තලේ පුරාවිද්යා කෞතුකාගාරය
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Mihindu Cave මිහිඳු ගුහාව
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Mihintale Buddha Statue - මිහින්තලය බුද්ධ ප්රතිමාව
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Sela Chetiya Mihintale - සේල චෛත්ය
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Mihintale Rock
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The Alms Hall (දානශාලාව)
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Mihinthale Udamaluwa
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Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
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Maha Stupa මිහින්තලා මහා සෑය
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Mihindu Pagoda | මහා මහින්ද මහ රහතන් වහන්සේ ගේ ස්තූපය
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Lion's Pond (සිංහ පොකුණ)
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Rajagiri Caves
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කලුදිය පොකුණ | Kaludiya Pokuna | களுடியா குளம்
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Kaludiya Pokuna rock inscription
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Temple
Landmarks nearby to Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge
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Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge
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Old Sinhala Inscription සෙල්ලිපි/අභිලේඛන
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North Central Provincial Council Administrative Building Complex
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Buddhist Railing
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Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura
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Vijayarama Archaeological Site - විජයාරාම පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථානය
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North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
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උත්තරමූළය - අභයගිරිය
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Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
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Main Image House
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WAWE
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Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
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Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
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King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
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Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)