Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya: A Serene Journey into Sri Lanka's Buddhist Heritage
Discover Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya in Anuradhapura, a serene sanctuary of Sri Lanka's ancient Buddhist heritage, rich in history and tranquility.
Nestled in the heart of Anuradhapura, Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This ancient religious destination is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its impressive ruins that speak volumes of a time when it served as a thriving monastic complex. Visitors can wander through the expansive grounds, taking in the remnants of stupas, ancient statues, and beautifully crafted stonework. Each corner of the site offers a unique perspective, inviting reflection and appreciation of the artistry and devotion that shaped its history. The ambiance at Abhayagiri Vihara is one of peace and tranquility, making it an ideal spot for meditation and contemplation. Surrounded by lush greenery, the site not only offers a spiritual retreat but also an opportunity to connect with nature. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of birds create a serene backdrop that enhances the experience of exploring this sacred space. As you walk through the site, take a moment to pause and soak in the historical significance of this location, which has been a pilgrimage site for countless devotees over the centuries. When visiting Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya, be sure to consider the best times for exploring the site, as the early morning or late afternoon light casts a beautiful glow on the ancient structures, making for perfect photography opportunities. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking to experience the beauty of Sri Lankan culture, this destination is not to be missed on your travels.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain.
- Bring water and snacks, as facilities may be limited on-site.
- Respect the religious significance of the site by dressing modestly.
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
Getting There
-
Car
If you are driving from the main entrance of Wilpattu National Park, take the main road leading out of the park towards Anuradhapura. After exiting the park, continue straight until you reach the A9 highway. Turn left onto the A9 highway and drive for approximately 25 kilometers. Look for the signposts indicating Watawandana Road; turn right onto Watawandana Road. Continue straight for about 5 kilometers until you reach Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya, which will be on your left.
-
Public Transportation
From Wilpattu National Park, you will need to take a bus or arrange a taxi to Anuradhapura. Buses are available from the nearest bus station outside the park gates. Ensure you board a bus heading towards Anuradhapura. Once you arrive in Anuradhapura, ask for the nearest bus stop for Watawandana Road. Take a local bus or a tuk-tuk towards Watawandana Road. Inform the driver of your destination, Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya, and they will drop you off close to the site.
-
Taxi
You can hire a taxi from your accommodation or nearby location in Wilpattu National Park to take you directly to Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya. Make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand. The journey will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic conditions. This is a more comfortable option if you're traveling in a group or with family.
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
-
Lankaramaya | ලංකාරාමය
-
Square Stupa Abhayagiri Monastery
-
Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
-
ජටිල මාවත
Landmarks nearby to Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
-
Abayagiriya Stupa
-
උත්තරමූළය - අභයගිරිය
-
North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
-
Main Image House
-
Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
-
Royal palace of the anuradhapura kingdom
-
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
-
Vijayarama Archaeological Site - විජයාරාම පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථානය
-
Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura