Day Excursions to UNESCO City ANURADHAPURA from Negombo

Mihintale Mountain, with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. But soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary housed a multitude of with monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas, bodhigharas- to serve the monks. Sixty-eight cave dwellings provided the monks' shade and shelter. Mihintale, the sanctuary for many thousands of laymen as well as holy men, had all the facilities and amenities for basic living.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is the oldest living tree in documented history of the world. It is a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which Buddha enlightened. It was planted in 288 BCF and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. It was brought from Buddhagaya India by the Ven. Sanghamitta Therini, a sister of Arhant Mahinda – who introduced the Teachings of the Buddha to Sri Lanka.

This charming rock temple, dating from the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (r 307–267 BC), is set around a lovely lotus pond, the corner of which is carved with images of elephants playfully splashing water. The central temple has some particularly fine mural paintings. Climb around the back to the rock summit to see the bell-shaped stupa and a pair of Buddha footprints etched into the rock.

Jethawana Stupa is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. It was originally 400 feet (122 meters) in height and was the third tallest building in the world at that time. Even today as a brick monument, Jethawanaramaya still remains the tallest of its kind in the world.

As the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka, Ruwanwelisaya is considered to be an icon of architectural glory in ancient Sri Lanka. Ruwanwelisaya, rising with its glory in the city of Anuradhapura, tops the list among Buddhists’ sacred places. Ruwenwelisaya bears witness for his incomparable service to revive Buddhism in the country. It is located just a short walk away from the Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. The stupa is one of the eight places of veneration situated in Anuradhapura which are places believed to have been visited by Buddha during his three visits to Sri Lanka.

Negombo is habitually where sightseers go through their first day or two in Sri Lanka resting up after a long and depleting plane ride. Before they head on to investigate Sri Lanka. Negombo is loaded with places of worship. Local people were so effectively changed over to Catholicism by the Europeans, that the town is called 'Little Rome'. Most inns and guesthouses are situated at the principal street that travels north from the town community, going corresponding to the seashore.

Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and strict capital that thrived for a long time, was relinquished after an intrusion in 993. Shrouded away in thick wilderness for a long time, the wonderful site, with its royal residences, cloisters, and landmarks, is currently open by and by.