Anuradhapura was the first ancient capital of the country of kings for approximately 1400 years. In the pinnacle of its glory the city extended over a surface of 52 sq. km and the population amounted to several tens of thousands. It’s magnificent monuments, refined sculpture and paintings are testimony to a veritable and original Sri Lankan culture.
Anuradhapura Excursion from Dambulla
Visit To Ruwanwalisaya
Situated in Mahamega Gardens. Built in the second century B.C by King Dutugamunu. It is 100 metres tall, 77 metres wide, 300 ft in diameter. Originally the stupa was designed in a ” Bubble ” shape . Sadly different restorations of the Stupa have changed its shape. The Great Stupa cost the King 6.4 million coins in wages. The construction was commenced on a full moon day in May 144 B.C. The foundation was made of butter-clay, imported from India, which was used as cement. Further four small Stupas are to be seen in the four corners in order to give more respect. Entering the stupa , you come across a sand court yard from which rises the Elephant wall. Walking around the stupa you see a life size statue of a king, believed to be King Dutugamunu. Further you see an Inscription done by King Nissankamalla in the platform. King Dutugamunu fell sick with a sickness that was to be mortal, He sent for his younger brother Saddhatissa to complete its work. So King Dutugamunu had his wish fulfilled as he lay dying, and King Saddhatissa later finished the stupa.
Thereafter Visit To Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna , Sri Maha Bodhiya
Lunch at Anuradhapura, own arrangements
Visit Isurumuniya
Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa (Tisa tank) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family. The temple was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC) who ruled in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura. After 500 children of high-caste were ordained, Isurumuniya was built for them to reside. King Kasyapa I (473-491 AD) renovated this viharaya and named it as “Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera”. This name is derived from names of his 2 daughters and his name. There is a viharaya connected to a cave and above is a cliff. A small stupa is built on it. It can be seen that the constructional work of this stupa belongs to the present period. Lower down on both sides of a cleft, in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, have been carved the figures of elephants. On the rock is carved the figure of a horse. The carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed it there. A few yards away from this vihara is the Ranmasu Uyana.
Proceed to Dambulla Hotel by late Evening.
End of Excursion ……
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