Lankarama Temple Anuradhapura
Discover Lankarama Temple, a 2000-year-old Buddhist marvel in Anuradhapura, showcasing ancient architecture and serene spirituality.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the midday heat
Lankarama Temple Anuradhapura
Best Time
Avoid the midday heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Lankarama Temple, a 2000-year-old Buddhist marvel in Anuradhapura, showcasing ancient architecture and serene spirituality.
"A calm and peaceful place, perfect for worship and experiencing spiritual calmness.
"☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon as the sand floor gets very hot. :athletic_shoe:
🌸 Offerings Welcome
Bring flowers to offer at the stupa for a more meaningful spiritual experience. :bouquet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lankaramaya Stupa
Central Courtyard
A historically significant stupa built by King Walagamba, offering a glimpse into ancient Sri Lankan architecture.
Ruins of the Vatadage
Around the Stupa
Discover the remnants of stone pillars that once supported a roof, showcasing ancient engineering marvels.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Temple Premises
Experience a calm and spiritual ambiance, perfect for quiet contemplation and worship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Comfort
Respectful Attire and Offerings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon as the sand floor gets very hot.
:athletic_shoe:🌸 Offerings Welcome
Bring flowers to offer at the stupa for a more meaningful spiritual experience.
:bouquet:👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site. :womanintunic:
🚶♀️ Explore the Ruins
Wander among the ancient stone pillars, remnants of the vatadage. :ruins:
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon as the sand floor gets very hot.
:athletic_shoe:🌸 Offerings Welcome
Bring flowers to offer at the stupa for a more meaningful spiritual experience.
:bouquet:👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site. :womanintunic:
🚶♀️ Explore the Ruins
Wander among the ancient stone pillars, remnants of the vatadage. :ruins:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lankarama Temple for its profound historical significance and the serene, spiritual atmosphere it offers. Many appreciate the architectural remnants and the opportunity for quiet contemplation. However, the extremely hot sand floor during midday can detract from the experience for some.
"Lankaramaya in Sri Lanka: A Temple with Over Two Millenia of History
The tale of the temple Lankaramaya in Sri Lanka is the stuff of legend. The year 103 BC was a memorable year for the King Walagamba (also known as Vattagamini Abaya) of Anuraddhapura. As the rightful king he had been attacked by invaders of the kingdom, and during that year he hid out at a place called Silasobha Khandaka and planned their defeat. His plans worked out well and the invaders were destroyed in the same year, enabling him to be enthroned following the failed invasion.
Silasobha Khandaka held a very special place in his memories, as the place that saved his life and from where he started on the road to his reign. Therefore, he built a stupa in its memory and named it Silasobha Khandaka Cetiya. The stupa was similar in architecture to the Thuparama, the first stupa to be built after the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 250 BC. It was built with 88 pillars supporting the roof of the vatadage which appears to have been 45 feet in diameter. The vatadage was a roofed hall like structure that surrounded the actual stupa in the centre, with the entire structure built at 10 feet above ground level.
Lankaramaya in Sri Lanka: Present day status of the Temple
Today the actual stupa has been renovated, but little remains of the vatadage except the ruins of a few broken pillars in the middle of the large courtyard. The name of the stupa too has been changed from Silasobha Khandaka Cetiya to the simpler Lankaramaya.
Lankaramaya, along with the Elephant pond and the old underground canal network (dating back hundreds of years) are excellent examples of the complex architecture used millenia ago. They are interesting sites for archeology and histoty lovers. Lankaramaya is definitely a great place to visit on your holiday to Sri Lanka’s Ancient Kingdom Anuraddhapura."
Pamla Bro
"Lankaramaya is one of the ancient temples I visited, built by King Walagamba. It is also known as one of the important Bhikshuni Aramayas in Sri Lanka, carrying both religious and historical value. Around the stupa, you can see stone pillars, which are believed to have once supported a roof in the past, an incredible example of the advanced technology and engineering skills of ancient times.
The temple premises have a sand floor, which gets very hot during the daytime, so I recommend visiting in the morning or evening for a more comfortable experience. It is a calm and peaceful place, perfect for worship. You can also bring flowers and offer them to the stupa, making your visit even more meaningful.
I truly recommend visiting Lankaramaya, not only to see its historical beauty but also to experience the spiritual calmness that surrounds this sacred temple. 🙏✨"
Nadeera Thilakarathna
"Lankaramaya temple is peaceful and historical important place in Anuradhapura city.The stupa stands beautiful surrounded by quiet ruins,creating clam and spiritual atmosphere."
Janaka Neranjan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lankarama Temple is located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. You can reach Anuradhapura by bus or train from major cities like Colombo. Once in Anuradhapura, the temple is accessible by tuk-tuk or a short walk from other ancient sites.
Yes, Lankarama Temple is situated within the Anuradhapura Sacred City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a key stop for exploring the ancient kingdom.
Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient way to travel between the various ancient sites in Anuradhapura, including Lankarama Temple. You can also rent bicycles for a more active exploration.
While not always explicitly advertised, local guides can often be hired in Anuradhapura to provide insights into the history and significance of Lankarama Temple and other ancient ruins.
Yes, you can drive to Lankarama Temple. There is usually parking available nearby, though it might be limited during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Lankarama Temple itself is generally free, as it is an active place of worship. However, there might be an entrance fee for the broader Anuradhapura Sacred City archaeological zone, which covers multiple sites.
Lankarama Temple is typically open from early morning until evening. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours to best appreciate the site and its surroundings.
No, advance booking is not usually required for Lankarama Temple as there is no entrance fee for the temple itself.
To avoid the intense midday sun and the hot sand floor, it's recommended to visit Lankarama Temple in the early morning or late afternoon.
Yes, as a sacred Buddhist site, visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lankarama Temple was built by King Walagamba in 103 BC and is historically important as a significant Bhikshuni Aramaya (nunnery) and an example of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.
You can see the renovated stupa, the ruins of the vatadage (a circular, roofed structure), and ancient stone pillars that once supported its roof.
Yes, Lankarama Temple offers unique photographic opportunities with its ancient ruins, stupa, and serene atmosphere, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Children can visit Lankarama Temple, but it's important to ensure they are dressed appropriately and supervised, especially on the hot sand floor. The historical ruins can be interesting for them to explore.
The temple premises have a sand floor which can become extremely hot during the day, making early morning or late afternoon visits more comfortable.
📸 📸 Photography
The central stupa, the surrounding ancient stone pillars, and the overall serene courtyard offer great photo opportunities. Capture the ruins against the sky for dramatic shots.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
Drone usage is generally restricted at archaeological and religious sites in Sri Lanka. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Photography is usually permitted within the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the stupa and ruins. A telephoto lens can be good for details. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions in the early morning or late afternoon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to observe the architecture and imagine life centuries ago. It's a good opportunity to teach them about different cultures and religions. Remember to dress modestly as a family to show respect for the sacred site. Bringing a small offering of flowers can also be a meaningful activity for kids.
🏛️ History & Archaeology Buffs
Beyond the temple itself, its proximity to other significant sites like the Elephant Pond and ancient canal networks provides a broader context for understanding the advanced infrastructure of the time. Lankarama is a key piece in the puzzle of Anuradhapura's historical landscape, offering a tangible link to Sri Lanka's ancient past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Ancient Architecture
The construction of the vatadage, with its 88 pillars supporting a roof, showcases advanced engineering skills for its time. The entire structure was built at a considerable height above ground level, adding to its unique design. While much of the vatadage has succumbed to time, these remnants are a treasure trove for archaeology and history enthusiasts, illustrating the complex architectural techniques employed millennia ago.
Beyond the main structures, Lankarama is also noted for its connection to ancient water management systems, such as the nearby Elephant Pond and underground canals. These elements, alongside the temple itself, highlight the sophisticated urban planning and infrastructure of the ancient Anuradhapura kingdom.
Spiritual Significance and Visitor Experience
The experience of visiting Lankarama is often enhanced by the opportunity to make offerings. Bringing flowers to place at the stupa is a common practice that many find adds a layer of personal meaning to their visit. The spiritual atmosphere is palpable, making it a destination for those seeking a moment of tranquility and reflection amidst their travels.
Social media content often captures the serene beauty of the temple, with videos showcasing the stupa and its surroundings, emphasizing the peaceful ambiance. Some creators even share moments of evening offerings and meditation programs, highlighting the temple's continued role as a vibrant spiritual center.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit