Lankarama Stupa - Image 1
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Lankarama Temple Anuradhapura

4.7
·722 reviews·Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings or late afternoons

Avoid the midday heat

CrowdLow
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Lankarama Stupa - Image 1

Lankarama Temple Anuradhapura

Best Time

Early mornings or late afternoons

Avoid the midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(722 reviews)

"A calm and peaceful place, perfect for worship and experiencing spiritual calmness. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

☀️ 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lankaramaya Stupa

Lankaramaya Stupa

Central Courtyard

A historically significant stupa built by King Walagamba, offering a glimpse into ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

Reddit
Ruins of the Vatadage

Ruins of the Vatadage

Around the Stupa

Discover the remnants of stone pillars that once supported a roof, showcasing ancient engineering marvels.

Reddit
Peaceful Atmosphere

Peaceful Atmosphere

Temple Premises

Experience a calm and spiritual ambiance, perfect for quiet contemplation and worship.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Comfort

The sand floor at Lankaramaya gets extremely hot during the day. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a more comfortable experience and to fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Respectful Attire and Offerings

As a sacred Buddhist site, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Bringing flowers for offerings can enhance your spiritual visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings or late afternoons
Why
Avoid the midday heat
Crowd
Low
When
During religious festivals
Why
Experience vibrant ceremonies
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ලා දළු බෝ පත් සෙමින් සැලෙන සේ 😔#srilanka #viral #traditional #
@chuttaputha2003
133.8K likes • 1.9M views

☀️ Beat the Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon as the sand floor gets very hot. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🌸 Offerings Welcome

Bring flowers to offer at the stupa for a more meaningful spiritual experience. Reddit :bouquet:

Anuradhapura Sri lanka #anuradhapura_sri_lanka🇱🇰 #srilanka #anuradhapura #stupasvista #ruwanwalimahasaya #buduish #fyp #foryou #foryoupage❤️❤️ #damiduathapaththu
@damidu.n.athapath
47K likes • 404.1K views
Evening offering of the Buddha, loving kindness meditation and blessing program at Lankarama Buddhist temple ⭕️Upcoming programs🌸👉22th of February - Sil (8 Precepts) Program👉20th of April - Sri Lankan New Year Celebration👉17/18th of May - Vesak Festival All are welcome to participate with Metta. #buddha #dharma #sangha #bhantedevananda #buddhism #buddhist #buddhisttemple #onedaymindfulness
bhantedevananda
518 likes • 22K views

👗 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:

The Annual Kathina ceremony at Lankarama Buddhist Temple 398 Giano Ave La Puente California USA. #Buddha #Dharma #Sangha #lankaramabuddhisttemple #bhantedevananda #kathina
bhantedevananda
867 likes • 3.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☀️ Beat the Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon as the sand floor gets very hot. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🌸 Offerings Welcome

Bring flowers to offer at the stupa for a more meaningful spiritual experience. Reddit :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

4.7
(722 reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Historical significance
Peaceful atmosphere
Ancient ruins

What People Dislike

Hot sand floor

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, you can drive to Lankarama Temple. There is usually parking available nearby, though it might be limited during peak times. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

No, advance booking is not usually required for Lankarama Temple as there is no entrance fee for the temple itself. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, as a sacred Buddhist site, visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

You can see the renovated stupa, the ruins of the vatadage (a circular, roofed structure), and ancient stone pillars that once supported its roof. Reddit

Yes, Lankarama Temple offers unique photographic opportunities with its ancient ruins, stupa, and serene atmosphere, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

The temple premises have a sand floor which can become extremely hot during the day, making early morning or late afternoon visits more comfortable. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok+1

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Reddit

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. TikTok

Photography is usually permitted within the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lankarama Temple offers a unique historical and cultural experience for families. While the sand floor can get very hot, visiting in the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon) makes it more comfortable for children. Reddit The ancient ruins and the large stupa can spark curiosity and imagination in younger visitors, providing a tangible connection to the past. TikTok

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. Reddit

🏛️ History & Archaeology Buffs

For those fascinated by ancient civilizations, Lankarama Temple is a must-visit. Its construction by King Walagamba in 103 BC places it firmly within the rich history of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. Reddit The remnants of the vatadage, with its distinctive stone pillars, offer invaluable insights into the architectural techniques and religious practices of the era. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Ancient Architecture

Lankarama Temple stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lanka. The Lankaramaya stupa, though renovated, retains its historical significance. It was built in the style of the Thuparama, the first stupa in Sri Lanka, indicating its importance in the island's Buddhist history. The surrounding ruins of the vatadage are particularly fascinating. This was a circular, roofed hall designed to protect the stupa, and the remaining stone pillars offer a glimpse into its former grandeur. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Spiritual Significance and Visitor Experience

Lankarama Temple is not just an archaeological marvel; it's a place of deep spiritual significance. Historically, it served as an important Bhikshuni Aramaya, a nunnery, underscoring its role in the monastic life of ancient Sri Lanka. Visitors often describe the temple as a calm and peaceful place, perfect for worship and quiet contemplation. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram

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