Thuparamaya Temple Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka's first Buddhist stupa, built in the 3rd century BC, holding sacred relics and offering a peaceful spiritual experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful and cool
Thuparamaya Temple Anuradhapura
Best Time
Peaceful and cool
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sri Lanka's first Buddhist stupa, built in the 3rd century BC, holding sacred relics and offering a peaceful spiritual experience.
"A very special and peaceful place to visit in Anuradhapura, full of history and meaning."
👟 Socks for Hot Floors
Floors get scorching hot! Wear socks to protect your feet when visiting midday .
🧥 Modest Attire is a Must
Cover shoulders and knees. Shoes must be removed before entering sacred areas .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ancient Stupa
Central Courtyard
Sri Lanka's first Buddhist dagoba, a sacred white dome believed to enshrine Buddha's right collarbone. A truly historic marvel.
Surrounding Stone Pillars
Around the Stupa
These ancient pillars once supported a roof, adding a unique architectural element and a sense of stepping back in time.
Vatadage Ruins
Near the Stupa
Remnants of a circular structure built later around the stupa, offering a glimpse into its historical evolution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Respectfully
Timing is Key for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Socks for Hot Floors
Floors get scorching hot! Wear socks to protect your feet when visiting midday.
🧥 Modest Attire is a Must
Cover shoulders and knees. Shoes must be removed before entering sacred areas.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Serenity
Visit early or late for a peaceful, meditative experience away from crowds.
📸 Capture the History
The ancient pillars and white stupa offer stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Socks for Hot Floors
Floors get scorching hot! Wear socks to protect your feet when visiting midday.
🧥 Modest Attire is a Must
Cover shoulders and knees. Shoes must be removed before entering sacred areas.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Serenity
Visit early or late for a peaceful, meditative experience away from crowds.
📸 Capture the History
The ancient pillars and white stupa offer stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Thuparamaya for its profound peace and historical significance as Sri Lanka's first Buddhist stupa. The serene atmosphere and ancient architecture are highlighted as deeply touching experiences. Some note the need for respectful attire and the hot floors, advising visitors to wear socks.
"Thuparamaya built by King Devanampiya Tissa, is part of the Atamasthana the eight sacred places in Anuradhapura that every devout Buddhist aims to visit. It is considered the first Buddhist stupa built in Sri Lanka after the official introduction of Buddhism."
Duminda Kulathunga
"Thuparamaya is a very special and peaceful place to visit in Anuradhapura. It is known as the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after Buddhism was brought to the island. The stupa is not very large, but it is full of history and meaning. It is said to hold the right collarbone of Lord Buddha, which makes it a very sacred site for Buddhists.
The surroundings are very calm and quiet, perfect for meditation or just sitting peacefully. The old stone pillars around the stupa give it a unique and ancient look. It feels like going back in time. The area is kept clean, and the people there are respectful and friendly.
Visiting Thuparamaya was a very peaceful experience for me. You can feel a strong sense of devotion and history in the air. It’s a great place to learn about Buddhism and Sri Lanka’s ancient culture. I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Anuradhapura. It’s not just a tourist spot – it’s a place that touches your heart."
Kuahan Chandima
"Nice place to visit.. U have to take off your slippers inorder to enter. So wear socks otherwise floor is extremely hot during the noon time"
Vin J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thuparamaya is located within the ancient city of Anuradhapura. You can reach Anuradhapura by bus or train from major cities like Colombo. Once in Anuradhapura, tuk-tuks are readily available to take you to the temple. Many visitors rent bicycles to explore the ancient city, including Thuparamaya.
Yes, the temple is situated in a well-known area of Anuradhapura and is easily accessible by road. The grounds are generally flat, making it manageable for most visitors.
Many travelers recommend renting a bicycle to explore the vast ancient city of Anuradhapura at your own pace. Tuk-tuks are also a convenient option for getting between sites like Thuparamaya.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Thuparamaya Temple itself is generally free. However, if you plan to visit other sites within the Anuradhapura ancient city archaeological zone, you may need to purchase an entrance ticket for the zone.
The temple is typically open from early morning until evening. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the site. It's a sacred place, so it's always open for devotees.
Yes, a modest dress code is essential. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees. Shoes must be removed before entering the temple premises.
Photography is generally allowed in the outer areas of the temple. However, be respectful and avoid taking photos of people praying or during religious ceremonies. Always be mindful of the sacred nature of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Thuparamaya is historically significant as the first Buddhist stupa built in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century BC. It is believed to enshrine the right collarbone relic of Lord Buddha, making it a highly sacred site.
You'll see the iconic white domed stupa, surrounded by ancient stone pillars that once supported a roof. You can also see remnants of the later-built Vatadage (circular structure).
Many visitors find Thuparamaya to be a very peaceful and calm place, ideal for quiet reflection and meditation, especially during off-peak hours.
A visit to Thuparamaya can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in exploring the site and soaking in the atmosphere. It's often visited as part of a larger tour of Anuradhapura's ancient sites.
Basic facilities like shoe racks are available. It's advisable to carry your own water, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
The white stupa against a clear blue sky is a classic shot. The surrounding stone pillars also offer unique photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hour.
Drone usage is generally restricted at archaeological and religious sites in Sri Lanka. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, creating a warm glow on the stupa and surrounding structures.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Thuparamaya
The site is part of the Atamasthana, the eight sacred places in Anuradhapura, further cementing its status as a key destination for religious tourism. The presence of ancient stone pillars surrounding the stupa, which once supported a roof, adds to the site's unique character and offers a tangible connection to its past. The later addition of a Vatadage (circular relic house) around the stupa, though now largely in ruins, speaks to the continuous veneration and development of the site over time.
Visiting Thuparamaya offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and connect with the origins of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The serene atmosphere and the palpable sense of history make it a deeply moving experience for both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts. It’s a place where spirituality, heritage, and ancient architecture converge, leaving visitors with a sense of peace and inspiration.
Experiencing Thuparamaya: A Traveler's Perspective
Many visitors highlight the importance of respecting the sacred nature of the site. This includes adhering to the dress code (covering shoulders and knees) and removing footwear before entering the temple grounds. The advice to wear socks is frequently mentioned, as the stone floors can become extremely hot under the midday sun.
The overall experience is often characterized by a strong sense of devotion and history. The clean surroundings and the respectful demeanor of the people contribute to a positive and memorable visit. It's recommended for anyone interested in learning about Buddhism, Sri Lanka's ancient culture, or simply seeking a tranquil escape.
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