The Jetavanaramaya Stupa, located in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, is one of the greatest
engineering marvels of the ancient world.
Built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD, this colossal stupa once stood at 122 meters (400
feet) — making it the tallest brick structure in the ancient world and second only to the Great
Pyramids of Egypt in height.
Constructed using over 90 million bricks, Jetavanaramaya is not only a monument of devotion
but also a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient Sri Lanka.
Today, it remains a serene and spiritual site surrounded by quiet ruins, ancient trees, and the
gentle hum of Buddhist chants.
- Main Stupa 🧱⚪: Admire the immense brick dome 😮, one of the largest of its kind in history 📜✨
- Jetavana Museum 🏛️: Explore artifacts 💎, sculptures 🗿, and relics excavated from the site ⛏️🔍
- Stone Inscriptions 📜✍️ & Ruins 🏚️: Discover ancient writings and structural remains 🧱 of monks’ quarters 🧘✅
- Meditation Walks 🚶♀️🧘: Take a calm walk 😌 around the stupa’s circular pathway 🔄🌳
- Photography 📸: Capture the stupa’s size 📏 and texture 🧱 during golden-hour light ☀️🧡
- From Anuradhapura Town 📍: 10 minutes ⏱️ by tuk-tuk 🛺 or 20 minutes by bicycle 🚲💨
- From Colombo 🗺️: About 4–5 hours ⏳ by car 🚗 or train 🚂✅
- Nearby Landmarks 🏛️: Abhayagiri Monastery 🙏, Ruwanwelisaya ⚪, and Samadhi Buddha Statue 🧘🗿
- Wear comfortable shoes 👟 and light, respectful clothing 👗😌
- Visit early 🌅 to enjoy cooler temperatures 🌬️😎
- Bring water 💧 — the area is large 📏 and open ☀️🥵
- Stay silent 🤫 near monks 🧘 or prayer areas 🙏🔔
- Photography 📸 is allowed ✅ but avoid using flash ⚡🚫 inside shrines 🕌👀
Morning Plan:
- 7:00 AM – Arrive and walk around the Jetavanaramaya Stupa 🧱⚪🚶♀️
- 8:00 AM – Visit the Jetavana Museum 🏛️ nearby 🔎📜
- 9:00 AM – Enjoy tea ☕ or breakfast 🥐 before heading to Abhayagiri Monastery 🙏🕌
