Lankaramaya is an ancient stupa located in the historic city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Built by King Valagamba, it offers a fascinating look at Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. This stupa is not only a fine example of ancient Sri Lankan architecture but also a key site for understanding the early growth of Buddhism in the area.
The architectural features of Lankaramaya are both impressive and historically important. The stupa has a diameter of 14 meters (45 feet) and is surrounded by a large circular courtyard measuring 406 meters (1,332 feet) across. The elevated courtyard, which rises 3 meters (10 feet) above the ground, adds to the stupa’s visual and spiritual appeal. Although the exact details of its original design are unclear, the remains of stone pillars suggest that it may have once been protected by a vatadage, a type of structure that enclosed the stupa.
Eth Pokuna © Kurun | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Kurun , creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
Nearby, Eth Pokuna, an ancient man-made pond, enhances the site’s historical interest. Measuring 159 meters (522 feet) in length and 52.7 meters (173 feet) in width, Eth Pokuna was cleverly supplied with water through underground canals from the Periyamkulama Tank. This advanced engineering demonstrates the skill of ancient Sri Lankan builders and shows how the pond supported the local monastic community.
Visitors are advised to dress modestly to respect the sacred site. Wearing white clothing, which is traditional for Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, helps maintain the site’s spiritual atmosphere.
Route from Colombo
Take bus route No. 4 (Colombo – Anuradhapura) or bus route No. 87 (Colombo – Vavuniya) from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Pettah, Colombo, and get off at the Market Junction (Market Handiya) bus stop in Anuradhapura. From the Market Junction bus stop, walk a few meters ahead and turn left. This road leads directly to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, about 1 km away.
Market Bus Stop, Anuradapura.
From there, the eight sacred sites known as the Atamasthana—Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, and Lankarama—are within walking distance, or you can take a tuk-tuk. It’s recommended to start your journey by visiting the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya. The journey from Colombo to Anuradhapura takes about 4.5 to 5 hours.
