temple · Anuradhapura · 168km from Colombo

The sacred fig tree at the heart of Anuradhapura, grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree in India brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. It is the oldest documented planted tree in the world and one of the most important Buddhist shrines in the country, visited by pilgrims every day of the year.

Best time to visit

Sunrise or evening, when pilgrims gather and the ground is cooler

Typical visit duration

45 minutes to 1 hour

Tips

Charged separately from the sacred city ticket. Cover shoulders and knees, take off shoes and hats, and stay quiet near worshippers. The upper terrace around the tree is closed to visitors.