temple · Anuradhapura · 169km from Colombo

Held to be the first stupa built in Sri Lanka, raised by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC to enshrine the Buddha's collarbone relic. The two rows of slender stone pillars around it once carried a roof. The present dome dates from an 1842 rebuild.

Best time to visit

Early morning

Typical visit duration

30 minutes

Tips

Easy to combine on foot or by bike with Ruwanwelisaya and Lankaramaya. Covered by the sacred city ticket.