Avukana Buddha statue

#99 among destinations in Sri Lanka

Monuments and statues, Buddhist architecture

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Facts and practical information

The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 46 feet, was carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved. Constructed during the reign of Dhatusena, it may have been made as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil. The Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue built in Sri Lanka. It is now a popular tourist attraction. ()

Local name: අවුකන බුදු පිළිමය Completed: V centuryCoordinates: 8°1'22"N, 80°31'13"E

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AnuradhapuraSri Lanka

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Day trips

Avukana Buddha statue – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Vijithapura, Yodha Ela.

1.1 miNE
Forts and castles
Vijithapura
30 min walk • Vijithapura, also known as Vijitha Nagara or Vijithagama, was a fortress–city in ancient Sri Lanka. When Vijaya, the first recorded ruler of the country arrived from India, he brought a large retinue of his followers with him. These followers spread throughout the country, and established settlements.
0.5 miSW
Canal
Yodha Ela
13 min walk • Yoda Ela or Jaya Ganga, an 87 km long single banking water canal carrying excess water to Tissa Wewa reservoir from Kala Wewa reservoir in Anuradhapura. The Yodha Ela is known for achieving a rather low gradient for its time. The gradient is about 10 centimetres per kilometre or 6 inches per mile.