Vessagiriya, Anuradhapura

Name: Vessagiriya
Address: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

#12 among attractions in Anuradhapura

Buddhist architecture, Memorial

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Facts and practical information

Vessagiriya, or Issarasamanarama, is an ancient Buddhist forest monastery that is part of the ruins of Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. It is located about half a mile south of Isurumuniya, among boulders. Begun in the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, the site was expanded during the reign of King Kasyapa to become home to about five hundred monks. ()

Local name: වෙස්සගිරියCoordinates: 8°21'0"N, 80°22'60"E

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Anuradhapura Sri Lanka

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Day trips

Vessagiriya – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Ruwanwelisaya, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Isurumuniya, Thuparamaya.

0.9 miE
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura
23 min walk • The Ruwanwelisaya stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual history of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This sacred stupa, enshrined within the ancient city, is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in the country and a pinnacle of architectural grandeur.
1 miE
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura
26 min walk • The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to the island's deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and its reverence for sacred natural sites. This ancient fig tree is not just any tree; it is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world...
1.2 miSE
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Isurumuniya, Anuradhapura
30 min walk • Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family.
1 miNE
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Thuparamaya, Anuradhapura
25 min walk • Thuparamaya is the first Buddhist temple that was constructed, after the arrival of mahinda thero in Sri Lanka. Located in the sacred area of Mahamewna park, the Thuparamaya Stupa is the earliest Dagoba to be constructed in the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.
1 miE
Buddhist architecture, Memorial
Lovamahapaya, Anuradhapura
26 min walk • Lovamahapaya is a building situated between Ruwanweliseya and Sri Mahabodiya in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya because the roof was covered with bronze tiles.
0.7 miE
Museum
Anuradhapura Museum, Anuradhapura
19 min walk • Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum is one of the archaeological museums of Sri Lanka. It is situated in the old kachcheri building, between the Brazon palace and Ruwanwelisaya. The museum was established in 1947 under the prime effort of Dr. Senarath Paranavithana.
0.5 miSE
Temple
Mirisawetiya Vihara, Anuradhapura
14 min walk • The Mirisaweti Stupa is a memorial building, a stupa, situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. King Dutugamunu built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre, he had gone to Tissa Wewa for a bath leaving the sceptre.
1 miSE
Temple
Dakkhina Stupa, Anuradhapura
26 min walk • Dakkhina Stupa is a 2nd-century BC large brick Stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Earlier thought to be a monument of King Elara, it was later identified as the Stupa of ancient Dakini Vihara by Senarath Paranavithana with the help of a Brahmi inscription of the 3rd century A.D...
~0 ftN
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Tissa Wewa
1 min walk • Tissa Wewa, an artificial reservoir, was built by Devanampiya Tissa in order to increase the water supply to his capital city of Anuradhapura. Only Panda Wewa and Abhaya Wewa are older. The embankment of Tissa Wewa is 2 miles long and 25 feet high.
1.1 miNE
Park
Mahamevnāwa Gardens
28 min walk • Mahamevnāwa is an ancient park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was created by King Mutasiva whose name is in the history as the first king who structured a park. He who was the son of King Pandukabhaya and the father of King Devanampiya Tissa.
1.2 miN
Buddhist architecture, Temple
Lankarama, Anuradhapura
30 min walk • Lankarama is a stupa built by King Valagamba, in an ancient place at Galhebakada in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Nothing is known about the ancient form of the stupa, and later this was renovated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Vessagiriya?

Nearby attractions include Mirisawetiya Vihara, Anuradhapura (14 min walk), Anuradhapura Museum, Anuradhapura (19 min walk), Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura (23 min walk).