Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
About This Place
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
One of the tallest and most venerated stupas in the world, located in the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Built by the great warrior-king Dutugamunu in 140 BC after unifying Sri Lanka, the stupa (originally called Mahathupa or Ruwanwelisaya) is 91 metres tall and 290 metres in circumference, built over a relic chamber containing Buddhist relics. The stupa is surrounded by an elephant wall (570 stone elephants forming the base perimeter) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Difficulty
🧭 easy
Best Time
📅 Year-round; Poson Poya (June) for the most sacred pilgrimage atmosphere.
Safety Rating
Accessibility & Visitor Info
Within the Anuradhapura Sacred City; accessible by bicycle or tuk-tuk from the town; white-painted stupa gleams in daylight; dress respectfully.
📖 Legends & Stories
King Dutugamunu began the stupa but did not live to see it completed. On his deathbed, a temporary structure was erected so he could see the 'completed' stupa before dying. His nephew completed it in his honour. The stupa is believed to contain the bone relics of the Buddha and possesses miraculous healing powers. A sacred Bo tree near the stupa is said to have been grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Location
📍 Find It Here
8.353500, 80.395700
Community
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