Places worth the detour in Anuradhapura

12 places worth going out of your way for lie within 12 km of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, across 4 kinds of detour; churches, temples & shrines are the largest group (7). Best known: Abhayagiri vihāra. 8 of them rank as little-known. Click any card to open it on the map.

Sacred sites7 Built landmarks2 Nature & landscapes2 Ruins & the uncanny1

All 12, ranked 12

Ranked by how many Wikipedia editions cover them.

1.Abhayagiri vihāra

Sacred sites · Notable

Historical Buddhist monastery site in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

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2.Sri Maha Bodhi

Nature & landscapes · Notable

Holy tree in Sri Lanka

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3.Mihintale

Nature & landscapes · Notable

Mountain

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4.Jetavanaramaya

Sacred sites · Notable

Temple in Sri Lanka

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5.Thuparamaya

Sacred sites · Hidden gem

Temple in Sri Lanka

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6.Ruwanweli Maha Saya

Sacred sites · Hidden gem

Temple in Sri Lanka

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7.Isurumuniya

Sacred sites · Hidden gem

Buddhist temple of Anuradhapura

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8.Abhayavapi

Built landmarks · 4th century BC · Hidden gem

Ancient reservoir in Sri Lanka

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9.Samadhi Statue

Built landmarks · Hidden gem

Statue of the Buddha in Sri Lanka

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10.Lankarama

Sacred sites · Hidden gem

Temple in Sri Lanka

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11.Dakkhina Stupa

Sacred sites · Hidden gem

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12.Vessagiri

Ruins & the uncanny · Hidden gem

Vessagiri

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