Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The next group of ruins of note are the double-platform structures so characteristic of
forest monasteries. Here you can see the
urinal stones
. Scholars think they were used for
meditation, teaching and ceremony.
Information
Few people make it to Ritigala; it's a steep, punishing climb through the forest (allow at
least three hours to see the site). Individual tickets cost US$10/5 per adult/child.
There are some Archaeology Department staff based here. At least one will insist on ac-
companying you on a tour of the ruins (a tip of Rs 500 or so per group is sufficient).
Getting There & Away
Ritigala is 14km northwest of Habarana, the turnoff from the Anuradhapura-Habarana
road is near the 14km post. It's then 6.2km on a good paved road followed by a rough
track for 2.3km. It may be impassable after heavy rains.
Anuradhapura
025 / Pop 64,000
The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia's most evocative sights. The sprawling
complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous
dagobas, soaring brick towers, ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during
Anuradhapura's thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka. Today several of the sites remain in
use as holy places and temples; frequent ceremonies give Anuradhapura a vibrancy that's a
sharp contrast to the ambience at Polonnaruwa.
Current-day Anuradhapura is a rather pleasant albeit sprawling city. Mature trees shade
the main guesthouse areas, and the main street is orderly compared to the ugly concrete
agglomerations elsewhere.
History
Anuradhapura first became a capital in 380 BC under Pandukabhaya, but it was under
Devanampiya Tissa (r 247-207 BC) - during whose reign Buddhism reached Sri Lanka -
that it first rose to great importance. Soon Anuradhapura became a great and glittering city,
only to fall before a South Indian invasion - a fate that was to befall it repeatedly for more
