Abhayagiriya Vihara

Abhayagiri was founded in the 2nd century BCE by King Valagamba to mark his victory over the Chola invaders, and it grew into a monastic city rather than a single shrine. What survives is the widest spread of ruins in Anuradhapura, so it takes longer to walk than the other sites and rewards an early start before the heat.

Abhayagiri Vihara is not just a beautiful stupa but is also the place where a fraternity of Buddhist monks who maintain their records, traditions and way of life. The Abhayagiri Monastery was established in the 2nd Century BCE by King Valagamabau in the celebration of his victory against the Indian Chola invaders. The main stupa was constructed over the footprint of Gautama Buddha, making it the second-largest stupa on the island. Also, check out the Twin Pond near the Abhayagiri Monastery, which is one of the great architectural marvels in Anuradhapura.