Thuparamaya Temple

Address: Thuparamaya, Anuradhapura Archaeological Reserve, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Website: http://www.archaeology.gov.lk

Hours: Anuradhapura complex: typically 7:00am-5:00pm

Admission: Part of Anuradhapura Archaeological Site ticket (foreign adult fee approx. LKR 25,000 / variable)

Thuparamaya is an ancient Buddhist stupa complex in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka, recognised as one of the island’s early Buddhist monuments.

A hemispherical brick stupa set within an archaeological site of ruined walls, stone pillars and smaller shrines; the site is visited as part of the broader Anuradhapura sacred area and pilgrimage circuit.

Tradition and historical sources link the foundation of the stupa to the early Anuradhapura period; it has been repaired and reconstructed at various times across the centuries as part of the preservation of the sacred city.

Situated within the Anuradhapura archaeological zone in North Central Sri Lanka, the complex lies among other major ancient Buddhist monuments and is accessible from the modern town of Anuradhapura.

• Antiquity: One of the earliest documented stupas in Sri Lanka, associated with the early Anuradhapura period and Buddhist devotional practice in the city.

Thuparamaya is within the greater Anuradhapura Archaeological Reserve. Anuradhapura town has bus and train connections from Colombo and other Sri Lankan cities; local tuk-tuks and taxis provide short transfers to the various temples in the complex.

• Visit at dawn when the light softens the ochre of the bricks and the site is cool.
• Respect Buddhist customs: remove shoes and hats when entering shrines and dress modestly.
• Look for the low stone rail (vatadage) and the carved moonstones - these are rarely crowded and reveal intricate details of early Sri Lankan craftsmanship.