Thuparamaya: Sri Lanka’s First Stupa
Thuparamaya, in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, is believed to be the first stupa built in Sri Lanka, raised in the third century BCE soon after Buddhism arrived. Said to enshrine a collarbone relic of the Buddha, its bell-shaped dome is encircled by rows of tall, leaning stone pillars, remnants of an ancient roofed shrine.
What you see
The white dagoba has been restored over the centuries, but the surrounding forest of carved stone columns, once supporting a vatadage roof, gives it a uniquely graceful look among the city’s giant stupas.
In the sacred city
Thuparamaya sits within the wider ruins of Anuradhapura, close to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree and the great Ruwanwelisaya stupa, so it fits into a cycling tour of the ancient capital.
Getting there
Anuradhapura is reached by road or rail from Colombo and the cultural triangle; the sacred city is best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk. Dress modestly and remove shoes at the sacred sites.
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