North Central Province · Sri Lanka
Abhayagiri Dagoba
Cultural HeritageReligious SitesUNESCO World HeritageArchaeology
1st-century BC stupa in Anuradhapura that once rose to 115m, making it the second tallest stupa ever built in the ancient world.
Duration
1.5 hours including the museum
Entry Fee
$25 USD
Difficulty
easy
Budget
moderate
About Abhayagiri Dagoba
Abhayagiri Dagoba was founded by King Vattagamani Abhaya in the 1st century BC and at its original height of approximately 115 metres was the second tallest stupa ever constructed, exceeded only by Jetavanaramaya. The Abhayagiri Monastery that surrounded it was one of the largest Buddhist monastic institutions in ancient Asia, housing up to 5,000 monks at its height and serving as a major centre for Mahayana and Tantric Buddhist scholarship alongside the more orthodox Theravada tradition. A restored carved elephant frieze rings the base, and the moonstone at the northern entrance is one of the finest examples of the form in Anuradhapura. Today the stupa stands at about 75 metres after centuries of jungle reclamation. The surrounding museum complex, Abhayagiri Museum, houses sculpture, coins, and inscriptions excavated from the monastery.
Highlights
- Originally 115m tall, second tallest stupa in the ancient world
- Founded by King Vattagamani Abhaya, 1st century BC
- Monastery housed up to 5,000 monks
- Major centre for Mahayana Buddhist scholarship
- UNESCO World Heritage Site with on-site museum
Practical Tips
The Abhayagiri Museum (near the stupa, included in the combined ticket) is one of the best archaeological museums in Sri Lanka; allow an extra 45 minutes.
The northern entrance moonstone is the most refined stonework at the site; look carefully at the concentric bands of animals.
Covered by the combined Anuradhapura archaeological ticket.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
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Aug
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Dec
Best months Shoulder Avoid
Best time of day: Early morning (6am–9am) before the heat of the day; avoid midday.
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Moderate
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- mixed
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- moderate
- Photography
- ★★★★☆
Plan Your Visit
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ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Jetavanaramaya Stupa
3rd-century stupa that once stood 122m tall, making it the world's third tallest structure when built by King Mahasena around 275 AD.
Explore →Tissa Wewa
Ancient reservoir built by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC, now a wildlife haven where elephants come to drink at dusk.
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Samadhi Buddha Statue
4th-century seated meditation Buddha carved from dolomite marble, widely considered one of the finest ancient sculptures in Sri Lanka.
Explore →
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
2nd-century BC stupa built by King Dutugemunu, standing 103m tall and enshrining relics of the Buddha in Anuradhapura.
Explore →PLAN YOUR VISIT
Ready to explore Abhayagiri Dagoba?
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