North Central Province · Sri Lanka
Sri Maha Bodhi
Religious SitesCultural HeritageUNESCO World HeritageBuddhist Pilgrimage
The oldest documented tree in the world, planted 288 BC from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Duration
1 hour
Entry Fee
$25 USD
Difficulty
easy
Budget
moderate
About Sri Maha Bodhi
Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree planted in 288 BC from a southern branch of the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, making it the oldest historically documented tree on earth. King Devanampiyatissa received the cutting from Emperor Ashoka's daughter Sanghamitta and planted it on a raised golden throne, where it has been continuously tended by a line of monks for over 2,300 years. The tree is housed within a walled enclosure in the heart of Anuradhapura's sacred precinct and draws thousands of Buddhist pilgrims daily from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, and beyond. The surrounding grounds contain smaller Bodhi saplings grown from the mother tree. Visit at dawn, before 7am, when the incense smoke is thickest and monks lead morning chanting.
Highlights
- Oldest historically documented tree on earth, planted 288 BC
- Grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya
- Over 2,300 years of continuous monastic guardianship
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Primary destination for Buddhist pilgrims from across Asia
Practical Tips
Dress in white or cover shoulders and legs; sarongs are available for rent at the entrance.
Photography inside the inner enclosure is restricted.
Dawn puja (around 6am) is the most atmospheric time to visit.
Covered by the combined Anuradhapura archaeological ticket.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best months Shoulder Avoid
Best time of day: Dawn year-round; Poson Poya (June full moon) is the most significant festival.
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Very busy
- 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 →
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
2nd-century BC stupa built by King Dutugemunu, standing 103m tall and enshrining relics of the Buddha in Anuradhapura.
Explore →Isurumuniya Rock Temple
3rd-century BC rock temple in Anuradhapura with a famous carved panel of 'The Lovers', a royal bathing pool, and elephants carved in rock.
Explore →Lovamahapaya
Ruins of a 9-storey palace from the 2nd century BC in Anuradhapura, marked today by 1,600 granite columns standing in a 40x40 grid.
Explore →PLAN YOUR VISIT
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