Religious site

Abhayagiri Vihāra

Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

Abhayagiri Vihāra was a major Buddhist monastery complex in Anuradhapura, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its centerpiece is the Abhayagiri Stupa, once one of the tallest in the world at over 100 meters. Visitors can explore extensive ruins including monastic buildings, ponds, and carved moonstones. The site offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture and the intellectual life of its monks.

Don't miss

  • Climb the platform around the Abhayagiri Stupa for panoramic views of the complex.
  • Explore the restored monastic refectory with its massive stone trough for food offerings.
  • Admire the intricately carved moonstone at the entrance of the main shrine.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Abhayagiri Vihāra

You can visit Abhayagiri Vihāra on your own. A guide is worth it for the history and detail that is easy to walk past, and a tour can combine it with nearby sights.

Getting there

More attractions in Anuradhapura

Planning your trip to Anuradhapura? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Anuradhapura itinerary.