Ancient Ruins of Anuradhapura {Photo Junket}

The Sacred Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, Anuradhapura

As the soles of your feet touch the soft earth, the whimsical smoke from the sweet burning incense floats through the air around you and the soft murmurs of prayers takes you to a enlightened time, a time recorded in stories and by the religious offerings made by the many pilgrims that surround you. The ruins of Anuradhapura is nothing like I’ve ever seen before and will leave an impression on me for the many years to come. For this Photo Junket I wanted to share with you the incredible site of Anuradhapura in Northern Sri Lanka. Never heard of Anuradhapura before? Well, think Angkor Watt without the hordes of tourists! Anuradhapura is a sprawling town that is home to many impressive ruins, colourful Buddhas and grand Dagobas surrounded by jungle keen to return the man-made structures to nature. It’s four hours by train from Colombo or two from Kandy. I hope you enjoy these photographs, they only give a glimpse to the grandeur of this former capital!

Reclining Buddha at the Abhayagiri Dagoba, Anuradhapura

A solitary Monk chanting his moring prayers at Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, Anuradhapura

The Elephant Guard at Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba

The Crumbling Jetavanarama Dagoba, Anuradhapura

The Striking Ruvanvelisaya White Dagoba, Anuradhapura

Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba Prayer Flags, Anuradhapura

The ancient Abhayagiri Dagoba

Abhayagiri Dagoba Buddhism Artwork

Ruvanvelisaya White Dagoba, Anuradhapura

The Intense reds and yellows of the incense burner at Thuparama Dagoba

Jetavanarama Dagoba Ruins

This post is part of the India and Sri Lanka: The Search for the Forgotten Tree blog series.