Stupas in Sri Lanka: 17 Sacred Dagobas to Visit

Sri Lanka's stupas at a glance

What is a stupa?

A stupa is a dome-shaped Buddhist monument that usually contains sacred relics, such as relics of the Buddha or of revered monks, or sacred objects. In Sri Lanka, stupas are often called dagobas (from the Sinhala "dagaba") or chaityas.

Buddhists walk around a stupa clockwise, offering flowers, lighting oil lamps and burning incense. A stupa represents the Buddha's presence and the path to enlightenment.

The parts of a stupa - The base: often a square platform, sometimes decorated with elephant heads, as at Ruwanwelisaya. - The dome (anda): the large bell-shaped or bubble-shaped body. - The square chamber (hataraskotuwa): a box-like section on top of the dome. - The spire (kotha): a tall pinnacle, often topped with a crystal.

Stupas in Sri Lanka come in several classic shapes, such as bubble, bell, pot and paddy-heap. Many were enlarged by later kings, layer upon layer.

The great stupas of Anuradhapura

1. Ruwanwelisaya

Built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC, Ruwanwelisaya is one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka. Its brilliant white dome rises from a platform lined with a wall of elephant sculptures. On full moon days, it's filled with pilgrims dressed in white. Visit in the late afternoon and stay for the evening, when the stupa glows in the light.

2. Jetavanaramaya

Built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD, Jetavanaramaya was once one of the tallest structures in the ancient world, at around 120 m. Today it stands at about 70 m, made of an estimated 90 million bricks. Its huge red-brick dome shows the incredible engineering skills of ancient Sri Lanka.

3. Abhayagiri

Abhayagiri was the centre of a large monastery with thousands of monks, and a centre of international Buddhist learning. Its huge stupa was restored in recent decades. Nearby, look for the beautiful moonstones and guard stones.

4. Thuparamaya

Thuparamaya is believed to be the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after Buddhism arrived in the 3rd century BC, and it's said to hold the collarbone relic of the Buddha. It's surrounded by elegant stone pillars that once supported a roof over the stupa.

5. Mirisawetiya

Mirisawetiya is linked to King Dutugemunu, who is said to have built it after his victory in battle. Its white dome stands on the edge of a peaceful area of the ancient city.

6. Lankaramaya

Lankaramaya is a smaller stupa surrounded by rows of stone pillars, similar to Thuparamaya. It's a quiet stop away from the crowds.

See Anuradhapura and our Anuradhapura day tour.

Polonnaruwa

7. Rankoth Vehera

Rankoth Vehera is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, built in the 12th century by King Nissanka Malla. Its brick dome rises over the northern part of the ancient city.

8. Kiri Vehera, Polonnaruwa

Kiri Vehera, meaning "milk-white stupa", was built by a queen of King Parakramabahu. Its original plaster is remarkably well preserved.

9. The Vatadage

The Vatadage is a circular relic house built around a small stupa, with four Buddha statues and finely carved stone. It's one of the most beautiful buildings in Polonnaruwa.

See Polonnaruwa and our Polonnaruwa day tour.

Other important stupas

10. Kiri Vehera, Kataragama

In the sacred town of Kataragama, the white Kiri Vehera stands near the main shrine, which is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Indigenous Vedda people. Visit for the evening puja. See places to visit in Kataragama.

11. Mahiyangana

Mahiyangana, in the east of the hill country, is believed to be where the Buddha made his first visit to Sri Lanka. Its stupa is one of the sixteen great pilgrimage sites (Solosmasthana).

12. Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Just outside Colombo, the Kelaniya temple is believed to have been visited by the Buddha. It has a beautiful stupa, colourful murals and a famous procession in January. It's an easy visit on your first or last day. See day trips from Colombo.

13. Tissamaharama

Near Yala, the large white stupa at Tissamaharama stands beside the Tissa Wewa reservoir, an ancient lake. It's a peaceful stop before or after a safari. See Tissamaharama.

14. Seruwila

South of Trincomalee, Seruwila is an ancient stupa said to hold a sacred relic of the Buddha, and it's an important site in the east. See Trincomalee.

15. Nagadeepa

On the island of Nainativu, reached by boat from the Jaffna peninsula, Nagadeepa is a sacred Buddhist site linked to one of the Buddha's visits to Sri Lanka. A famous Hindu temple stands nearby. See Jaffna.

16. The Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna

On Rumassala hill near Galle, the modern white Peace Pagoda was built by Japanese monks. It has lovely sea views and is a peaceful contrast to the ancient stupas. See things to do in Unawatuna.

17. Mihintale

Mihintale, near Anuradhapura, is where Buddhism is said to have been introduced to Sri Lanka. Climb the stone steps to the Maha Stupa and the rock-top viewpoint. See Mihintale.

How to visit a stupa respectfully

• Dress modestly: cover your shoulders and knees. White clothes are ideal.
• Remove your shoes and hat before entering the stupa terrace.
• Walk clockwise around the stupa.
• Never pose with your back to the stupa or a Buddha statue for photos.
• Don't climb on walls, statues or the stupa.
• Speak quietly, especially during worship.
• Bring socks: stone terraces get very hot in the midday sun.

See what to wear at Sri Lankan temples.

Full moon (Poya) days

Every full moon day in Sri Lanka is a Poya day, a public holiday when Buddhists visit temples, dressed in white, to worship and meditate. Stupas are especially beautiful and busy on Poya days, with lamps, flowers and chanting. Alcohol isn't sold on Poya days. The biggest is Vesak, in May, when the island is lit with lanterns. See Vesak in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka festivals calendar.

Best time to visit

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when the stone is cooler and the light is golden. For Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the drier months are usually about January to September. See the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Entry fees

Major stupas inside the ancient cities are covered by the site's entry ticket for foreign visitors. Active temples outside the ticketed areas are usually free, but donations are welcome. See Sri Lanka entry fees.

A sample day of stupas in Anuradhapura

• Morning: Thuparamaya and the Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
• Late morning: Ruwanwelisaya.
• Lunch: rest in the shade.
• Afternoon: Abhayagiri and its moonstones.
• Late afternoon: Jetavanaramaya in the golden light.
• Evening: return to Ruwanwelisaya for the evening worship.

Stupas on a Sri Lanka itinerary

The greatest stupas are in the Cultural Triangle, so plan at least a day in Anuradhapura and half a day in Polonnaruwa. You can combine them with Sigiriya and Dambulla on a classic cultural route. See UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, ancient Buddhist sites, three days in the Cultural Triangle and our cultural tour.

Photography tips

• Golden hour makes white stupas glow.
• Use a wide lens for the biggest stupas.
• Ask before photographing worshippers.
• Drones are generally not allowed at sacred and archaeological sites without permission.

Stupas for families

Children often enjoy walking around the huge stupas, spotting the elephant wall at Ruwanwelisaya and cycling between sites. Bring hats and water and avoid midday. See Sri Lanka with kids.

The meaning of the stupa

For Buddhists, the stupa represents the Buddha and his enlightenment. The dome is often compared to a heap of rice or a bubble, a reminder of impermanence. Relics are placed in a chamber deep inside, and the spire points to the sky. Building, restoring and whitewashing stupas is seen as a source of great merit, which is why so many have been restored and enlarged over the centuries.

Moonstones and guard stones

Around many stupas and temples, look for beautifully carved semicircular "moonstones" at the foot of steps, with rings of elephants, horses, lions and bulls, and "guard stones" carved with protective figures. Some of the finest are at Anuradhapura's Abhayagiri and Polonnaruwa's Vatadage.

Stupas you can climb or walk around

Most stupas are walked around on a raised terrace. You can't climb the dome itself. At Mihintale, you climb hundreds of stone steps to reach the stupas, and the views over the plains are worth every step.

Stupas at night

Many stupas are lit up in the evening, and evening worship brings lamps, incense and chanting. Ruwanwelisaya at night is especially beautiful.

Stupas in daily life

You'll see small white stupas in villages, temples and even beside busy roads.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Visiting at midday, when the stone terraces burn bare feet.
• Wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.
• Posing with your back to the stupa.
• Walking anticlockwise around a stupa.
• Rushing Anuradhapura in a few hours; it deserves a full day.