The white dome
Towering high.
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A gigantic white Buddhist stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, built by King Dutugemunu around 140 BCE. It is one of the tallest ancient monuments in the world, 103 metres high with a circumference of 290 metres. It is among the most sacred places for Buddhists on the island. Local visitors come dressed in white and carrying flowers, and its platform is ringed by a famous wall carved with rows of elephants standing shoulder to shoulder, as if carrying the monument on their backs. The original stupa was about 55 metres high and was renovated by many kings. By the 19th century it was covered by jungle, and it was restored again in the 20th century after a fund-raising drive that began in 1902. The Anuradhapura ancient city ticket costs USD 30 for foreign adults and USD 15 for children, per the Central Cultural Fund, and covers Ruwanwelisaya and the other main sites, per visitor guides. Shoes and hats come off before the terrace; light clothing covering shoulders and knees is best, and the paving gets hot at midday, so come in the morning or before sunset.
Towering high.
Round the terrace.
On the white dome.
Sacred City, Anuradhapura
Foreigners buy the Anuradhapura ancient city ticket (USD 30 for adults, per the Central Cultural Fund), which covers Ruwanwelisaya, per visitor guides.