Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
4
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This city is known as the home of an offspring of the Bo tree where the Buddha found enlightenment.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
42 within 3 miles

Water Garden Restaurant
12
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Asian • Sri Lankan

Rangiri Restaurant
15
1.1 mi$ • Asian • Sri Lankan

ChChamy Restaurant
2
1.1 mi

Tony's Bistro Tea Cafe
1
1.1 mi$ • Indian • Asian • Sri Lankan

Bamboo Restaurant Juice Bar
44
1.3 mi$ • Dessert • Indian • Asian

The Lakeside
19
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Asian • Sri Lankan

Rasa Gedara
16
1.2 mi$

Alankulama
31
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian

Family Baker
5
1.2 mi
Hotel De Maharoof Restaurant
2
1.2 mi
Attractions
30 within 6 miles

Sri Maha Boodhi Temple
539
11 ftReligious Sites

Ruwanwelisaya
999
0.4 miArchitectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Isurumuniya Temple
456
0.9 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Dagoba of Thuparama
207
0.7 miReligious Sites
Padalanchana Stupa
2
0.4 miReligious Sites

Ranmasu Uyana
59
0.7 miAncient Ruins

Gedige Ruins
3
0.6 miAncient Ruins

Jethawanaramaya Stupa
475
1.9 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Abhayagiri Dagaba
205
1.9 miMonuments & Statues

The Royal Palace (Vijayabahu Maligaya)
35
0.9 miHistoric Sites • Ancient Ruins
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
639 reviews
Excellent
299
Very good
216
Average
98
Poor
15
Terrible
11
Kamal P
Byron Bay, Australia3,047 contributions
It is the totally relaxed feeling that one enjoys at this sacred place of worship venerated by the Buddhists from all over the world. Early in the morning surroundings were very tranquil and comfortable, before the area got warmer with the days hot sun and before the premise got filled with larger numbers of devotees. Environment was very calm and conducive for a moment in silent meditation. Entire precinct has so many Bodhi trees escorting the sacred Bodhi tree which is at the highest terrace. It is known to be the oldest surviving planted tree in the world with a recorded history.
The granite balustrades are very attractive with beautiful motifs engraved in to them.
The granite balustrades are very attractive with beautiful motifs engraved in to them.
Written May 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rambling R
Melbourne, Australia121 contributions
We arrived to see the Sri Maha Bodhi on the morning of Christmas Day, Following gift-bearsing Buddhist devotees, we gained a wonderful sense of peace and wellbeing. On entering the site, we visited the altar before staring at wonder at this ancient tree, allegedly the oldest human-planted tree on earth. The huge fig is supported, so no branch will ever fall, despite their great length and huge weight. This place is a testament to faith of a gentle people. For me, in the magical country of Sri Lanka, I could not think of a better and more appropriate place to spend Christmas morning.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
abroadwithashley
Minneapolis, MN1,131 contributions
The area around the tree is well built up so you will mostly be seeing the branches of this very old sacred tree. That being said, you will not be alone in this, and the crowds of people paying homage and chanting will make up for what you miss from the tree itself. The entire experience is however long you choose to make it. Give it at least 30 minutes and do your best to soak up all the moments that are happening at this feast of the senses.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada3,916 contributions
Children of Emperor Asoka of India brought to Sri Lanka a branch of the tree under which Buddha found enlightenment. It is one of the three sites Sri Lankan Buddhists must visit. Now over 2,300 years old, the tree is partly held up by gold works. Devotees attend to provide food for the tree, sometimes in processions.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sunil F
13 contributions
The most secared Bo Tree is over 2500 years old.The main Bo tree is in Buddha Gaya in India. So much sentimental value to Buddhist People. The Temple is open to everyone to visit. The Temple is in the Aunradhapura Ruin City in Sri Lanka.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pradeep Kumar Mishra
Bhubaneswar, India265 contributions
One of the most magnificent place in Anuradhapura. The spirituality and the presence of Lord Buddha can be felt once someone is near the age old tree. Beneath the tree the magnificent Buddha Temple with all Blue Lily flowers is worth to see.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alice S
Lund, Sweden602 contributions
Couples
Again a hard place to review. It depends on what you like. I knew that the tree wouldn't be big or look particularly special, but if you expect something extraordinary you'll be dissapointed. What is special about the place is that the tree is taken from the original tree where the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. Just that it is a 2000 year old tree is quite amazing, no matter what it looks like. Also to get to observe the reverence the locals pay the tree is fascinating. I suppose it is sometimes loud, confusing and the offerings litter the place. But as long as you know why you go it might be a good experience.
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JChandrasekera
Berlin, Germany39 contributions
This most sacred tree is worshiped by all Buddhists in Sri Lanka(foreigneres too).
Gauthama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Southern branch of Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddhagaya in India.
Please observe dress code of white (ensure legs & shoulders are covered)as a mark of respect.
Gauthama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Southern branch of Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddhagaya in India.
Please observe dress code of white (ensure legs & shoulders are covered)as a mark of respect.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ushijay
Germany4 contributions
Couples
One of the most sacred places for every Buddhist, it's the oldest tree with recorded history in the world. It's blessed shade provide infinite comfort to everyone as it provided same to Lord Buddha, helping him to attain the enlightenment. Utmost respect in attire and behavior is expected from every visitor here.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dianedinky
253 contributions
Personally, this place did nothing for me. Hugely sentimental and sacred if you are Sri Lankan or indeed a Buddhist but as a vanilla tourist it was nothing special. Sorry. But there are many more impressive sights in the country to see if you are limited for time.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
divas sojourn
New Delhi, India
How much is entrance ticket for indians? I read that there's a common ticket! What all places can be covered in that common ticket
Amila Dananjaya D
Kandy, Sri Lanka474 contributions
Jayasri maha bodhi entrance is free. The common ticket covers other historical places like Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Abhayagiriya Stupa etc. The price is around 25 USD as i can remebmber.
gokhalem
Bengaluru, India21 contributions
1. I understand that there is a common ticket for visiting the ancient historical sites in Anuradhapura. How do I get that ticket ?
2. Is Sri Maha Boodhi Temple in the same compound or nearby or connected ? if not how far ?
Sas P
6 contributions
There is a comon ticket. The Sri Maha Boodhi temple is on the same compound, and in the same ticket. The compound is pretty big. Go by tuktuk. We hired bikes at our hotel. It was a wonderfull bikeride early morning, we managed to see a lot of different site on the compound.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
- We recommend booking Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 76 Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi:
- (0.16 mi) Grand Tourist Holiday Resort
- (0.49 mi) The Sanctuary At Tissawewa
- (1.11 mi) Lievi's Tourist Accomodation
- (1.71 mi) Little Paradise Tourist Guest House and Holiday Home Anuradhapura
- (1.74 mi) Heritage Hotel Anuradhapura
- Restaurants near Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi:
- (1.73 mi) Little Paradise Anuradhapura
- (1.30 mi) Bamboo Restaurant Juice Bar
- (1.81 mi) Mango Mango
- (1.70 mi) Ambula Anuradhapura
- (0.89 mi) Water Garden Restaurant