Asia
Sri Lanka
North Central Province
Anuradhapura
Things to Do in Anuradhapura
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura

See all things to do

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

See all things to do
See all things to do
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
4
639
#6 of 56 things to do in Anuradhapura
Religious Sites
Read more
Write a review
About
This city is known as the home of an offspring of the Bo tree where the Buddha found enlightenment.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Plan your visit
See all
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
See all
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
See all
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
"Serene"
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.
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
A great sense of wellbeing
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
Soak It All In
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
A BRANCH FROM THE TREE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
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
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Anuradhapura
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
Amazing Place...
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
A smallish but old tree.
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
The Most Sacred Tree For Buddhists
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.
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
Magical experience
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
Good for locals
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.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 406
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
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