The Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is a direct cutting from the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, planted here in 288 BC and continuously tended since. It is the oldest documented living tree on earth. The atmosphere at the tree on a Poya full moon day, when pilgrims arrive from across the island in white, is unlike anything in the standard heritage circuit.
Ritigala Forest Monastery
Ancient ruins being reclaimed by jungle - almost nobody comes here
A ruined forest monastery in the dry-zone wilderness northwest of Minneriya, occupied by ascetic monks from the 1st century BC and now being slowly reclaimed by the forest. Stone meditation platforms, raised stone walkways and bathing pools. No gilded statues, no tourist infrastructure, almost no other visitors.
