One of the most amazing places I’ve seen. There are many many Caves. Vessagiri, or Issarasamanarama, is an ancient Buddhist forest monastery that is part of the ruins of Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. It is located about half a mile south of Isurumuniya, among boulders. Begun in the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (mid-3rd century BC), the site was expanded during the reign of King Kasyapa (473 - 491 AD) to become home to about five hundred monks. You can see man made caves which leave you confused how they were moved and how they were placed in the way they are now. And this is the only place I saw the unfinished stone work which always made me confused how the workmen in those days have produced buildings and statues with smooth surfaces.Fascinating to understand how old this site is, very calm and peaceful

A free place. Most of the devotees who come to pay homage to Anuradhapura are at rest. It is also a beautiful place to park and dine. Rocks and large trees and ruins can be seen. Many people also come to this place to take wedding photos. 🌴🌸🌵🌻🌳🌹🌲

It's forgettable that it is the first temple structure with the arrival of Mihindu Maha thero. It's said that these structures even pre-dates before our written history. Could be one of the first stops when you visit Anuradhapura. History never ceased to amaze us with new knowledge.

Wessagiriya is a place which had been used by Buddhist monks for meditation in the times of ancient kings. It is nice ancient place with many ruins and beautiful rock formations. This place is not a popular among tourists but there are lots of ancient monuments to be seen. Also there are evidences of sharp cutting (unfinished) rocks with ancient technology. Best to visit in morning or evening where the rocks are not heated. Place is located very close to the main road. Full site can be explored less than 2 hours time.

Wessagiriya- Meditation site for the ancient Buddhist monks. A place that is closer to Isurumuniya and Tissa Wewa with many ruins and beautiful rock formations. Not much of tourists visited as I observed, but it is another serene place, and a traveler should not be missed.

One of really nice ancient place in anuradhapura.foreign tourists also can visit this place without tickets ,it has a great history and it believes for the first time this place made by king Ravanas time and thereafter it has a history from king Dewanampiyathissas time.if your are going to Anuradhapura , you should not avoid this beautiful historical valuable temple ...

Nice location near to Anuradhapura jayasrimaha bodiya.Wessagiriya is a place which had been used by Buddhist monks for meditation in the times of ancient kings. It is nice ancient place with many ruins and beautiful rock formations. This place is not a popular among tourists but there are lots of ancient monuments to be seen. Also there are evidences of sharp cutting (unfinished) rocks with ancient technology. Best to visit in morning or evening where the rocks are not heated.

They're no visiting restrictions on the time. But it's advised not to go during the late evenings and nights because of the snakes and other animals that could harm you and no lights. It's a good place to spend an evening or a morning. If you are a photographer morning time is the best, but you could get an astonishing view of the water tank nearby with the sunset.

History says this place was used by Buddhist monks for meditation (10,11 centuries). This is an amazing place to visit, but not very popular among people.

Another nice tourist destination. Which is not much visiting by the tourist. Met an amazing guide who explained everything in detail.

A massive ancient Buddhist temple with all elements of a monastic establishment featuring a cave complex occupied by monks. Often ignored by the visitors to Anuradhapura, you need at least halfaday to properly experience it's architecture and historical value. There are remains of inscripts in Brahmi and Pre-brahmi letters, cave paintings, monastic buildings, sthupa, etc. How the caves have been converted to comfortable cells for the use by meditating monks is amazing. And the views from these cave cells are breathtaking. Highly recommended to visit if you are interested in history of Ceylon and ancient Buddhist monastic architecture.

Vessagiriya, or Wessagiriya, is a historically sacred place. According to history, vessagiriya was built by King Dewanampiyathissa for meditation purposes for the Buddhist monks. At around 3 rd century BC, there were 500 monks living. According to the traditional folks, Vessagiriya belongs to the Buddhist monks from the cast of “Vaishya” (Business cast). This is a calm and peaceful place. I can recommend this place for meditation activities. Most local visitors come here to have their lunch.

Vessagiriya Vessagiriya is an ancient Buddhist monastery situated in Anuradhapura District in Sri Lanka. It is by the side of Anuradhapura Kurunegala road in the proximity of famous Isurumuniya temple. It is said that this is a cave temple that was offered to Arahath Mihindu thero, who officially introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Under the guidance of Mihindu thero, five hundred princes were ordained as the Buddhist monks here, so the king Devanampiyathissa named this monastery as “Waisyagiriya”. According to the chronicles, during the reign of king Vashambha in 65-109 AD and king Voharikathissa in 214-236 AD, this place was renovated. In the course of time, it was abandoned. During the period of king Kashapa, this abandoned monastery was renovated again and renamed it as “Bo Upulwan Kashapagiri Viharaya” using the parts of his two daughters’ names and his name. At present a foundation at the entrance to Vessagiriya which is said to have been “Bodigaraya” at that time can be seen. The most breathtaking sight of this premises is the unbelievable rock formation. Stepping up the stone flight of steps, you can see the stone caves, some of which are believed to have been used by the Buddhist monks. The well-chiseled drip edges around the rock can be seen. In addition, we can see some inscriptions on the rock surface below the drip edges. The gigantic trees around provide the shelter for the visitors and create a pleasant atmosphere for them, so most of the pilgrims take this place of worship as a resting place. The most suitable time to visit this place is the early hours in the morning or the late hours in the evening as the rocks get heated at noon. It’s worth visiting this historical place, but don’t forget to keep this place clean.

Wessagiriya is a place which had been used by Buddhist monks for meditation in the times of ancient kings. Best to visit in morning or evening where the rocks are not heated. Nice place to visit with kids. Used to be a place for Buddhist monks for meditation. Not a popular place and not many people visit the place.

A place with lots of marvellous historical monuments. If you are going to explore the place, take the support from the available guides. They will show you all the important places and the historical value. Amazing place to learn about history and the technologies used by ancient people.

Climb to the top, you won’t regret it

15-30 minutes walk. If you are interested in archeological sites you should visit here

Best place if u r travelling for history places because anuradhapura also a ancient city in sri lanka and totaly history story places 😄 it's on the main road and no ticket for there and it's maintained by archeological department, so u have must visit if u r in anuradhapura or nearby