Isurumuniya Temple Tourism

Type of destination: Temple

Ideal visit duration: 1-2 hours

Isurumuniya Temple is a significant Buddhist temple situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Known for its rock carvings, historic significance, and stunning architecture, it dates back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (307–267 BCE). This temple, tucked away near the Tissa Wewa (an artificial reservoir), has deep connections with the introduction of Buddhism to the island. Isurumuniya houses several key attractions, including the famous Isurumuniya Lovers rock carving, which depicts a couple in a graceful embrace, linked to a local love story with regal implications. The temple also features other notable sculptures such as the Royal Family and Elephant Pond carvings. Visitors are welcomed by a large white stupa and can also explore the small museum within the premises which displays artifacts and relics. Large boulders and a serene ambience complement the temple’s sacred grounds, marking it as a haven of tranquility and spiritual significance. Isurumuniya Temple is not only a place of worship but also of immense archeological and cultural importance, drawing countless pilgrims and tourists eager to experience its unique blend of history and spirituality.

Top 5 Reviews on Isurumuniya Temple

sriyanit2019

Wrote on 16th Feb, 2024

Issuruminiya Lovers

Interesting archeological site of an old temple built before Christ. The location is very interesting. There is a small museum where you can see the original sculpture of the Issuruminiya Lovers, whic..

M1ke_Br0wn

Wrote on 13th Feb, 2024

Don’t go in strong sun.

We arrived at the hottest part of the day to be told that we could not wear hats or even parasols to protect us from heat stroke. And I’m talking from the car park onwards not just in the temple build..

Arnab_phenomenon

Wrote on 20th Oct, 2023

Beautiful temple, & very well maintained

It's a beautiful temple & is well maintained. There are a lot of things to see in the temple compound so you might need a guide to explain them to you. Definitely recommended

petermY2777LY

Wrote on 13th Aug, 2023

Isurumuniya Temple

Isuruminya Temple is in the Royal Pleasure Gardens next to the Tisa Tank. There are three carvings of special interest in this Temple (Vihara)-Isuruminiya Lovers, Elephant Pond and the Royal Family. I..

reallankaholiday

Wrote on 17th Dec, 2022

Nice historical place to discover

This is a beautiful historical site situated by the side of the "Tisa Wewa" and a fully-fledged Buddhist temple, where devotees can worship the essential features of a temple: the stupa, the Bodhi Tre..

Isurumuniya Temple Tourism

Isurumuniya Temple Tourism

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