The Ancient Hospital, also known as the Veda Hala, is an ancient medical complex located in the city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Pandukabhaya in the 4th century BC and is considered to be one of the oldest hospitals in the world.

The hospital complex features a number of important structures, including a series of interconnected buildings, gardens, and ponds. It is believed to have been staffed by highly trained physicians and surgeons who used a variety of advanced medical techniques, including surgery, herbal medicine, and acupuncture.

One of the most significant structures in the hospital complex is the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, which is believed to have been built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC. The stupa is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of the ancient city of Anuradhapura and is a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.

The Ancient Hospital is a testament to the advanced medical knowledge and skills of the ancient Sri Lankans and is a testament to the rich cultural and scientific heritage of the country. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by thousands of people each year who come to learn about the history of medicine and to explore one of the oldest and most important medical centers in the world.

Taking a boat ride on Tissa Wewa is a popular tourist activity in the city of Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka. Tissa Wewa is an ancient man-made reservoir that was built over 2,000 years ago during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.

The reservoir is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife, including a variety of bird species, monkeys, and other animals. Taking a boat ride on Tissa Wewa is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area and to get a closer look at the local wildlife.

Boat rides on Tissa Wewa typically last for about an hour and are offered by local tour operators. Visitors can choose from a variety of different boats, including traditional Sri Lankan fishing boats, and can enjoy a leisurely ride around the reservoir while taking in the stunning scenery.

Along the way, visitors can also explore some of the local temples and other historical sites, including the Tissamaharama Stupa and the ancient Buddhist monastery of Yatala Vehera.

Overall, taking a boat ride on Tissa Wewa is a great way to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the city of Tissamaharama.

Visiting temples in Anuradhapura is one of the main tourist activities in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is home to some of the most important historical and cultural sites in the country, and its temples offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Sri Lanka.

Some of the most popular temples to visit in Anuradhapura include:

1. Sri Maha Bodhi Temple - This temple is home to the sacred Bodhi tree, which is believed to be the oldest living tree in the world and is revered by Buddhists around the world.

2. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa - This ancient stupa is believed to have been built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC and is considered to be one of the most important landmarks of the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

3. Jetavanaramaya Temple - This temple is home to the Jetavana Stupa, which is believed to have been built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD and is one of the largest stupas in the world.

4. Abhayagiri Vihara Temple - This ancient temple is believed to have been built by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC and is home to a large number of ancient Buddhist relics and statues.

5. Isurumuniya Temple - This temple is known for its ancient rock carvings and is home to a famous rock-cut statue of a couple, known as the "Isurumuniya Lovers."

Visitors to Anuradhapura can also explore a number of other temples and historical sites, including the Thuparamaya Dagoba, the Lankarama Stupa, and the Mirisaveti Stupa. Overall, visiting the temples of Anuradhapura is a great way to experience the rich cultural and religious heritage of Sri Lanka and to learn about the history of this ancient city.

Anuradhapura, being a spiritual and historical city, is a great place to practice yoga and meditation. Here are some options for practicing yoga and meditation in Anuradhapura:

1. Nilketha Meditation Centre - This is a meditation center located in the heart of the city, offering guided meditation sessions, yoga classes, and retreats. The center is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a peaceful and serene environment for meditation and yoga.

2. Jetwing Lake Hotel - This luxurious hotel offers yoga and meditation classes for its guests, with a beautiful view of the lake. The classes are conducted by experienced yoga instructors and are suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike.

3. Abhayagiri Monastery - This ancient monastery is a great place to practice meditation, as it is located in a serene and peaceful environment. Visitors can join the monks in their daily meditation practices and learn about the history and traditions of Buddhism.

4. Tissa Wewa - The ancient reservoir of Tissa Wewa is a great place to practice yoga and meditation, with a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding greenery. Visitors can find a quiet spot by the lake to practice yoga or meditate, surrounded by nature.

5. Cultural Triangle Yoga - This is a yoga studio located in Dambulla, about an hour's drive from Anuradhapura. The studio offers daily yoga classes and workshops for all levels, in a beautiful and tranquil setting surrounded by nature.

Overall, practicing yoga and meditation in Anuradhapura is a great way to connect with the spiritual and historical heritage of the city, while also finding peace and tranquility in a serene environment.

Anuradhapura is an ancient city with a rich history and culture, and there are several museums in the city that offer visitors a glimpse into the past. Here are some of the museums you can visit in Anuradhapura:

1. Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum - This museum is located within the premises of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura and displays a range of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage. The museum also features a collection of ancient coins, pottery, and other artifacts.

2. Abhayagiri Museum - This museum is located within the premises of the Abhayagiri Vihara Temple and houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the temple's history and traditions. Visitors can view ancient statues, artifacts, and inscriptions, as well as learn about the daily lives of the monks who lived in the temple.

3. Jetavanaramaya Museum - This museum is located within the premises of the Jetavanaramaya Temple and displays a range of artifacts and exhibits related to the temple's history and traditions. Visitors can view ancient statues, artifacts, and inscriptions, as well as learn about the daily lives of the monks who lived in the temple.

4. Folk Museum - This museum is located in the heart of Anuradhapura and displays a collection of exhibits that showcase the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local people. Visitors can view exhibits of traditional costumes, musical instruments, and agricultural tools.

5. Anuradhapura National Museum - This museum is located near the city center and houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Anuradhapura. Visitors can view ancient coins, pottery, and other artifacts, as well as learn about the city's historical and cultural significance.

Overall, visiting museums in Anuradhapura is a great way to learn about the city's rich history and culture, and to gain a deeper understanding of the daily lives of the people who lived here in ancient times.

Anuradhapura is famous for its traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, which is characterized by its spicy and flavorful dishes. Here are some of the local dishes you should try when visiting Anuradhapura:

1. Rice and curry - This is the staple dish of Sri Lankan cuisine, and it consists of steamed rice served with a variety of curries made with meat, fish, or vegetables. The curries are usually spicy and flavorful, and they are accompanied by sides like sambol (a spicy condiment made with coconut) and papadam (a crispy flatbread).

2. Kottu roti - This is a popular street food in Sri Lanka, and it consists of chopped up roti (a type of flatbread) mixed with vegetables, egg, and meat or fish. The mixture is cooked on a hot griddle with spices and sauces, and it is served hot and fresh.

3. Hoppers - These are thin, crispy pancakes made with rice flour and coconut milk, and they are a popular breakfast food in Sri Lanka. Hoppers can be served plain or with an egg or other toppings.

4. String hoppers - These are thin noodles made from rice flour that are steamed into a round, nest-like shape. They are typically served with a spicy curry and coconut sambol.

5. Watalappan - This is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert made with coconut milk, jaggery (a type of sweetener), and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. It is similar to a custard, and it is usually served chilled.

Going on a bicycle tour is a great way to explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura and its surrounding areas. There are several bike rental shops in the city that offer bicycles for rent at affordable prices. You can rent a bike for a day or longer, depending on your preference.

Some of the popular places to explore on a bicycle tour in Anuradhapura include:

1. Sacred City - The Sacred City of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it contains several ancient temples, stupas, and ruins. Cycling around the Sacred City is a great way to explore its many attractions.

2. Tissa Wewa - This is a large reservoir located in Anuradhapura, and it is surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife. Cycling around Tissa Wewa is a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area.

3. Mihintale - This is a mountain peak located a few kilometers away from Anuradhapura, and it is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Cycling up to Mihintale can be a challenging but rewarding experience, as you will be able to take in stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

4. Local villages - Cycling through the rural villages surrounding Anuradhapura is a great way to get a glimpse of the daily life of the local people. You can stop at small shops and eateries along the way to sample local food and interact with the friendly locals.

Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and carry enough water and sunscreen when embarking on a bicycle tour in Anuradhapura.

Attending a Puja ceremony in Anuradhapura is a great way to experience the spiritual and cultural traditions of Sri Lanka. A Puja ceremony is a religious ritual that is performed to pay homage to the Buddha and other deities. There are several temples in Anuradhapura where you can attend Puja ceremonies, and they are usually held in the early morning or evening.

One of the most popular temples for Puja ceremonies in Anuradhapura is the Sri Maha Bodhi Temple. This temple is located near the sacred Bodhi Tree, which is believed to have been grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi Tree in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Sri Maha Bodhi Temple holds regular Puja ceremonies, and you can witness the chanting of Buddhist monks and participate in offering flowers and incense.

Another popular temple for Puja ceremonies in Anuradhapura is the Ruwanwelisaya Temple. This temple houses a large stupa that is believed to contain relics of the Buddha. The Puja ceremonies here are also conducted by Buddhist monks, and you can participate in the offering of flowers and incense.

Visiting the ancient ruins is one of the main highlights of Anuradhapura, which is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. There are many ancient ruins to explore in Anuradhapura, which were once part of a grand and sophisticated city that was the capital of Sri Lanka for centuries.

Some of the most popular ancient ruins to visit in Anuradhapura include:

1. The Sacred City - The Sacred City of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it contains several ancient temples, stupas, and ruins. It is one of the most significant historical sites in Sri Lanka, and it is home to several impressive structures such as the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, Thuparamaya dagoba, and the Jetavanaramaya stupa.

2. Abhayagiri Monastery - This ancient monastery was one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka, and it was home to thousands of monks and scholars. The ruins of the monastery contain several impressive structures, including a stupa, a moonstone, and the remains of a 5th-century library.

3. Isurumuniya Temple - This temple contains several ancient rock carvings, including the famous Isurumuniya Lovers. The temple also contains a small museum that displays several ancient artifacts and statues.

4. Kuttam Pokuna - This is a twin pool complex that was built during the Anuradhapura period to provide water for the monks living in the nearby monasteries.

Anuradhapura is home to several ponds and lakes, which were built during the ancient times to provide water for the city's inhabitants and to irrigate the surrounding agricultural lands. These ponds are not only important for their historical significance but also for their natural beauty and tranquility, making them ideal spots for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Here are some of the ponds that you can explore in Anuradhapura:

1. Tissa Wewa - This is the largest reservoir in Anuradhapura, and it is believed to have been built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. You can take a boat ride on the lake or walk along the dam to enjoy the scenic views.

2. Nuwarawewa - This reservoir was built by King Pandukabhaya in the 4th century BC, and it covers an area of around 1,400 hectares. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a great spot for birdwatching.

3. Basawakkulama - This is a smaller pond located near the Isurumuniya temple. The pond is surrounded by rocky outcrops and is home to several species of water birds.

4. Nachchaduwa Wewa - This is another large reservoir located about 20 km north of Anuradhapura. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

Hiking to Mihintale is a popular activity for visitors to Anuradhapura. Mihintale is a mountain peak located about 13 km east of Anuradhapura and is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The mountain is dotted with ancient temples, stupas, and other historical landmarks, and the hike to the top offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The hiking trail to Mihintale starts at the base of the mountain and winds its way up the hillside. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but it can be steep in places, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

As you hike up the mountain, you will pass by several ancient temples and other historical sites, including the Ambasthala Dagoba, the Kantaka Chetiya, and the Kaludiya Pokuna. At the top of the mountain, you will find the Mihintale Dagoba, a large stupa that is considered to be one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. From the top of the mountain, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Anuradhapura, the Tissa Wewa, and the surrounding forests.

The hike to Mihintale can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the various sites along the way. It is best to start early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day and to give yourself plenty of time to explore the various historical landmarks at the top of the mountain.