Aukana Pilimaya Or Aukana Buddha Statue (Avukana): A Standing Giant On The Kala Wewa Shore (2026 Guide)

BY  Sibashree Jun 20, 2025

The best way to start your day is staring at the rising sun. If some exotic locations for the best sunrises are passing through your mind, let me also remind you of Vietnam. Do you know which are the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam?  Before I proceed, let me tell you why sunrises in Vietnam are so beautiful. The cosmic elegance of the Vietnamese sunrise stems from the country's long coastal stretches and naturally scenic settings.  The massive horizons along the coasts create unique sun flares every day when the sun rises here. Similarly, the green landscapes reflecting the nascent sunrays every morning are no less than a visual treat. Why Are There So Many Exotic Places To Watch Sunrise In Vietnam? The mountain peaks here are also mesmerizing. Meanwhile, Vietnam offers many locations where early mornings leave a lasting impression. It includes misty hills and quiet beaches.  This guide highlights the top sunrise spots across the country. Firstly, these places offer some of the most rewarding sights. However, a well-planned vacation package to Vietnam can make these experiences enjoyable. Why Is Vietnam Ideal For Sunrise Views? Vietnam’s geography extends from north to south. It includes the eastern coastline of Southeast Asia. This makes it an ideal destination for sunrise enthusiasts.  The sun rises over the East Sea. It offers clear and wide views. Mountain valleys and beaches provide breathtaking views. Don't miss out on the rice fields. Witnessing sunrise can become one of your most treasured memories of Vietnam. Where Can You See The Best Sunrise In Vietnam? Vietnam has various sunrise spots. Some of them are less explored. Here are some you can include in your next travel itinerary:  1. Mui Ne: Sand Dunes And Sea Views Mui Ne is a coastal town in southern Vietnam. It is known for its red and white dunes. Tourists often visit this area early in the morning. The sand and sky combine to provide a calm and lovely scene. Many Vietnam Travel Agency tours start the day at the Mui Ne dunes. The light breeze and open horizon make this a favorite spot for photographers and early risers. 2. Sapa: Sunrise Over Rice Terraces Sapa's rice terraces and stunning mountain views are popular attractions. It is located in the northern highlands. The fields glow with golden hues. The villages surrounding Fansipan Mountain offer incredible views that are perfect for a sunrise walk. A Vietnam country tour to Sapa usually includes homestays and local treks. It also includes early morning hikes. These make it easier to access the best viewpoints before sunrise. 3. Hoi An: Riverside Reflections At Dawn Hoi An, a typical town with historic streets and attractive riverbanks, is a serene spot for sunrise viewing. The quiet mornings on the Thu Bon River, with boats floating peacefully and old town buildings reflecting in the still water, create a tranquil atmosphere.  You can choose a vacation package to Vietnam that includes the central regions. In this way, you can spend a night in Hoi An just to catch the early morning light. 4. Da Nang: Son Tra Peninsula The Son Tra Peninsula, near Da Nang, offers stunning views. Meanwhile, the best sunrise views can be found from Ban Co Peak and the Linh Ung Pagoda. You can also see the city, sea, and forest all together from this point.  Several Vietnam Travel Agency packages include this spot as part of a day tour from Da Nang. It is often filled with the sounds of birds and cool air. 5. Phu Quoc: Sunrise At The Beach Phu Quoc is an island located in the far south. Its eastern beaches are ideal for watching the sunrise. However, Long Beach, Bai Sao, and Ham Ninh Fishing Village are top places to see the morning sun over the sea. You can book a vacation package to Vietnam that includes beach resorts.  6. Ninh Binh: Mountains And Rivers In The Morning Mist Ninh Binh, also known as Halong Bay, is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam. At first, you will encounter the thick morning mist. As the sun rises and the fog begins to clear slowly, you can see the entire frame of the sunrise.  At Ninh Binh, you can also take boat rides along the Ngo Dong River, located in Tam Coc. The rides are seamless, allowing you to relax. However, the sunrise is the best part of early morning Ngo Dong rides.  The sunlight radiating from surrounding cliffs and fields transforms the river into a new canvas every day. If you don’t want to miss such a place to watch the sunrise in Vietnam, consider contacting a travel agency.  They may help you book the 05:00 AM to 07:00 AM boat ride on Ngo Dong. Stay for a while and experience the full arc of the sunrise.  What Time Does The Sun Rise In Vietnam? The winter sunrises in Vietnam are most exotic. Moreover, you need to know about the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam. That’s why your tour operator’s help is crucial.  The best time to witness the sun in its raw orange form is between 5:30 and 6:30 AM. However, please note that you should check the local time there.  Before visiting, you need to note a few things as well: Usually, there is a thick crowd at the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam. So arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a front view. The shades and aura of the sunrise from various places will surprise you.  How To Make The Most Of Sunrise Views? Plan most of your sunrise viewing experience. Knowing where to go and how to get there will ensure you don't miss the breathtaking views. Take your hoodies or sweatshirts, as the morning mists are chilly. Interiors may not have food options. So, carry your breakfast essentials or light snacks. Respect the local environment. Avoid littering. Consider booking your trip with a Vietnam Travel Agency. It is to ensure transportation and access to ideal viewpoints.

BY  Sibashree Apr 21, 2026

Anuradhapura is a part of the Golden Triangle of Sri Lanka, along with the Dambulla Royal Cave Enclave, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  Furthermore, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built from the "cutting of a Bodhi Tree" or the "Tree of Enlightenment."  Before 993, when it was abandoned due to an invasion, it was the political and religious capital of Ceylon, the previous name for Sri Lanka.  Also, if Jaffna attracted me with its Tamil Culture and Hindu Temples, Anuradhapura was a great calling because it was the first place to adopt Buddhism outside India, the country I belong to.  Moreover, Jetavanaramaya, the early 4th-century BCE Stupa, was once the "third-largest man-made building in the world," with an original height of 122 meters.  However, while the Jetavanaramaya Stupa continues to evoke awe with its grandeur and mystery, the other ruins and remains of Anuradhapura also wait to tell you the history and cultural richness of the region.  So, here is a brief discussion on the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  What Are The Places To Visit In Anuradhapura?  I was staying in a guest house near the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. I rented a bicycle from my guesthouse for LKR 500, and I took the back route as the staff in the guesthouse guided me.  Off the main road, the cycling experience was beautiful, and I loved spotting the roaming peacocks and little children waving at me.  Beyond the charming views and ambiance, I noticed one more thing. In Anuradhapura, the past and the present walk side by side.  There have been no evictions of the locals in the name of preserving or promoting the ancient ruins and remains in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Nevertheless, after talking to the local children for a while, I reached the entrance of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The entry fee was around 9500 LKR or INR 2800.  However, remember that the ticket includes archaeological sites such as Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya, Ruwanwelisaya, and Thuparamaya. So, if you want to explore other sites such as the Isurumuniya Viharaya, you will need to pay separate fees.  Nevertheless, these are the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  "This sacred city was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.  Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993.  Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries, and monuments, is now accessible once again. - UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  1. Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex The Abhayagiri Vihara Gargantuan Stupa is magnificent, and the brick stupa creates a contrast against the bright blue sky and the lush greenery of Anuradhapura.  King Vattagamani Abhaya or Valagamba founded this Stupa in the first century BCE. This prominent center of Mahayana Buddhism remains an active place of worship.  Also known as the Northern Monastery or Uttara Vihara, it changed the course of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by deviating from the monolithic tradition of Theravada Buddhism.  Moreover, the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa is the first Stupa in Sri Lanka to house the tooth relic of the Buddha.  Also, the Abhayagiri Dagoba or Stupa at the epicenter of the Abhayagiri Vihara Complex is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka.  The Structure And Architecture Of The Abhayagiri Vihara Apart from the Stupa or Dagoba, most parts of the Abhayagiri Vihara are in ruins. There were living quarters for the monks and students, libraries, dinner halls, and meeting halls surrounding the Stupa.  Here is a detailed overview of the structures as I saw them. However, the heat will be scorching, and you will find langur monkeys roaming around.  So, try to be there by 6 AM, when the gates open, or after 4 PM. The Sacred City remains open till 8 PM. But it will take you around an entire day if you want to explore the major ruins of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The Dagoba Or The Stupa  The Stupa or Dagoba in the Abhayagiri Vihara is in a well-preserved condition. The massive bell-shaped structure of the Stupa has a height of around 120 meters, and at its widest, the circumference is close to 350 meters.  The dome, made of brick and lime mortar, has four entrances, and you will find a Devatakotuva, or a cylindrical spire, and a Hataraskotuva, or a square-shaped structure, as the crowns of the Stupa.  Image Houses, Refectoriesand Sub-Shrineses  I saw the remains of various refectories, image houses, living complexes, and sub-shrines around the Stupa.  Among the smaller stupas, the Indikatu Seya and Silasobbhakandaka Cetiya are the most common.  Meeting Halls The remains of the meeting halls or Uposathagharas have been found in the complex.  These Uposathagharas were multi-storied, and Ratnaprasadaya,o r the jewel mansion, was most prominent among them.  Congregation Hall The Sannipatasala, or the congregation hall near the southern entrance of the Stupa, is the largest hall in the complex.  The image of Nagaraja, or the king of snakes, or Virupaksha, the protector of the Western Direction, was found in this congregation hall, which is now in ruins.  You can see this image at the Abhayagiri Museum.  Abhisheka Mandapa Or Anointing Pavilion The Abhisheka Mandapa had a stepped entrance, and people believe it to be the place where the statues of Lord Buddha and other Bodhisattvas were consecrated.  Some even consider this the bathing house or Snanghara.  Stone Slabs  Many stone slabs with inscriptions in Nagari Script have been found at this site.  Again, there are two moon stones in Anuradhapura, and one was found at the Queen's Pavilion and the other at Mahasena's Palace.  These moon stones are significant features of Buddhist stupas or shrines, as these semi-circular stone structures depict the Buddhist Samasara.  The Dining Room The dining room or hall of the Abhayagiri Vihara has a stone-clad trough, and it is ideal for storing or serving rice that could feed 5000 monks.  Furthermore, there was a dining area, hearths, underground channels, grinding stones, and a sundial on the site that Faxian or Fa-Hien described as the dining hall.  The dining hall also has two courtyards.  The Bodhi Tree Shrine The Bodhi Tree Shrine, or the Bodhighara is a subsidiary shrine of the Abhayagiri Stupa. As a token of Buddha's enlightenment, Sanghamitta, a Buddhist nun from India, brought saplings of the Bodhi Tree.  She planted the saplings in Abhayagiri, and many patrons built small aediculae-like shrines around these trees.  These sub-shrines had images of Lord Buddha in a meditative or Samadhi posture and his footprints.  Moreover, excavation of Buddha statues took place in the Bodhighara sites, and one of them is from the 3rd century BCE, and these resemble the sculptures of the great Gupta dynasty in India.  You can visit the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum if you want to see these Buddha statues. The Ponds  The tanks and reservoirs near the living quarters were the main sources of water for the complex.  However, water in these reservoirs or tanks came from the Kuttam Pokana or Twin Ponds to the far east of the Stupa.  Moreover, these rectangular ponds were built by Aggabodhi I in the 6th or 7th century CE, and they have shallow ridges, and the inner walls are made of polished stone.  However, for me, the most fascinating thing was the stone slab with the motif of a hooded cobra.  Also, this hooded cobra, or Naga, establishes a deep connection with India, as Nagas and water have deep connections in Indian mythology.  As I walked further, I came across the Elephant Pond or Eth Pokuna. It is the largest artificial tank in Sri Lanka, and it is the main water supply for all the tanks and reservoirs in the Vihara Complex.  Here also, I noticed a depiction of a hooded cobra on a stone slab.  At the end of exploring the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex, I must tell you that you must read a little about the place before a visit.  Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to catch up when the guide shares the details.  2.Jetavanaramayaa Stupa You will also find the Jetavanaramaya Stupa in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. It was one of the largest man-made structures in the world, and it ranked only after the Great Pyramids of Giza.  The original height of this structure was 122 meters, and after restoration, the height is now 71 meters.  The Stupa, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd Century AD, is a part of a large Jetavana Vihara complex that used to house around 200 monks. Also, like the Abhayagiri Vihara, it has brick architecture.  This once again indicates how ancient Anuradhapura was a hub of brick production. In fact, Ruwanwelisaya, the most sacred Stupa of the country inside the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex, also had brick architecture.  However, for the recent restoration, they used cement in the outer layer of the Stupa.  Moreover, massive excavation works have taken place in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, revealing gold panels showing the imagery of the Bodhisattva and partial inscriptions of the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra.  Now, the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra is the foundational text of Mahayana Buddhism. This shows how the Jethawanaramaya Stupa was the hub of different Buddhist thoughts and schools. However, you can see these gold panels now at the Colombo Museum.  Also, I came to know about another fascinating thing from a monk here: that the Stupa used to have a diamond in the crown. It used to turn aside lightning during the monsoon season.  3. The Gleaming White Ruwanwelisaya Stupa  The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is most famous among the locals and followers of Buddhism.  Now, unlike the Ritigala Forest Monastery, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and the other stupas in the complex are live hubs of Buddhist practices.  Also, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is especially famous for housing the remains of Lord Buddha.  Originally, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa was much smaller than the Jethawanaramaya Stupa. However, thanks to continuous maintenance, it now stands at a height of 100 meters.  Now, this was my experience in the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura. If you want to explore more, you can visit the Kaudulla National Park, at a distance of less than 2 hours, and the Hurulu Eco Park, at a distance of 1 hour and 50 minutes.   Location And How To Reach Anuradhapura?  Anuradhapura City is located on the banks of the Malwathu Oya. It is the capital of the central-west region of Sri Lanka and the district of Anuradhapura.  Anuradhapura is a 4-hour journey from Colombo and Kandy.  Once I explored the top attractions in Kandy, I took a minivan, which cost me LKR 1600. Now, you can also take private and public buses.  However, I had luggage and wanted to keep the schedule flexible. So, I chose the minivan.  Things To Remember For A Trip To Anuradhapura The Sun is merciless in Anuradhapura, even if you visit the Sacred City in winter. It becomes unbearable past 11 AM.  So, you have to really start early.  Also, carry water and wear full-sleeve clothes to maintain the dignity of the place and protect your skin from the Sun.  Moreover, as I have mentioned, visiting a place like Anuradhapura demands preparation. So, study well and have basic ideas about these stupas beforehand. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

Ella is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful towns.  Also, Ella is a place where many of my favorite Sri Lankan adventures took place.  My first sighting of the famous Nine Arch Bridge! One of my first hikes at Ella Rock, standing at the edge of the roaring Diyaluma Falls, and many more!  Perhaps the most famous train ride in the world, from Kandy, passes through Ella as well. Ella is a quaint and beautiful town and is a great place to escape the heat of the southern coasts. However, over the last decade, this quaint little hamlet has become a large tourist destination.  Unfortunately, the growth has also brought some concrete eyesores to the village.  There is still plenty of magic to be discovered here, if you are willing to move beyond the Instagram hotspots. I have undertaken two comprehensive visits to this beautiful hill-country retreat. Here, I have compiled the ultimate portfolio of things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka. What Are The Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka?  Despite the changes in Ella, Sri Lanka, the mountain ranges are just as majestic as they were years ago. Furthermore, the tea served is still some of the finest in the world. Moreover, people here are still warm.  And the most fascinating part?  Ella always brings out the explorer in you. How can you avoid the lure of riding in an open-air train or leaning over the edge of a waterfall?  Here is more about the exciting things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.  1. Riding The Iconic Kandy To Ella Train The Kandy to Ella train ride is the best thing you will do in Sri Lanka.  The train passes through tea plantations and crosses gushing streams.  And you cannot expect less from a route that has been labelled by many as the most picturesque train ride in the world.  However, the train ride also allows you to indulge in the local vibe. You will travel with local vendors hawking through the rush and the local boys singing and playing drums during the journey.  Also, the Nanu Oya to Ella stretch is the most beautiful in the entire route. Furthermore, don’t go for a 1st class ticket, and reserve a 3rd class ticket to enjoy the views through open windows.  2. Admiring  The Famous Nine Arch Bridge It is astonishing to think that a single bridge could drive tourists in droves to a small town. However, the Nine Arch Bridge is an engineering marvel that demands to be seen.  Standing 24 meters high and spanning 91 meters, it was completed in 1921 using only brick, rock, and cement. There is no metal at all. When the mist hangs low in the valley, the bridge takes on a moody, mystical feel.  You can walk along the tracks or look down from the tea plantations below. However, my favorite view is from the cafe platforms in the surrounding hills.  Watching the blue train slowly crawl across the arches is a sight I will never forget. 3. Hiking The Mighty Ella Rock  The hike to the Mighty Ella Rock starts from the Ella railway station. It was a walk with waterfalls and small homes on the way.  Then, the steep ascent began.  After reaching the top, you will get a beautiful view of Adam’s Peak and Ella Gap. 4. Watching Sunset At Little Adam’s Peak The hike to Little Adam’s Peak is a gentler alternative to the hike to Ella Rock.  I walked through the lush tree plantations. And once I reached the top, the panoramic view before my eyes was nothing short of a movie frame.  Plan your hike in the late afternoon to enjoy the most amazing sunset views from Little Adam’s Peak. 5. Chasing The Diyaluma Falls I started from Ella to Poonagala, the starting point for the Diyaluma Falls hike, by taking a tuk-tuk.  The tuk-tuk took 1.5 hours.  Furthermore, from Poonagala, it was a downhill hike to the Upper Diyaluma Falls, which had a 220-meter drop.  There are natural infinity pools right at the edge where you can swim during the dry season.  From the Upper Diyaluma Falls, it is another 30-minute hike to the Lower Diyaluma Falls.  6. Feeling The Mythological Connection At Ravana Falls  Ravana Falls is right by the road south of Ella.  Locals say that King Ravana took Princess Sita and hid her in the caves behind Ravana Falls.  Furthermore, you can see Ravana Falls from the road. However, it is best if you hike to the second and third tiers.  7. Taking A Seat With Sir Thomas Lipton Tea is the lifeblood of this region, and a visit to Lipton’s Seat is a journey to the source.  This is the exact spot where tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and survey his empire.  On a clear day, you can see all the way to the south coast. I visited the tea plantation on a foggy day. Sipping a fresh cup of Ceylon tea while the clouds swirled around the summit was incredibly atmospheric. 8. Taking A Tour Of The Dambethenne Tea Factory When you go to the high country, you must learn the actual science of the making of your brew. I visited the tea company founded by Lipton himself in 1890 and saw how it was picked, wilted, fermented, and graded. All of these were new to me as an individual who drinks a lot of tea.  About 80% of this tea is sold in Colombo and then exported around the world. I especially found the fermenting room to be extremely interesting. 9. Feel The Adrenaline Rush At Flying Ravana If you need a break from the hiking, Ella recently opened Sri Lanka’s first-ever zip-line.  It stretches half a kilometer across the hills and hits speeds of 80 km/h.  For around $20 USD, it’s one of the best value adrenaline fixes I have ever found. It’s located near the 98 Acres resort, making it a perfect way to end a trip to Little Adam’s Peak. 10. Mastering The Art Of The Curry At Ella, Sri Lanka  In my opinion, Sri Lanka has the best food (after my country, of course)! If you want to bring back a little bit of Sri Lanka to your home country, then you should try taking a cooking class.  Also, if you don’t have enough time, just try the food streets.  For me, it was a brilliant culmination of my food tour in Jaffna. Though the food in Ella is creamier and less spicy than in Jaffna.  11. Witnessing The Grandeur Of Bambarakanda Falls The Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in the country, and it falls from a height of 241 meters.  You can take a short hike or a tuk-tuk to reach the Bambarakanda Falls from Ella.  Then, stand at the base and feel the sheer power of that vertical drop.  Moreover, to enjoy the best flow of this waterfall, plan a visit between April and September.  12. Spotting The Elephants At Udawalawe Like the Kaudulla National Park, the Udawalawe National Park is also a great place for spotting elephants in the wild.  Ella is the base for a safari in the Udawalawe National Park.  I opted for an early morning safari, and I spotted adorable baby elephants with their mothers.  Don’t Forget To Party And Chill In Ella, Sri Lanka  Like Jaffna, a backpacker’s dream, Ella has also emerged as a hub for backpackers and budget travelers.  Ella Town is still a great place to unwind, and places such as Cafe Chill are at the epicenter of these scenes.  You can have some really good burgers and Lion Beer at some of these recognized cafes.  Moreover, when you spend time at these cafes, you don’t rush from one place to another. Instead, you study the local culture and understand how a country, ridden by cyclones, endless civil wars, and financial crisis, can still be the land of sunshine.