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BY  Sibashree Sep 18, 2026

Jetavanaramaya is in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  It is easily the most physically overwhelming structure I have seen anywhere on the island.   Can you believe that this stupa was built using 93.3 million baked mud bricks in 301 CE?  Even today, though the stupa is around half the height of the original stupa, it still impresses, with a towering height of 71 meters.   Furthermore, archaeologists think that a three-foot brick wall could be constructed between London and Edinburgh or New York City and Pittsburgh with these mud bricks.   However, Jetavanaramaya is not just about the imposing height.   It has a rich history and spiritual significance. Also, recent news has put it back in the global spotlight.  I will discuss all these aspects in this article, along with everything you need to plan the trip yourself.  Jetavanaramaya At A Glance  Detail Information Location Jetavana Monastery, Sacred City of Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka Built by King Mahasena (r. 273–301 CE) started the construction  It was completed by his son, Sirimeghavanna/ Maghavanna I Original height Approximately 122 metres  It is the tallest brick structure ever built. Current height Approximately 71 metres, after 12th-century restoration under King Parakramabahu I Bricks used An estimated 93.3 million baked bricks Global ranking (at completion) Third-largest man-made structure on Earth, after the two Great Pyramids of Giza Base area Roughly 233,000 m²  Relic enshrined Believed to be a fragment of a sash or belt worn by the Buddha. UNESCO status Part of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1982 Nearest town Anuradhapura city centre, about 4–5 km away  A Recent Spotlight: Jetavanaramaya's 2026 Global Moment Jetavanaramaya does not need an introduction due to its architectural magnanimity or significance in Buddhism.   However, it has become a talking point once again with CNN Travel publishing a detailed feature recently.   In the February 2026 post, CNN Travel has described it as “massive megastructure built for eternity.”   Also, the same post places it alongside the Great Pyramids in terms of ancient engineering ambition.  The piece, reported from Anuradhapura itself, spent time with Godamune Pannaseeha, a senior archaeology officer who has spent years studying the site.  Also, it framed the stupa within the living pilgrimage culture that still surrounds it.  As I have seen it, there were pilgrims in white, monks chanting at dawn, rituals that have continued largely uninterrupted for more than 2,000 years.  The coverage was picked up widely across the US and international outlets in the weeks that followed.  Moreover, Sri Lankan media noted it as a rare moment of global attention for a site that, despite its scale, remains far less visited than Sigiriya Rock Fortress or the Temple of the Tooth.   If you are planning a Cultural Triangle trip in 2026, this is genuinely a good year to see it before the crowds catch up to the coverage.  The History Behind The Tallest Brick Stupa In The World Jetavanaramaya is a physical record of a religious dispute.   Understanding why it exists makes the visit land differently, even if we forget about the height or scale for a while.  King Mahasena And The Sect Rivalry That Built It  King Mahasena began construction of this stupa between 273 and 301 CE.  It was during a period of real tension between two Buddhist sects, the Mahavihara and the more liberal Abhayagiri fraternity.  Mahasena was a patron of the Abhayagiri fraternity.   The stupa became the centrepiece of the Jetavana Vihara, a monastic complex built for the breakaway Sagalika sect.  It was designed, according to archaeologists, to accommodate more than 3,000 monks.   Every structure in the complex was oriented toward the stupa.  It was a daily, physical reminder of where devotion was meant to point.  The Relic Enshrined Inside  Jetavanaramaya is a solid stupa, not a hollow one.  So, you cannot go inside.   What's believed to be enshrined at its core is a fragment of a sash or belt worn by the Buddha.  Thus, it is a cenotaph of deep religious significance rather than a burial monument in the ordinary sense.   Some accounts also connect the site to the cremation of Mahinda Thera, the monk credited with bringing Buddhism to Sri Lanka.  This version about the stupa comes from the excavated ash and charcoal layers found nearby.  Restoration Through The Centuries  Like most of Anuradhapura, Jetavanaramaya fell into decline after the capital shifted away from the city.  It was buried gradually by jungle growth and centuries of neglect.   King Parakramabahu I restored it in the 12th century, bringing it to roughly its current height.   Large-scale conservation further resumed in the 20th century, and it remains an active restoration site today.  Even in its diminished state, it is still the largest man-made brick structure by volume.  What It Is Really Like To Stand Before Jetavanaramaya Honestly, photos do not give a fair idea about the scale of the stupa.  Standing at its base, this is what I actually felt.   The Scale You Don't Expect  A height of 71 metres and made of 93 million bricks!  Reading about these numbers is different from actually walking the perimeter.   Each side of the base runs close to 576 feet, and the entrance staircases alone are around 28 feet wide.   It was a long walk circling the structure once.   However, the brick structure was more fascinating, with a distinct texture and color.   Furthermore, the uneven weathering of this deep terracotta structure is an art time has created.   No photograph truly captures that.   Golden Hour And The Rituals Around It  Afternoon is the best time to visit the stupa.   The heat is less, and the stupa looks warmer with a red-orange hue thanks to the light.   Also, this is the time when pilgrims in large numbers circumambulate the stupa clockwise.  They walk barefoot with flowers or lit oil lamps in their hands, and suddenly you see evening has set in.   Exploring The Jetavana Monastery Complex The stupa is the epicenter of the monastery complex.   However, if you want to know more about the history and soak in the spiritual ambiance, explore the other structures mindfully.   The Jetavanaramaya Museum  This on-site museum is small, but it displays artefacts recovered during excavation.  I saw beads, coins, ivory carvings, pottery, and inscribed stone fragments, along with information panels on the sect rivalry that produced the stupa.   It takes around 30 minutes to explore the museum. However, it is a useful stop, considering the information it provides.   Nearby Ruins Worth Your Time  There are remains of monastic buildings, ponds and boundary walls around the stupa.   The refectory ruins and stone urinals with their surprisingly intricate carved drainage systems especially demand a mention.  These structures hint at an organised monastic life.  Entrance Fees And Tickets Jetavanaramaya is covered by the single Anuradhapura Sacred City round ticket.  So, you do not need to buy a separate ticket for it.   Visitor category Approximate price (2026) Notes Foreign adult (non-SAARC) US$25–30 Covers:  Jetavanaramaya Ruwanwelisaya Abhayagiri Thuparamaya, and other sacred-city sites SAARC nationals US$12–15 Passport required at the counter Children (6–12) Around half the adult rate Under 6 generally free Local (Sri Lankan) visitors Free ID required and a small fee applies only for the site museums Combined Cultural Triangle ticket US$50–60 Covers:  Anuradhapura Polonnaruwa Sigiriya  Dambulla Royal Cave Temple   Note that the Sacred City round ticket does not include Isurumuniya, Sri Maha Bodhi, or Mihintale.  So, you will need smaller entry tickets.   You can buy tickets at the main office near the Archaeological Museum, or pre-book online to skip the queue.  Opening Hours And Best Time To Visit Jetavanaramaya The archaeological sites are generally open daily from around 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.   Avoid the midday window (roughly 12:00–3:00 PM), when the heat over the open brick platform gets genuinely uncomfortable.   Early morning and the last two hours before closing are both good choices.  The latter also lines up with the evening rituals.   Moreover, December to March is the most pleasant season weather-wise, with lower humidity and less rain.  Getting There  Anuradhapura is roughly 200 km north of Colombo.  The journey takes around 4.5 hours by car.   Also, it is about 65 km from Dambulla.   Moreover, in a Cultural Triangle itinerary, it pairs naturally with Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Mihintale.   Again, since the Sacred City is vast, you can rent a bicycle for the day to move around.   The bicycle rental costs around LKR 1500 for a day.   Furthermore, you can hire tuk-tuks and cars with a driver-guide.  A Suggested Half-Day Itinerary For Jetavanaramaya  Time Stop What to expect 7:00 AM Sri Maha Bodhi Dawn pilgrimage atmosphere at the sacred fig tree. 8:00 AM Ruwanwelisaya The gleaming white stupa and its elephant wall. 9:15 AM Jetavanaramaya Spend at least an hour, and more with the museum. 10:45 AM Jetavanaramaya Museum Excavated artefacts and site context. 11:30 AM Abhayagiri Dagoba The third great stupa, with a quieter, more forested setting. 1:00 PM Lunch in Anuradhapura town Break before the afternoon heat.  Tips From My Visit To Jetavanaramaya A local guide (arranged through your hotel or the ticket office) adds real value here. You cannot know much of the sect rivalry from the on-site signage.  You can take photos here. However, avoid posing with your back to the stupa or in disrespectful positions.   This is an active religious site for Buddhist pilgrims.  Beyond Jetavanaramaya: Continuing Your Anuradhapura Journey Jetavanaramaya fits easily into an Anuradhapura itinerary, including Ruwanwelisaya and Mihintale.  This cluster is the best way to get a full picture of the ancient capital.  Furthermore, you can continue south from here to other major Buddhist sites such as Mulkirigala and Kataragama.  Why Jetavanaramaya Still Matters  The significance of Jetavanaramaya is specific.   It is proof of Sri Lankan excellence in craftsmanship in the fourth century.   Even then, they could organize labor and materials and execute an ambition on a scale that rivalled any civilization of that era.  So, around 1700 years later, when you stand at the base of the stupa, it is like time travel.

BY  Sibashree Mar 20, 2026

There’s something special about fishing for sturgeon.  Sturgeon have existed longer than anything else on Earth, and many describe them as "dinosaurs of the deep."  In fact, hooking one that is considered a keeper size seems so much different than catching a freshwater fish from the Pacific Northwest.  Anglers look forward to this season all year, just so they can land one and head home with a story. You need to be aware of the regulations, receive useful ideas, and know where the fish are legally caught before you leave through the front door.  Here are the things that you must know about how to catch keeper sturgeon legally.  What Is The Keeper Sturgeon Season? Keeper sturgeon season is that short stretch when you’re actually allowed to keep white sturgeon, as long as they fall within a certain size.  The remainder of the time, all fishing is permitted exclusively by the "catch-and-release" method, with no exceptions allowed.  Regulations concerning white sturgeon are exceedingly strict and can frequently be modified based on your location.  After reviewing the most current population data on sturgeon, fish and wildlife personnel from the State of Washington will set the limit of sturgeon that can be possessed per person.  Sometimes you only get a couple of days or weekends before the keeper season wraps up. When the go-ahead comes, anglers jump at the chance, eager to take advantage before it’s over. Timing Is Everything For Catching A Sturgeon  When keeper sturgeon season kicks off, everyone gets pretty fired up, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.  But the folks who really know what they’re doing aren’t just riding the hype.  They plan ahead and get to the launch before most people even start their engines.  By sunrise, there’s a line of boats, and a crowd gathers here really fast. Sturgeon don’t sit around waiting, so you shouldn’t either. If the season falls on a weekend, get out there before the sun’s up.  That early morning window is golden. Fish bite better, the water’s calmer, and you have the best shot before the wind and current start making things trickier. How To Catch Keeper Sturgeon Legally: Know The Rules Before You Go Local regulations are crucial for ethical fishing tourism or recreational tourism. Check out the table below to know how to catch keeper sturgeon legally.  Factors to ConsiderDetailsSize Limits- 44 to 50 Inches Fork LengthBag Limits- One Sturgeon Per DayTwo to Three Sturgeon Per YearLicense- Valid Fishing LicenseBarbless HooksCatch Reporting- Reporting the Catch Immediately on Your Sturgeon Harvest Card You must abide by these rules to avoid heavy fines.  What Is The Best Gear For Catching Sturgeon?  Sturgeon are large and powerful fish. So, to bring the right one home, you will need the right gear.  Right Gear to Catch SturgeonSpecifications Rod and Reel- 50 to 80-Pound Line- Strong Spinning ReelLine and Leader- A Braided Mainline (80 to 100-Pound Test)- Heavy Monofilament or Fluorocarbon (100-pound Test) for LeaderHooks and Weights- Circle Hooks- 5/0 t0 9/0 - Bait Weight of 6 to 20 OuncesBait- Smelt- Herring- Shad- Squid- Sand Shrimp What Are The Best Spots For Keeper Sturgeon Fishing? Here are some of the most popular and productive regions known for keeper sturgeon fishing. 1. Columbia River (Oregon And Washington) Stretching along the Oregon and Washington border, the Columbia River sees seasonal openings that attract hundreds of anglers. Key spots include Bonneville Pool, Willamette River mouth, and the Astoria area.  2. Willamette River (Oregon) The Willamette River has had some keeper sturgeon seasons in past years, especially near Oregon City and Portland. 3. Snake River (Idaho, Oregon, Washington) Sturgeon fishing happens in the Snake River in various sections, although many parts are catch-and-release only. Tips For A Successful Keeper Sturgeon Trip Here are a few tried-and-true tips from experienced fishing guides at Columbia River fishing adventures to help improve your odds.  Scout Early If you can, do a catch-and-release trip a few days before the season opens. This lets you mark spots, test gear, and figure out where the fish are hanging. You can also learn more from Anchor Right Positioning is crucial. You want your bait to rest near deep holes, channel edges, or drop-offs where sturgeon feed. Stay Patient Sometimes it takes a while for fish to find your bait. Wait at least 30 to 45 minutes before moving. If there’s no action after that, try a new location. Bring a Measuring Device Since only certain sizes can be kept, you need a way to measure the fish accurately in the water. A large bump board or marked rope works well. Practice Respectful Harvest Because sturgeon grows slowly, it can take more than twenty years for an adult fish to reach legal size.  The best way to help ensure a good population of sturgeon is to abide by all regulations on handling fish correctly. When releasing small fish that are below legal size, handle them with care, keeping them as wet as possible while removing hooks as carefully as possible and allowing them time to swim away strong. Remember that during keeper seasons, the goal is not only to fill your freezer with fish but also to continue providing fun sturgeon fishing for future generations. Know How To Catch Keeper Sturgeon Legally And Enjoy The Excitement  The keeper sturgeon season offers anglers a unique chance to take home a fish that appears to come from the ancient past.  With proper preparation, respectful fishing practices, and knowledge of the regulations, you can enjoy an awesome day on the water. From the Willamette River to the Columbia and beyond, amazing destinations are out there for you to discover.  Remember to take your time preparing, be patient while you do this, and have fun with every moment spent on the adventure.  The thrill of going after these big fish will always be rewarding, whether you catch one or not! Now gather your equipment and prepare. Although keeper season is short, the memories endure. 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BY  Ankita Feb 5, 2024

Sustainable travel practices are becoming increasingly vital for corporate travel agencies as they navigate complex business needs and environmental responsibilities. By integrating sustainability into their policies and offerings, these agencies not only support eco-friendly initiatives but also address the burgeoning demand for responsible travel options. A corporate travel agency can play a pivotal role in reducing a company's carbon footprint by offering lower-emission flights, eco-friendly accommodations, and ground transportation options. These can help to minimize environmental impact. As sustainability grows, corporate travel agencies can lead the shift toward more responsible business travel. These agencies help educate clients about the environmental impact of their travel choices and provide sustainable alternatives that align with their corporate social responsibility goals. By leveraging their expertise and industry connections, travel agencies can help businesses implement sustainable travel practices that support a greener future without compromising efficiency and convenience. Key Takeaways Corporate travel agencies are essential for promoting sustainability in business travel. Agencies help reduce travel-related carbon footprints through eco-friendly options. Agency expertise helps companies adopt sustainable travel practices. The Impact and Importance of Sustainable Business Travel Understanding sustainable business travel is crucial not only for reducing your company's carbon footprint but also for contributing positively to the environment. As awareness of climate change grows, corporate travel agencies play a key role in helping businesses travel smarter. Understanding the Environmental Impact of Business Travel When you consider business travel, it's important to recognize its substantial environmental impact. Flights, for instance, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with aviation accounting for about 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Because transportation is a critical part of corporate travel, the energy used for business trips directly increases carbon emissions and accelerates climate change. Integrating Sustainable Travel Options into Corporate Travel To address these issues, your corporate travel policies must integrate sustainable travel options. This could involve: Choosing flights that use sustainable aviation fuel Partnering with vendors prioritizing sustainability Utilizing a carbon calculator to track and manage carbon emissions By doing so, you help reduce the carbon footprint of your business travel. Additionally, corporate travel managers are sourcing sustainable vendors and making these practices standard in travel programs, which increasingly reflects your company's commitment to social responsibility. Strategies for Implementing Sustainable Travel Practices Transitioning to sustainable business travel isn't simply a trend; it's an essential evolution in response to global environmental challenges and consumer expectations. As a corporate travel agency, implementing sustainable practices strategically is imperative. The Role of Technology and Innovation in Sustainable Travel Technology and innovation are the backbone of advancing sustainable travel. Travel policies can be strengthened by integrating software that tracks and reports carbon emissions and encourages customers to choose greener options. For instance, platforms that offer carbon-neutral travel options give travelers transparent, impactful choices. You can further foster responsible travel by investing in technology that simplifies the booking of eco-friendly accommodations and transportation. Examples of technology aiding sustainable travel: Carbon emission tracking tools: Help monitor and reduce travelers' carbon footprint. Eco-rating systems: Assist customers in choosing services with lower environmental impacts. Building Connections with Local Communities and Tourism Developing connections with local communities and encouraging sustainable tourism are also vital. Strong relationships lead to more authentic travel experiences and ensure tourism benefits the local economy. As a travel agency, advocate for travel experiences that respect local regulations and customs and promote sustainability. Ways to connect with local communities include: Local sourcing: Advocate for using local guides and services. Supporting local ventures: Encourage travelers to engage with businesses that give back to the community. By prioritizing these strategies, your agency plays a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future for the travel industry. Sustainable Business Travel Tips Here are some of the best sustainable travel practices corporations can implement to reduce their carbon footprint without giving up business travel.  Book Your Business Trips Selectively A change of air and venue to break the daily office grind is something every corporate employee likes. However, these organizations must question their need for such extravagant in-person travel. This can significantly affect the organization's ecological footprint.  Businesses can discourage such short trips and encourage a series of trips together. Companies should consider whether virtual alternatives are possible. Many corporate conferences offer virtual options through video conferencing tools that let workers attend sessions and listen to speakers without traveling. ‘ Eco-Friendly Transportation If the travel distance is not too far, businesses can ask employees to take a train instead of a flight. According to the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, railways have lower carbon emissions than air travel. Trains also offer more comfort, with better views and more legroom.  In some cases, taking a train may not be an option. If travelers must fly, businesses should encourage them to take a direct flight. Takeoff and landing cycles influence carbon emissions. Fuel combustion during takeoff and high-altitude cruising is very high. Flights with layovers could be more economical, but it does not help the environment get any better.  Choose Green Hotels Many hospitality chains worldwide have reduced their carbon footprint. When booking hotels, ask what steps they have taken to go green and whether they have LEED certification. It is a certification program that acknowledges sustainably built systems. Hotels now provide only new sheets and towels on arrival, which helps conserve water and energy in the process. Some hotels no longer use single-use toiletries. Now, they offer bulk items such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower. This eliminates excess waste sent to landfills.  Conclusion Corporate travel agencies have a critical role in shaping sustainable business travel practices. Through their expertise, they guide you in adopting green travel policies, ensuring that your business's travel footprint aligns with broader sustainability goals. By choosing suppliers with sustainable credentials and continuously monitoring travel impacts, your travel program can help protect the environment while also promoting social responsibility within your organization. Partnering with these agencies gives you the power to make each business trip an opportunity for positive change. Learn More About: How To Save Money On A Trip To Abu Dhabi? 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg How To Use Videos To Drive Conversions In Travel Business?