Sri Maha Bodhi

This temple is located at the end of the Avenue of the Sacred Tree. To enter you have to pass a security checkpoint with a metal detector, and they record your personal information. I was really surprised at the high level of security. Inside, you have to remove your shoes and cover your knees and back. The temple is a place of pilgrimage for all Buddhists of Sri Lanka since the famous sacred tree is located inside. Brought from India, this is a branch of the tree from which, 2000 years ago, Buddha reached enlightenment. The temple is quite simple. There are several chapels with images of Buddha and people come to leave fresh flowers next to these.

Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the eight holy Buddhist places in Anuradhapura. The city was once the capital of the kingdom of Sri Lanka, but now only the ruins remain. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site. The visit is free, but they ask for donations to enter the temple. It is always better to leave something in the "donation box" than someone! The Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred tree and is over 2000 years old. It's now kept with gold sticks and metal. You have to wear pants, make sure your back is covered, pass a police security check and take your shoes off in order to visit. It's amazing when you see the amount of people.