The Sri Maha Bodhi is the world's oldest tree with a documented planting date, a living sapling of the very fig tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, brought to Sri Lanka by an emperor's daughter in 288 BCE.

Why visit Sri maha bodhiya

• Oldest Human-Planted Tree: At over 2,300 years old, this is the world's oldest living tree planted by a human with a known planting date. It was planted in 288 BCE.
• Direct Link to the Buddha: The tree is a direct descendant of the original sacred fig tree in India. Under that tree, Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment.
• Brought by Royalty: A Buddhist nun named Sangamitta Maha Theri brought the tree cutting to Sri Lanka. She was the daughter of Emperor Ashoka of India.
• Protected by Multiple Terraces: The tree is on a high terrace. It is protected by four lower-level terraces with other Bodhi trees. These trees are called "Parivara Bodhi."
• Symbol of Devotion: Farmers in the area have a tradition. They offer rice from their first paddy harvest to the tree. They believe this ensures a good harvest.