Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka and the capital of Anuradhapura District. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.

It was the third capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata selected by King Pandukabhaya, following the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. The first lake of Sri Lankan history; ‘Basawakkulama’ built by King Pandukabhaya also is found in Anuradhapura.

It is believed that from the fourth century BC until the beginning of the 11th century AD it was the capital of the Sinhalese. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²).

The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. The city lies 205 km (127 mi) north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo Tree) 

  • A 2,300-year-old tree, grown from a branch of the Bodhi tree in Dambadiva under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
  • One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.

Maha Stupa (Ruwanmeli Stupa)

  • Built in 140 BCE by King Dutugemunu.
  • One of the largest and most sacred stupas in Sri Lanka (103m high).
  • Contains relics of Buddha and attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Abhayagiriya Monastery 

  • A massive monastery that once housed 5,000 monks.
  • Features an 88m high stupa, ancient stone carvings, and ruins.

Jetavanaramaya Stupa 

  • Built in the 3rd century CE, once the tallest stupa in the world built by King Mahasen (over 120m).
  • A remarkable engineering and architectural feat of the ancient world.

Thuparamaya Stupa 

  • Considered the first stupa built by King Dewanam Piyathissa after introducing Buddhism (3rd century BCE).

Isurumuniya Rock Temple 

  • Features famous stone carvings, including “The Lovers” sculpture.
  • A peaceful Buddhist temple built into rock formations.

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) 

  • Royal bathing pools from the 8th century, showcasing ancient hydraulic engineering.

Mihintale

  • A sacred mountaintop monastery, where Buddhism was introduced to King Dewanam Piyathissa by Arahath Mahinda thero in 247 BCE.
  • Features an ancient staircase (1,840 steps), caves, and stupas.