Ancient City of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,400 years, from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. This ancient city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and houses some of the most significant Buddhist monuments.

The city features massive dagobas (stupas), ancient monasteries, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be grown from a cutting of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri dagobas are among the tallest ancient structures in the world.

Walking through Anuradhapura is like stepping back in time, with each monument telling stories of ancient kings, Buddhist monks, and the sophisticated hydraulic civilization that flourished here.