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About Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka for more than a thousand years and remains the island's most sacred city. It is still a living pilgrimage site rather than a museum — white-clad pilgrims move between the shrines every day, and the great stupas are as venerated now as they were two millennia ago.
At its centre stands the Sri Maha Bodhi, grown from a cutting of the very tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Planted in the third century BC, it is the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a recorded history.
Things to see & do
- Sri Maha Bodhi — the oldest recorded planted tree on earth
- Ruwanwelisaya, the great white dagoba
- Jetavanaramaya, once among the tallest structures in the world
- Isurumuniya rock temple and its carved lovers
- Mihintale, where Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka
- The ancient reservoirs and monastic ruins across the site
Anuradhapura in pictures
Good to know
DistrictAnuradhapura
Best time to visitMay to September avoids the heaviest rain. Visit shrines early in the day, and dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered, shoes off.
Getting thereAbout 4 hours from Colombo and 2 hours from Sigiriya. Frequently combined with Polonnaruwa and Mihintale.