Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka and one of the greatest monastic cities of the ancient world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sacred city flourished for more than a millennium as a center of Theravāda Buddhism, kingship, and irrigation engineering.

The city is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi—a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, making it one of the oldest historically documented trees in the world. Visitors can also admire the colossal Ruwanwelisaya stupa, the Abhayagiri and Jetavanaramaya monasteries, and countless other stupas, temples, and monastic ruins.

Anuradhapura’s sophisticated irrigation system, with vast tanks such as Tissa Wewa and Basawakkulama, showcases the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan engineers who transformed dry lands into fertile fields. Today, Anuradhapura is not just a historical wonder but also a living pilgrimage site, drawing thousands of devotees each year.