Anuradhapura is a vast open air museum of Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist civilization. With sacred Bodhi trees, colossal stupas and ruins over 2,000 years old, it’s a pilgrimage site and UNESCO treasure. This ancient capital still pulses with spiritual energy, inviting visitors to walk in the footsteps of kings, monks and timeless devotion.

• Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree
• Massive stupas like Ruwanwelisaya
• UNESCO World Heritage Site credentials
• Ancient irrigation marvels and reservoirs
• Pilgrimage site for local Buddhists
• Easy cycling through temple ruins

Once the majestic capital of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom, Anuradhapura is now a sprawling archaeological and spiritual wonderland. Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, it showcases the roots of Sinhalese civilization and Theravāda Buddhism, with a heritage so enduring it still resonates deeply with locals and pilgrims alike.

At the heart of Anuradhapura is the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Nearby, massive, white domed stupas like Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri dominate the skyline, once rivalling the pyramids in scale and ambition.

The ancient city is crisscrossed with monastic ruins, moonstones, guardian stones and ingenious reservoirs, all set amid serene lotus ponds and groves. Visitors can rent a bicycle or tuk tuk to explore the sites with ease.

Sri Lanka Tailor-Made recommends Anuradhapura to those with a passion for history, spirituality and cultural immersion. It’s not just a place to sightsee, it’s a place to feel the heartbeat of an ancient world, still alive in the chants of monks and the silent reverence of pilgrims.