. Location
Anuradhapura sits in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, roughly 205 kilometers from Colombo toward the north. Running beside the Malwathu River, it forms a key piece of the country's Cultural Triangle - alongside places like Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya.
.Historical Significance
Anuradhapura matters big time - it was the original capital of old-school Sri Lanka, serving as heartland for Sinhalese life more than 10 centuries. Set up around the 4th century BCE, this place turned into a hotspot where politics, faith, and traditions mixed hard. It’s famous ’cause Buddhism landed here under King Devanampiya Tissa, along with holy spots such as the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya, plus Jetavanaramaya. Smart water networks, giant stupas, and streets laid out right show how sharp ancient locals were at building stuff. Right now? It's tagged by UNESCO, standing tall as proof of Sri Lanka’s deep roots in culture and spirit.
Main Attraction
1.Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo Tree)
The Sri Maha Bodhi’s a holy fig tree standing in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Folks say it sprouted from a cutting of the very tree in India where Buddha found awakening. That young plant arrived on the island around 250 BCE, carried over by Sangamitta Theri - Emperor Ashoka’s own child. This living tree holds the record as the most ancient one with clear historical proof anywhere on Earth; still today, it's deeply revered across Buddhism there. Every year, crowds after thousands come just to bow near it, lighting candles or whispering thanks.
2. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa sits in Anuradhapura - ranked among Sri Lanka’s holiest and grandest Buddhist sites. Built during the 100s BCE by King Dutugemunu, it holds holy remains linked to the Buddha himself. Known widely as the Great Stupa, its striking white mound plus huge scale reflect calmness and clarity. For followers of Buddhism, this site draws deep reverence while standing for shared purpose and strong faith across Sri Lankans.
3. Jetavanaramaya Stupa
The Jetavanaramaya Stupa stands as a key religious landmark in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Built during the 200s CE under King Mahasena, it was finished later by his successor, Maghavanna I. Rising where legend says a piece of Buddha's waistband rests, this structure holds deep spiritual value for followers. Because of that link, people have long visited to pay respect and honor its significance.
Back when it was finished, Jetavanaramaya reached roughly 122 meters - or 400 feet - ranking among the highest buildings of antiquity while claiming the title of biggest brick-made construction in history. Its huge dome along with unique layout highlights how skilled old Sri Lankan builders really were. Right now, this site represents deep Buddhist roots, strong faith, and national identity, pulling in countless visitors and worshippers every single year.
4. Thuparamaya Dagoba
The Thuparamaya Dagoba sits in Anuradhapura - Sri Lanka’s earliest stupa, also among its holiest Buddhist spots. Constructed under King Devanampiya Tissa around the 200s BCE, shortly after Buddhism arrived via Arahat Mahinda Thera, Ashoka's son from India. Locals believe it holds the actual right collarbone of the Buddha, so followers treat this place with deep respect.
Back when it was first made, Thuparamaya had a bell-like form - over time, folks rebuilt it again and again, but somehow it kept its old charm plus deep sacred value. Stone columns line the stupa now; long ago, they held up a roofed shelter called a vatadage. Right at this moment, Thuparamaya means more than just religion - it’s tied to heritage, marks where Buddhism started in Sri Lanka, pulling visitors who seek meaning from every corner of the globe.
5. Abhayagiri Monastery
The Abhayagiri Monastery sits in Anuradhapura - ranked among Sri Lanka’s biggest and key historic Buddhist sites. Set up during the 100s BCE by King Valagamba, also called Vattagamini Abhaya, once he took back power. Its name translates to "Hill without Fear." Over time, it turned into a hub for study, deep practice, and arts, pulling religious figures and thinkers across Asia.
Back when it thrived, Abhayagiri housed many monks across roughly 200 hectares - temples, pools, living quarters, plus shrines were part of it. Rising high among old-world structures, the Abhayagiri Stupa shows how impressive this monastic complex once was. Scholars kept key Buddhist writings here while supporting both Mahayana and Theravada paths at the same time. Now? It's protected by UNESCO, standing for Sri Lanka’s deep religious wisdom from long ago.
6. Isurumuniya Temple
The Isurumuniya Temple sits in Anuradhapura - ranked among Sri Lanka's prettiest and most meaningful old Buddhist sites. Built under King Devanampiya Tissa around the 200s BCE, it gave shelter to five hundred fresh monks tied to royalty. Known for striking carvings on stone, along with calm vibes, it shows how creative and deep early Sri Lankan spirituality truly was.
One famous carving there shows the "Lovers of Isurumuniya" - a striking piece thought to portray Prince Saliya, heir of King Dutugemunu, alongside Asokamala, the woman he loved. Besides that, you’ll find images near the Elephant Pond and sculptures of royal kin, proof of how talented old Sri Lankan artisans truly were. Carved partly into bedrock, this shrine blends rugged landscape with quiet reverence. Right now, it's still a holy place - standing for deep feeling, belief, and creative spirit within the island’s past.
Ancient Reservoirs
Anuradhapura’s ancient engineers created a sophisticated irrigation system.
Major tanks include: