Anuradhapura, a historic city in the north central plains of Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s most significant ancient capitals. Serving as the capital of both the North Central Province and Anuradhapura District, it is situated 205 kilometers north of Colombo, along the banks of the historic Malwathu Oya river. Founded in the 4th century BC, Anuradhapura was the center of Sri Lankan civilization for over a millennium and is renowned for its well-preserved ruins of ancient palaces, monasteries, and stupas.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Anuradhapura is a key pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, featuring some of the most sacred Buddhist sites, including the Sri Maha Bodhi, a tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The city’s rich cultural and spiritual history, combined with its impressive archaeological sites, make it an essential destination for visitors interested in Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage.
