Sri Lanka's Sacred Ancient Capital
Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka's first great capital — a city of over one million people at its height in the 1st millennium AD, when it was one of the largest cities in the ancient world. It was the seat of Theravada Buddhism for over 1,300 years, a city of dagobas (dome-shaped relic shrines) so enormous they rival the pyramids of Egypt in sheer mass. The Jetavana Dagoba, built in the 3rd century AD, was once the third-tallest structure on earth.
The city fell to South Indian invaders and was gradually swallowed by jungle — only rediscovered and excavated in the 19th century. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves dozens of ancient structures spread across a vast sacred precinct. At its heart stands the Sri Maha Bodhi — a sacred fig tree planted in 288 BC from a cutting of the very tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is the oldest documented tree in the world with a continuous written history, and is worshipped daily by thousands of pilgrims.
Sri Maha Bodhi
The world's oldest documented tree — a direct descendant of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, planted 288 BC.
Ruvanveli Dagoba
Sri Lanka's most revered dagoba, its gleaming white dome visible for miles across the ancient city.
Jetavana Dagoba
Once the third-tallest structure on earth — 122 metres of fired brick, built in the 3rd century AD.
Mihinthale
The sacred hilltop where Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka in 247 BC — a short drive from Anuradhapura, with stone steps leading to ancient monasteries.
Abhayagiri Monastery
An enormous monastery complex that once housed 5,000 monks and produced some of the finest Buddhist scholarship of the ancient world.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. The dry season (May—September) keeps the ruins clear of vegetation and easy to explore on foot.
Getting There
Approximately 4 hours by road from Colombo. Domestic flights are available from Ratmalana Airport to Anuradhapura.
