Anuradhapura

About Anuradhapura

Founded in the 4th century BC, Anuradhapura was the island's royal and religious capital for 1,300 years. Its UNESCO-listed sacred city holds the world's oldest historically planted tree — the Sri Maha Bodhi — and colossal white dagobas that rival the pyramids in scale.

Top experiences

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  Sri Maha Bodhi sacred tree

  The world's oldest historically documented tree, grown from a cutting of the Buddha's bodhi tree.

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  Ruwanwelisaya Stupa

  A gleaming white 103 m dagoba built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC.

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  Jetavanaramaya

  A 3rd-century red-brick dagoba once the third-tallest structure on earth.

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  Abhayagiri Dagoba

  A 75 m red-brick stupa at the heart of the once-thriving Abhayagiri Monastery.

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  Samadhi Statue

  A serene 4th-century granite Buddha in the classic 'dhyana mudra' pose of deep meditation.

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  Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)

  1,600 stone pillars — all that remains of a nine-storey monastic palace once roofed in bronze.

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  Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)

  A pair of 8th-century monastic bathing pools showcasing exquisite Sinhalese hydraulic engineering.

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  Isurumuniya Rock Temple

  A rock-cut temple beside a lotus pond, famous for its 6th-century 'Lovers' bas-relief.

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  Anuradhapura moonstones

  Semi-circular carved thresholds that are the pinnacle of ancient Sinhalese stone artistry.

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  Sunrise climb of Pidurangala

  Beat the crowds and watch dawn break over Sigiriya Rock.

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  Village bullock-cart & catamaran tour

  Rural life, lotus lakes and a home-cooked Sri Lankan lunch.

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  Guided cave-temple visit

  Explore Dambulla's painted caves with a cultural historian.

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  Cycling through paddy fields

  Easy back-road ride between tanks, temples and villages.

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  Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  5th-century UNESCO-listed sky palace atop a 200 m monolith.

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  Dambulla Cave Temple

  Five painted caves with 150+ Buddha statues, a UNESCO site.

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  Polonnaruwa ancient city

  12th-century royal capital of temples, palaces and colossal Buddhas.

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  Minneriya National Park

  Home to the annual 'Elephant Gathering' at the reservoir.