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Ancient Capital of Sri Lanka Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilization. Located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, this ancient city was documented as the first kingdom of Sri Lanka, dating to the 4th century BC. It was during the peak of this kingdom that Buddhism became the established religion in the country, which is signified by the dominating structure of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya along with other temples and ruins dotted around the historic town. Stroll along with the remnants of the past or cycle around the ancient kingdom instead.

Top Attractions in Anuradhapura
Jungle

Kalawawa National Park

Kalawawa National Park: 4,030 hectares, diverse habitats, wildlife including elephants, leopards, and over 100 bird species, with Kalawawa Reservoir, famous for fishing and managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Heritage Site

The Archaeological Museum

The Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum in Sri Lanka showcases a vast collection of ancient artifacts and relics, giving visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Heritage Site

Lowamahapaya

Lowamahapaya, the Brazen Palace in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a must-visit historical palace for travelers who appreciate the unique architecture and intricate carvings, which stand as a testament to the ancient Sri Lankan people’s skill and ingenuity.
Popular

Mirisawatiya Dagaba

Mirisawatiya Dagaba is a revered Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka, built in the 3rd century BCE to enshrine the Buddha’s hair relic, and it is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
Climbing

Mihintale

Mihintale is a historic site in Sri Lanka where visitors can explore ancient stupas, caves, and ponds and enjoy panoramic countryside views.
Heritage Site

Jethawanaramaya

Jethawanaramaya is an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka built by King Mahasena. It is one of the tallest old structures in the world and a national treasure of Sri Lanka.
Heritage Site

Thuparamaya Dagaba

Thuparamaya Dagaba is an ancient Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka, believed to be the first after the introduction of Buddhism. It’s a popular site for pilgrimage and houses a relic of the Buddha.
Heritage Site

Abayagiriya Monastery

Abayagiriya Monastery in Sri Lanka is an important center of Buddhist learning and meditation with a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BC.

Isurumuniya Temple

There are many rumors as to which love couple is symbolized by the world-famous Isurumuni love couple built by king Dewanampiyatissa

Wilpaththu National Park

Experience Sri Lanka’s most unavailable nature in the vast solitude of Wilpattu National Park. It is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest game reserve, occupying a vast swathe of land bordering the copper-sand beaches of the northwest coast.

Ruwanwali Maha Saya

AD Built around 140AD by king Dutugemunu, this 103m high and 290m girth Maha Saya is a beautiful creation in the city of Anuradapura.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Considered the oldest tree in recorded history and one of the most sacred relics for Buddhists worldwide, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya was brought to the country by Sanghamitra Thera and planted by the then reigning monarch King Devanampiyatissa.

Hotels Around Anuradhapura

Best Things to do in Anuradhapura