Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka's oldest sacred capital — great stupas, monastic ruins, and the ancient Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, established in the fourth century BC, Anuradhapura is a vast sacred city of towering stupas, monastic ruins, and ingenious irrigation tanks built by ancient kings. At its heart stands the Sri Maha Bodhi — a sacred fig grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and among the oldest historically documented trees in the world.
Quick Facts
Region
Cultural Triangle
Best Time to Visit
May – September
Top Activities
Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Isurumuniya
Experiences in Anuradhapura
Sri Maha Bodhi
Pay respects at one of the world's oldest documented sacred trees.
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
Visit the great white dagoba, one of the ancient world's tallest monuments.
Isurumuniya
Admire the rock temple and its famous 'Isurumuniya Lovers' carving.
Ancient Tanks
Explore the sophisticated irrigation reservoirs built by ancient kings.
Anuradhapura in Photos
Travel Tips for Your Visit
Explore by Bicycle
The sacred city is vast and flat — a bicycle is the ideal way to see it.
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes at the sacred sites.
Beat the Heat
Start early — the open ruins offer little shade by midday.
Tours Including Anuradhapura
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