Anuradhapura — Ancient Capital & Sacred Sites

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's premier ancient city, was the first Sinhalese capital and is situated in the dry zone about 206 km from Colombo. The city is renowned for its monumental stupas, vast tanks and continuous Buddhist traditions dating back over two millennia.

Highlights include the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi (the oldest historically documented living tree), the Samadhi statue, the twin ponds (Kuttam Pokuna), Isurumuniya, and monumental stupas such as Ruwanweliseya, Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya and Thuparamaya.

History & Archaeology

Excavations in the inner city have revealed human activity in multiple archaeological phases from the Mesolithic era (c. 3900 BC) through the early historic periods. Finds include pottery, coins, inscriptions, sculptures and structural remains that demonstrate continuous settlement and evolving craftsmanship.

Atamasthana — The Eight Sacred Places

The eight main places of worship (Atamasthana) are central to Anuradhapura's religious landscape: Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanveliseya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisavetiya and Lankaramaya.

Abhayagiriya & Museums

Abhayagiriya was a major monastic complex and international center of Buddhist learning, with a central stupa and extensive monastic buildings. The Abhayagiri museum displays artifacts found on site, including sculpture, pottery and inscriptions. The nearby Archaeological and Folk Museums provide broader context on daily life, religion and material culture of the region.

Engineering & Water Management

Anuradhapura's ancient engineers created extensive waterworks — large tanks, underground conduits and ponds such as the Elephant Pond and the Twin Ponds — enabling large monastic communities and sophisticated irrigation and filtration systems.

Major Monuments

Jetavanaramaya once rose over 400 ft and remains one of the largest brick stupas in the world. Ruwanweliseya, Lovamahapaya and Mirisavetiya are other remarkable monuments that reflect the scale and ambition of ancient builders.

Other Sites & Attractions

Visitors can explore Isurumuniya, the Moonstone at Ratnaprasada, the largest carved rice-bowl in the refectory, Thupavamsa meditation sites, and nearby treasures such as the Aukana Buddha and the ancient monastery at Tantirimale.

Regional Notes

The district contains many villages governed by local councils. The Eppawala phosphate deposit and traditional communities such as the gypsy families of Thambalagamuwa add to the area's economic and cultural diversity.

• Address

  Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Languages

  Sinhala, Tamil, English

• Currency Used

  LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee)

• Distance

  Approx. distances vary by region