Anuradhapura, in the dry north of the island, was the country’s first great capital and remains one of its most important sites of pilgrimage. Huge white stupas, ancient monasteries and ruined palaces are spread across a wide, mostly flat area.
A short history
Anuradhapura was the capital of the Sinhalese kings for well over a thousand years, from the 4th century BC until the 11th century AD. Buddhism was formally established here, and the city became a centre of learning and pilgrimage. The Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree said to have grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, is still tended and worshipped today. The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting there
Anuradhapura is roughly four to five hours by road from Colombo and about two hours from Sigiriya. It is a common stop on the way to Jaffna or Trincomalee, and Mihintale is a short drive to the east.
