Built around the sapling of the Buddha fig tree, Anuradhapura is a sacred city within the renowned Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Once the royal capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, this city still harbors countless treasures including Mahasena's palace with its famous moonstone, the Isurumuniya rock temple, and the royal gardens Ran Masu Uyana. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982, visiting this ancient royal city allows you to discover the history of Taprobane (the former name of Sri Lanka).

History

Anuradhapura was the largest and most important of Sri Lanka's royal capitals. It retained this status until the 11th century and witnessed 119 kings reign in succession. Among the country's holy cities, this capital is the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It was here that the first king of Sri Lanka converted to Buddhism in the 4th century.

It first appears in history around 550 BCE. It took its name from its governor, who was also a minister to the reigning king, "Anuradha".

Serving as both political and religious capital of Sri Lanka for approximately 1,300 years, Anuradhapura was abandoned in 993 following the invasion of nearly the entire island by the CHOLAS between 982 and 1029. During this period, the city was pillaged and destroyed by the invaders. Over time, it was gradually reclaimed by the jungle, until it was completely forgotten.

Today

Built around the tree of enlightenment, the Buddha fig tree or Bo tree, Anuradhapura is a gigantic open-air museum spanning approximately 40 square kilometers. Long buried beneath thick jungle, it is once again accessible with its palaces, pools, stupas, monasteries and numerous other monuments. This ancient royal capital is so rich in historical and architectural heritage that you'll need at least a full day to make the most of what it has to offer. Like the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, the site can be explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk to discover as many landmarks as possible. However, nothing quite compares to exploring on foot to truly absorb the majestic atmosphere of the place.

The site contains numerous ruins, dagobas (bottle-shaped pagodas), stupas and pools, with these being the principal ones not to miss:

The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and Its Temple

This is truly THE site not to be missed, as it is the sacred tree of Buddha upon which the entire history of Anuradhapura's reign is founded.

The Thuparama Dagoba

This is the oldest dagoba on the island, constructed shortly after the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE.

The Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba

Also called "Ratnamali Mahathupa," it is the most venerated dagoba in Sri Lanka. It is guarded by a hundred carved elephants.

The Jetavanarama Dagoba

It is the largest dagoba on the entire island. Though it once measured 100 meters in height, it now stands at only 70 meters. Nevertheless, it remains impressive and testifies on its own to the ingenuity of all ancient builders.

The Kuttam Pokuna Pools

These are among the finest examples of water reservoirs throughout Sri Lanka.

The Isurumuniya

This is a Buddhist temple distinguished by its original architectural style, particularly the elephant basin.

The Moonstone

This is King Mahasena's Palace and the most beautiful edifice on the island.

How to Get There

By Train:

Located in the north of the island, Anuradhapura is easily accessible. It is served by train from the capital, Colombo. On average, the journey takes 4 hours. It is also possible to reach Anuradhapura from the city of Kandy by train. However, unlike the train from Colombo, the train from Kandy is not direct. To reach your destination, you must change trains 3 times. The first departs from Kandy to Peradeniya. Then, from Peradeniya, take another train to Polgahawela, and finally the last train from Polgahawela to Anuradhapura.

By Bus:

Bus service is another option for reaching Anuradhapura. They can be found departing from most major cities in the country, such as Colombo, Dambulla, and others. The advantage of the bus is that it is faster than the train. The only drawback is that direct buses to Anuradhapura are rare.

Practical Tips

The entrance fee to the site is 3,750 rupees (as of 2017). Tickets are purchased at the archaeological museum booth and grant access to nearly the entire site. However, to enter certain monuments or areas, an additional fee will be required. This is the case, for example, at the Isurumuniya temple where 200 rupees per person is requested.

Before entering a sacred place such as a temple or Dagoba/Stupa, remember to remove your shoes. This is a mark of respect for Buddhism and for the believers themselves.

Also remember to cover your shoulders and knees, and do not turn your back to Buddha, as this can be perceived as disrespectful.