Cultural · North Central Province
Anuradhapura Sacred City
Sri Lanka's first great capital, founded in the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura ruled the island for over a thousand years. Its sacred precinct centres on the Sri Maha Bodhi — grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment — and giant white stupas like Ruwanwelisaya, floodlit at night into ghostly domes rising above the ancient tanks.
Full profile & comments →Things to do here
- 1Cycle the sacred city loop between the great stupas
- 2Sunset visit to Ruwanwelisaya when the dome is floodlit
- 3Pilgrimage to the 2,300-year-old Sri Maha Bodhi tree
- 4Explore Isurumuniya rock temple and its 'Lovers' carving
- 5Climb Mihintale — the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism
- 6Full-moon Poya day observance with local devotees
Best time to visit
May to September
Insider tip
Wear white and cover shoulders/knees when visiting the stupas and Sri Maha Bodhi.
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