Anuradhapura Sacred City

The story

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.

Highlights

• Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stupas
• Sri Maha Bodhi — oldest recorded tree
• UNESCO World Heritage sacred city
• Ancient irrigation tanks

Things to do here

1. 1Cycle the sacred city loop between the great stupas
2. 2Sunset visit to Ruwanwelisaya when the dome is floodlit
3. 3Pilgrimage to the 2,300-year-old Sri Maha Bodhi tree
4. 4Explore Isurumuniya rock temple and its 'Lovers' carving
5. 5Climb Mihintale — the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism
6. 6Full-moon Poya day observance with local devotees