Located in the North-Central part of the island, Anuradhapura was originally founded by a King\’s minister named Anuradha in 500 BC. Anuradhapura is acclaimed as the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and has served as the royal capital of 113 kings. In 1073, Anuradhapura was fought over and abandoned when the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa. Explorers re-discovered the crumbling ruins in the 19th Century and an effort to restore and re-build this city has since begun. It is an important historical and archaeological site and continues to attract both Sri Lankan and foreign visitors as well as pilgrims.
Sri Maha Bodhi
Sri Maha Bodhi (the sacred Bo Tree) was brought to Sri Lanka as a sapling and planted in Anuradhapura. It is believed to be a sapling of the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhi Gaya in India. The tree is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world.
Brazen Palace
Brazen Palace (Lovamahapaya) was a dwelling for the Buddhist monks built by King Dutugamunu over 2000 years ago. From the once ten-storeyed, thousand-roomed building, only 1,600 stone columns remain.
Ruvanveliseya
Ruvanveliseya (Great Stupa) was built by King Dutugamunu in the 2nd Century BC. It is a dagaba consisting of a dome top with a pinnacle, standing on a square base. Its shape was inspired by a water bubble floating on water. Within the dome is a chamber containing sacred relics of the Buddha.
Thuparamaya
Thuparamaya is the oldest dagaba (stupa) on the island and is believed to enshrine the right collarbone of Lord Buddha. It was built in the 3rd Century BC by King Devanampiyatissa.
Jetavanaramaya
Jetavanaramaya is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka with a 113 m (367 ft) base. It raises 122 m (400 ft) in height and its perimeter walls enclose 8 acres. It is the 2nd largest monument in the world – 2nd only to the Pyramids of Egypt. It was built in the 3rd Century AD.
Dalada Maligawa
Dalada Maligawa (Tooth Relic Temple) first housed the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha when it was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD.
Nakha Vihara
Nakha Vihara is a square dagaba decorated with stucco figures.
Samadhi Buddha
This statue depicts the Buddha in a state of Samadhi or deep meditation
Kuttam Pokuna
Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) are two impressive pools used by the ancient monks for bathing.
King Mahasen\’s Palace
King Mahasen\’s Palace was built in the 3rd Century. All that remains now of this palace are the remnants of a few standing pillars. However, the semi-circular doorstep elaborately adorned with symbolic carvings is a testament to the grandeur of the structure that must have once stood there.
Ratnaprasada
Ratnaprasada (Gem Palace) is the preaching hall of a Buddhist monastery.
Lankarama
Lankarama is a stupa belonging to the Abhayagiri Vihara complex built in the 1st Century.
Anuradhapura Museum
Anuradhapura Museum occupies a British colonial building and contains unique finds from Anuradhapura.
Folk Museum
Folk Museum contains a collection of historical finds depicting the rural life in the North-Central Province.
Mirisaweti Dagaba
Mirisaweti Dagaba is a Buddhist shrine built by King Dutugamunu between 161 – 158 BC. To the north of it you will find a refectory with a food trough. This holds enough for 1,000 individual servings.
Basawakkulama
Basawakkulama – it is a tank built around the 4th Century BC identified with King Pandukabhaya.
Tissa Wewa
Tissa Wewa (lake) built during the 2nd Century BC covers 65 hectares (160 acres). The water travels 85 km (54 miles) from the Kala Wewa, feeding 70 tanks on its way. The cool shore of the tank is ideal to watch the sunset.
Nuwara Wewa
Nuwara Wewa is the largest tank in Anuradhapura created in the 2nd century AD. It is 7 km (4 ½ miles) across and 12 m (40 ft) deep.
Royal Pleasure Gardens
Royal Pleasure Gardens also known as the \’Park of the Goldfish” covered 160 hectares (400 acres). A network of pipes channelled water all over the gardens.
Isurumuniya Rock Temple
Dating from the 3rd century BC is well known for its rock carvings.
Isurumuniya Lovers
Isurumuniya Lovers is a famous sculpture carved in the 6th century AD in the Indian Gupta style.
Vessagiriya Ruins and Caves
Vessagiriya Ruins and Caves consist of three large outcrops of rocks and is said to have housed 500 members of the vaisya caste, a group ordained by Mahinda
Srilanka Miracle 