The Sacred City of Anuradhapura is one of Asia’s oldest inhabited cities and a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Nestled in the island’s north central plains, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases a civilization that thrived for over a millennium. What makes Anuradhapura extraordinary isn’t just its age but its continued religious significance: the city remains a pilgrimage site for Buddhists who come to pay homage to the Sri Maha Bodhi, a tree grown from a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Here, colossal stupas rise above green paddies, ruins of monastic complexes spread across the landscape and sacred reservoirs glisten in the sun. Join us on a journey through Anuradhapura’s past and present, and learn how to make the most of your visit.

Founding and Flourishing

According to Sri Lankan chronicles, Anuradhapura was founded around the 4th century BCE by King Pandukabhaya and later became the capital of a flourishing Sinhala kingdom. Its strategic location near the Malwathu Oya river allowed for easy irrigation, which supported agriculture and facilitated population growth. In the 3rd century BCE, Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka when the missionary monk Mahinda, son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, converted King Devanampiya Tissa. The king then planted a cutting from the original Bodhi tree in India at Anuradhapura, establishing the Sri Maha Bodhi as a central pilgrimage site. Over the next thousand years successive kings constructed vast monasteries, towering stupas, reservoirs and gardens, transforming Anuradhapura into an influential religious and administrative centre.

Stupas and Monuments

Anuradhapura’s most visible landmarks are its stupas (called dagobas locally), which house sacred relics and serve as focal points for worship. Among them:

• Ruwanwelisaya: Built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, this gleaming white stupa stands 55 metres high. It is revered for its perfect proportions and houses relics of the Buddha.
• Jetavanarama: Once the tallest stupa in the world at nearly 122 metres, this brick monument built in the 3rd century CE by King Mahasena ranks among the largest structures of the ancient world. Its massive dome evokes a sense of power and devotion.
• Abhayagiri Dagoba: Part of the expansive Abhayagiri Monastery, this stupa rises to 75 metres and symbolises the rivalry between different monastic orders in ancient Sri Lanka. The surrounding monastery complex once housed thousands of monks.
• Thuparamaya: Considered the island’s oldest stupa, built in the 3rd century BCE, it enshrines a collarbone relic of the Buddha. Its simple bell shape contrasts with the larger later stupas.

Each stupa is surrounded by stone carvings, image houses and moonstones (carved semicircular steps) that illustrate the craftsmanship of ancient stonecutters.

The Sacred Bodhi Tree and Rituals

Central to Anuradhapura’s spiritual aura is the Sri Maha Bodhi. According to legend, Sanghamitta Theri, daughter of Emperor Ashoka, brought a sapling from the Bodhi tree in India to Sri Lanka in 288 BCE. Planted in the Royal Pleasure Garden at Anuradhapura, this sapling has been tended continuously for over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest documented living trees in the world. Pilgrims flock to this site to offer flowers, light oil lamps and circle the tree in prayer. The rituals performed here often include chanting and meditation, creating a moving display of faith. A golden fence and statues protect the sacred tree, while flags and prayer pennants flutter in the breeze.

Monastic Complexes and Architecture

Beyond the stupas, Anuradhapura encompasses enormous monastic complexes that provide insight into the everyday lives of monks and the architectural sophistication of ancient Sri Lanka. The Abhayagiri Monastery covers 200 hectares and includes bathing ponds, meditation walkways and residential cells. Nearby, the Mahavihara was the centre of Theravada Buddhist scholarship, while the Jetavanarama Monastery boasted libraries and image houses. A highlight of Abhayagiri is the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds), two beautifully designed bathing pools with stone steps and sculptures of makara (mythical creatures). The Samadhi Buddha, a serene seated statue carved from stone, embodies the meditative spirit of the place. Elsewhere, the ruins of royal palaces and administrative buildings reveal how the city functioned as a seat of power.

Hydraulic Mastery: Tanks and Canals

As with other ancient Sri Lankan cities, water management was key to Anuradhapura’s success. Kings built a network of reservoirs (or “tanks”) to harness the monsoon rains. The largest, the Nuwara Wewa and the Kala Wewa, fed smaller tanks through canals, ensuring a steady supply of water for agriculture and domestic use. This system allowed the city to support its population during dry spells and remains functional today. The bunds of these tanks are popular spots to enjoy a sunset or observe birdlife. Walking or cycling along these reservoirs offers glimpses of modern life coexisting with ancient infrastructure.

Tips for Visiting

Anuradhapura covers a vast area, so allocate at least one full day—preferably two—to explore. Renting a bicycle or hiring a tuk‑tuk with a knowledgeable driver makes it easier to navigate between monuments. Start early to avoid the midday heat and carry water, sun protection and snacks. Respectful attire is important; shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting sacred sites. The archaeological site ticket includes the museum, which displays relics and explains the city’s history. If you wish to attend a religious ceremony, the Bodhi tree area often hosts evening prayers, creating a serene and moving experience.

Integrating Anuradhapura into Your Itinerary

The Sacred City of Anuradhapura forms one point of the Cultural Triangle, making it a natural combination with visits to Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla. Many travellers also pair their trip with a safari in Wilpattu National Park to see leopards and sloth bears, or with a stay in nearby Mihintale, considered the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Viyala Travels offers bespoke tours that can include guided exploration of Anuradhapura’s monuments, cycling excursions and cultural interactions with local villagers. Our guides share stories that breathe life into the ruins and ensure you experience the city in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

The Enduring Allure of Anuradhapura

Standing before the towering stupas of Anuradhapura, you are struck by both their scale and the centuries of devotion they represent. Each brick laid by thousands of hands, each tree offered to the sacred Bodhi, and every relic enshrined within these monuments tell stories of faith, power and cultural continuity. Despite invasions and the passage of time, Anuradhapura remains a living symbol of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. A visit here is not just a tour through ruins but a journey into the spiritual heart of the island. By travelling with Viyala Travels, you benefit from careful planning and local expertise that allow you to connect deeply with this timeless capital while supporting sustainable tourism and community engagement.