Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a city in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, about 205 kilometers north of Colombo. It served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura from the 4th century BCE to the 11th century CE and remains a focal point of Sri Lankan heritage. The city is renowned for its extensive and well-preserved ruins, as well as its continuing significance in Buddhism. It grew as a political and religious center, supported by an advanced irrigation system that sustained a large population.

Historically, Anuradhapura became a major seat of Buddhist learning after the introduction of Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE. Over subsequent centuries, it developed a ceremonial and architectural landscape that included monastic complexes, royal residences, and monumental dagabas. The urban fabric and hydraulic works contributed to a highly organized administration and religious life.

Key monuments and sites include the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a sacred fig descended from the tree at Bodh Gaya; the Ruwanwelisaya stupa; the Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri dagabas; and the Isurumuni Viharaya. The city also contains the ruins of the Brazen Palace and other monastic and domestic structures. Anuradhapura is notable for its ancient water management system, with tanks, canals, and embankments that supported agriculture and urban needs.

Decline came after repeated Chola invasions in the 10th and 11th centuries, after which the capital shifted to Polonnaruwa. In modern times, Anuradhapura was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its archaeological significance and spiritual heritage. Today it serves as a major pilgrimage destination and an important archaeological park managed by Sri Lanka’s Archaeological Department.