Anuradhapura Sacred City

Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka for well over a thousand years, from around the 4th century BC until the early 11th century AD. At its height it was one of the great cities of the ancient world, with enormous monasteries, sophisticated irrigation tanks and some of the tallest structures built in its time. Today the ruins spread across a wide area of parkland, and unlike many ancient sites this one is very much alive: pilgrims in white still come in their thousands to worship at its sacred stupas and trees. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Main sights

• Sri Maha Bodhi — a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, planted in the 3rd century BC. It is regarded as one of the oldest documented trees in the world planted by humans.
• Ruwanwelisaya — a gleaming white stupa ringed by a wall of carved elephants, the most beloved in the city.
• Jetavanaramaya — a colossal brick stupa that was once among the tallest structures in the world.
• Abhayagiri Monastery — a vast former monastery with a huge stupa, a museum and the finest moonstone (carved threshold stone) in the country.
• Thuparamaya — said to be the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after Buddhism arrived.
• Isurumuniya — a rock temple known for its carving of "the lovers".
• Kuttam Pokuna — the elegantly designed twin ponds of a former monastery.

How to visit

• The sites are spread over many kilometres — use a bicycle, tuk-tuk or driver.
• Time: one full day for the highlights, or two half-days to avoid the midday heat.
• Dress in light clothes covering shoulders and knees; you will remove your shoes and hats at many sites, and the ground gets very hot — bring socks.
• Foreign visitors buy a ticket for the archaeological zone; Sri Maha Bodhi and some active temples are managed separately.

Nearby

Mihintale, where Buddhism is said to have been introduced to Sri Lanka, is 20 minutes east and worth a morning. Wilpattu National Park is about 45 minutes away for leopard safaris. The Aukana Buddha and Ritigala lie on the road towards Dambulla.

When to go

The dry season from February to September is best. Poson poya in June is a major festival, especially at Mihintale — magical but very crowded.