Historical Age
Capital of Sri Lanka from 4th C. BC to 11th C. AD
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Oldest historically documented living tree in the world
UNESCO Status
World Heritage Site inscribed in 1982
Location
North Central Province (Cultural Triangle)
The Cradle of Sinhala Buddhist Civilization
Anuradhapura is one of the world's greatest ancient sacred capitals. Ruling over Sri Lanka for over 1,300 years, the city developed miraculous hydraulic irrigation engineering with vast manmade reservoirs (wewas) and monumental brick stupas rivaling the Great Pyramids of Giza in scale.
The Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
The spiritual nucleus of Anuradhapura is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree grown from a right-branch sapling of the original Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India (under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment). Brought to Sri Lanka in 288 BC by Sanghamitta Theri, daughter of Emperor Ashoka, it is revered by Buddhists worldwide as the oldest living human-planted tree with a continuous recorded history.
Colossal Stupas: Ruwanwelisaya & Jetavanaramaya
Marvel at the dazzling white Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, surrounded by a wall of 344 life-sized elephant carvings. Nearby stands Jetavanaramaya, which at 122 meters was the third-tallest structure in the ancient world (surpassed only by the pyramids of Giza) containing over 93 million baked clay bricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for Anuradhapura ruins?
Modest white or light-coloured clothing covering shoulders and knees is strictly enforced. Shoes and hats must be removed before stepping onto sacred stupa courtyards (wear thick socks to avoid burning feet on sun-baked stones).