Tucked into the heart of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province lies Anuradhapura – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This sacred city is a living museum of ancient Sinhalese civilization, a center of Buddhist heritage, and a wonderland of ruins, relics, and spirituality.
As you step into Anuradhapura, you’re not just visiting a historical site – you’re entering a sacred space, where monks still walk barefoot, rituals are still performed, and every stone echoes 2,000 years of wisdom.
🏛️ A Capital of Kings and Gods
Founded in the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura was the first royal capital of Sri Lanka and remained so for over 1,300 years. It served as the center of Buddhist learning, royal power, and cultural evolution, drawing influence from India and spreading it across Southeast Asia.
This city was home to Sinhalese kings, Buddhist monks, and Tamil artisans, making it a cradle of multicultural evolution.
🌳 The Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
The crown jewel of Anuradhapura is the Sri Maha Bodhi – a sacred fig tree grown from a branch of the original Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. It was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Theri, daughter of Emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century BCE.
It’s the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a known history, and pilgrims come from across the globe to offer prayers, flowers, and deep respect.
🛕 Must-Visit Monuments & Sites
Anuradhapura is filled with enormous stupas, monastic ruins, and intricate carvings. Some unmissable highlights include:
- Ruwanwelisaya: A massive white stupa built by King Dutugemunu – a symbol of Buddhist revival.
- Jetavanaramaya: Once the tallest stupa in the ancient world, and still one of the largest brick structures globally.
- Abhayagiri Monastery: A complex that once housed 5,000 monks and was a major center of learning and rituals.
- Isurumuniya Temple: Known for its stone carvings, especially the famous “Isurumuniya Lovers” sculpture.
- Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds): Beautifully engineered bathing tanks that reflect ancient hydraulic brilliance.
Walking through these sacred grounds, you’ll feel the deep spiritual current that still runs through every brick and pillar.
🎫 Entry Tickets & Travel Info
To preserve and maintain this UNESCO World Heritage Site, international visitors are required to purchase a cultural site entry pass.
- Entry Ticket for Foreign Nationals: Approx. USD $25 (INR ₹2,000–₹2,200 approx.)
- Includes access to: All major sites within the sacred city zone – stupas, monasteries, and museum areas.
Tickets are usually checked at major points like Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and the Archaeological Museum, so it’s best to keep them handy throughout your visit.
Tip: Wear light, modest clothing and be ready to walk barefoot inside temple premises.
✨ Why Anuradhapura Feels Eternal
This is not just a historical site – it’s a living, breathing spiritual capital. Anuradhapura combines architectural genius with peaceful silence, making it a place to slow down, reflect, and reconnect.
For those seeking peace, knowledge, and a deep dive into the soul of ancient Sri Lanka – Anuradhapura is where you find it.