One of the most famous tourist attractions in beautiful Sri Lanka is the ancient capital city of Anuradhapura.
This city was very important to the ancient Lankan civilisation and was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. It is considered one of the oldest cities in the world which has been continuously inhabited, and for centuries it was a stable centre of political power and culture in South Asia.
The legend is that the city was built around a cutting from the fig tree of Buddha, or the “Tree of Enlightenment”. Buddhists consider the city to be sacred, and UNESCO has designated it to be a World Heritage Site.
How to Get There
Anuradhapura is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, and it can be reached by car or by bus. It will take approximately four hours to drive from Colombo, or five hours on a bus. There is also a train service which takes passengers to the ancient city from the south.
Once you arrive, the old city is small enough to be explored on foot. You could also use the services of a tuk tuk if you need to.
Exploring the City
When you arrive, you can purchase a ticket for one day of admission to all of the heritage sites of Anuradhapura, which can be obtained at the Archaeology Museum and costs around £16. The city was once a sprawling metropolis and there are lots of ruins to see, so make sure that you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring lots of water with you.
Where to Go
Here are a few of the most popular historical sites within the city:The Bodhi Tree TempleThe cutting from Buddha’s fig which founded the city grew into this beautiful tree, which is fabled to be the one that Buddha sat underneath when he gained enlightenment. This amazing tree has been guarded here in Anuradhapura for over 2,000 years, which makes it one of the oldest trees ever documented in history. The tree is surrounded by a temple complex which is filled with reverent monks and worshippers. Remember to take off your shoes at the entrance, and leave a tip for the attendant.
The Archaeology Museum
This is a great place to get a closer look at some of the amazing artefacts which have been found within the ruins, such as jewellery and pottery.
Lovamahapaya
This is a collection of 1600 stone pillars which were once part of an enormous nine-story monastery known as the “Brazen Palace”. It housed one thousand monks at one time, and was covered in stunning bronze tiles and precious stones.
Be Respectful
Remember when visiting these temples and holy sites in Anuradhapura to act in a respectful manner. Remove your shoes and hats before entering, and always walk to the left when walking around an object of worship so that your left hand (which is considered unclean) is facing away from it. Don’t turn your back on a representation of the Buddha, and always ask before taking photos. Ladies should cover their shoulders and legs and dress modestly.
Enjoy exploring the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka!
Ann-Louise Smith is a freelance travel writer. She write often on far off countries and can offer information for people planning a visit to Colombo or arranging flights to Sri Lanka.





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