Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most historically significant cities in Sri Lanka. As the first ancient capital of the island, it dates back over 2,500 years and was the heart of Sri Lankan civilization for more than a millennium. This sacred city is renowned for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sinhalese culture, Buddhist monuments, and royal palaces.
Anuradhapura was founded in the 4th century BCE by King Pandukabhaya and became the capital of Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE. The city flourished under numerous kings, with Buddhist culture deeply influencing its development. It became one of the world’s great centers of Theravada Buddhism after Emperor Ashoka of India sent his son, Mahinda Thero, to introduce Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Over time, Anuradhapura housed magnificent stupas, monasteries, and reservoirs, and its religious and political significance grew.
The city was attacked by South Indian Chola invaders in the 10th century CE, leading to its decline and abandonment. However, it remained a key pilgrimage site, thanks to its many religious landmarks.
Anuradhapura is not only a symbol of Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage but also a testament to its ancient engineering prowess. The city's sophisticated irrigation systems, which include massive reservoirs like Tissa Wewa and Basawakkulama, supported agriculture for centuries and contributed to the kingdom's prosperity.
Today, Anuradhapura remains a revered pilgrimage destination, where visitors and devotees can explore the remnants of a once-thriving spiritual and political capital. Its ancient monuments reflect the grandeur of Sri Lanka's past and continue to inspire awe among travelers from around the world.