Step into the heart of heritage Anuradhapura, the oldest and largest ancient city in Sri Lanka. Famous for its spiritual legacy and remarkably preserved ruins, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to captivate both pilgrims and history lovers alike.

To begin with, the city’s most treasured landmarks are its dagabas—grand, dome-shaped stupas built with sun-dried bricks. These awe-inspiring structures include:

• Ruwanwelisaya, constructed in the 2nd century BC, measuring an impressive 300 feet in diameter;

• Jetavanaramaya, standing at 370 feet, once ranked as the tallest stupa in the ancient world;

• and Thuparamaya, which enshrines a relic believed to be the Buddha’s collarbone.

For over 300 years, Sri Lankan kings chose Anuradhapura as their royal capital, using it as the center of governance, religion, and culture. As a result, the city played a vital role in shaping the nation’s early identity.

What makes the heritage of Anuradhapura even more significant is the Sacred Bo Tree (Sri Maha Bodhi). Planted more than 2,250 years ago from a branch of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, it remains the oldest historically documented tree in the world. Even today, visitors continue to offer prayers beneath its ancient branches.

In essence, Anuradhapura offers more than just ruins—it tells a living story of devotion, architecture, and timeless heritage. If you’re eager to uncover the roots of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist civilization, Heritage Anuradhapura is a journey you cannot miss.