Anuradhapura - Sri Lanka

Discover Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a prominent Sri Lankan city and one of the country’s ancient capitals, known for the well-preserved remnants of an ancient Sinhala civilization and its distinctive dagobas (whitewashed bell-shaped memorial stupas) including the world’s largest, Abhayagiri Dagoba. It is part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle along with the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Ancient City of Dambulla and the Sacred City of Kandy.

The city was the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many years and is now one of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located on the banks of the historic Malvathu River, the city is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Sanghamitta, the founder of a Buddhist nuns’ order, is credited with founding the city in the third century B.C. by bringing a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment’ (the Buddha’s fig tree) to this sacred city.

Anuradhapura, Ceylon’s governmental and religious capital for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. The beautiful site, with its palaces, monasteries, and monuments, had been concealed in the jungle for many years and is only now accessible to the public.

The best way to see Anuradhapura

If you would like to visit Anuradhapura, why not take a look at one of our wonderful ATOL and ABTA protected holidays?  Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and the tours mentioned are just examples to help inspire you.

Contact our travel experts on 01792 315499 or email info@aitholidays.com for more information.