Anuradhapura is today one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. It is the capital of the Northern Central Province of Sri Lanka and is located about 205 km northeast of Colombo. The city was founded in the fourth century BC. In the vicinity of the Sri Mahabodhi tree and was also the first capital of Sri Lanka.
For more than a thousand years, Anuradhapura was the center of many Sinhalese royal dynastines. Today, there are many monuments of historical importance, besides there are numerous large Dagobas in the city. After significant excavations of palaces, monasteries and monuments it is today again an important center in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura is considered as the birth place of Sri Lankan civilization and the first ancient capital of the country. This city is the greatest monastic ancient city of the world that date from the 4th Century BC and the mighty kingdom was existed until 11th Century BC.
This ancient and holy city is full of picturesque ruins, marvelous well preserved ancient buildings such as huge Stupas (Pagodas), ruins of royal palaces, ancient Buddhist monasteries, man made huge tanks, ancient hospitals, granite statues of Lord Buddha and royal Kings. Anuradhapura is a great location to start your tour of Sri Lanka, and you will be fascinated by the exceptional ancient Sri Lankan civilization & culture.
