Sri Lanka's premier ancient city Anuradhapura, situated in the dry zone, is the first Sinhalese capital of Sri Lanka. Its distance from Colombo is 206 kms.

The awesome Ruwanveliseya, Abhayagiriya, Jethawanaramaya and Thuparamaya Dagobas are still venerated by Buddhists and these massive works along the large wevas (lakes) reveal the past glory of the city. The sacred Bo Tree (Sri Maha Bodhi) - considered the world's oldest recorded surviving tree; the seated Samadhi statue of the meditating Buddha; Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds); Manu temples and Isurumuniya are some of the attractions in Anuradhapura. There is an abundance of evidence of ancient architecture dating to the third century B.C. and earlier.

Aukana Buddha
This colossal Buddha statue hewn out of stone rises to a height of 11.36 metres. It is assigned to the 8th century A.D.


Abhayagiri
Abhayagiri Monastery was built by King Valagamba in the first century B.C. It was however during the reign of King Mahasen in the 3rd century A.D. that Abhayagiri rose into prominence, growing into an international institution to rival those of Nalanda and Vikramashila, attracting scholars from countries like India and China. The monastic complex is believed to have covered an area of about 500 acres in its heyday. Initial archaeological excavations have revealed that it had a well laid out plan with a 320 feet stupa at the centre, surrounded by other religious edifices and residential quarters. Besides the central stupa known as the Utara Maha Cheitya, the complex has four other stupas as well as an Image House, Bo-tree Shrine, Chapter House, Assembly Hall, Alms Hall and Residential Quarters.

Jetavanaramaya
Jetavanaramaya, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Anuradhapura, was established by King Mahasen around the 3rd century A.D. The site is particularly important in view of its colossal stupa, the tallest brick structure ever built by man.

It stood in its original state as a massive white edifice over 400 feet in height. At the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 4th century A.D. it is said to have been the third largest monument in the world, surpassed only by the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre in Egypt. Its other notable features include the Assembly Hall, Preaching Hall, Image House and Bo-tree Shrine.

Ruwanveli Seya
This large stupa is said to have been built by King Dutugemunu in the first century B.C. The Mahavamsa has it that it supported a massive 9 storey structure known as the Loha Pasada or Brazen Palace, its roof covered with bronze tiles.

Sri Maha Bodhi
This is the sacred Bodhi Tree worshipped by Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It is said to have sprung from a sapling of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It was brought hither by Theri Sangamitta during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century B.C.

Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum
Situated in the old city of Anuradhapura, the museum displays Buddha statues from various localities - including coral, limestone and granite images, bronzes of Hindu divinities, carved herostone, ancient jewellery and even an old burial pot.

Anuradhapura Folk Museum
Situated in the old city of Anuradhapura, it displays items connected with the folk life of the Rajarata peasantry. These include items used for chena cultivation, an assortment of bags, wooden clappers for cattle, fishing baskets and various domestic items such as moulds for making milk-rice and sweetmeats. Open daily except Thursdays and Fridays from 0900 Hrs - 1700 Hrs.

Thuparamaya
The first stupa in Anuradhapura, not as big as other stupas. The shape of the stupa is like a heap of paddy. This had been built during the reign of king Tissa.

Isurumuniya
Isurumuniya lies among the most beautiful works of art in Anuradhapura. This was founded by king Tissa in the 3rd century B.C. The famous sculpture is known as "The Lovers".

The Half Moon Stone(Sandakada Pahana)
One of the most perfect and beautiful sculptures in Sri Lanka. The art represents the stages in the spiritual path. The Moon Stones in Polonnaruwa are different from this and it is believed that South Indian influence may have changed the art.

The Twin Ponds
The Twin Ponds show you the advanced architecture of Anuradhapura. Not only the beautiful outlook, but also its functionality. There had been an inlet and system for trapping mud and dirt at the far end.

Tantirimale, Anuradhapura District
An ancient monastic settlement going back to the pre-Christian era. It is well known for its temple, the Tantirimale Raja Maha Vihara and a statue of the meditating Buddha in the hollow of a granite rock. In the vicinity of the Nelum Pokuna near by is a rock on top of which is a square edifice said to have been used as a potgula or monastic library. Also to be seen are five caves, the largest of which contains drawings dating to pre-historic times made by the Veddhas. Also to be found in the various caves, pillars and the monastic library are numerous inscriptions dating from the 1st century B.C. to 8th century A.D.