is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Located in the North Central Province, Anuradhapura served as the political, cultural, and religious center of the island for over 1,300 years, making it one of the most significant archaeological and spiritual sites in South Asia.

Founded in the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura flourished under the rule of numerous Sinhalese kings and became a thriving center of Theravada Buddhism. The city gained immense religious importance following the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE. Since then, it has remained one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists around the world.

Anuradhapura is renowned for its magnificent stupas, ancient monasteries, royal palaces, and sophisticated irrigation systems. The city is home to some of the largest brick structures ever built in the ancient world, including the iconic Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri Dagoba. These monuments stand as remarkable examples of the architectural and engineering achievements of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.

One of the city’s most sacred attractions is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree grown from a sapling of the Bodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Planted in 288 BCE, it is recognized as the oldest historically documented living tree in the world and continues to attract thousands of pilgrims each year.

Beyond its religious significance, Anuradhapura was also a masterpiece of ancient urban planning. The city featured advanced reservoirs, canals, and irrigation networks that supported agriculture and urban life for centuries. Massive tanks such as Tissa Wewa, Nuwara Wewa, and Basawakkulama demonstrate the extraordinary hydraulic engineering skills of ancient Sri Lankan builders.