Anuradhapura – Sri Lanka

About Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura – A Treasure Trove of Sri Lanka’s History and Culture

Anuradhapura is a city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, known for its rich history, ancient ruins, and religious significance. The city served as the first capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BCE until the 11th century CE and is home to some of the country’s most important archaeological sites. In this blog post, we will explore the history, attractions, and how to reach Anuradhapura.

History

According to historical records, Anuradhapura was founded in the 4th century BCE by King Pandukabhaya, who is considered the first monarch of Sri Lanka. The city was the capital of the country for more than 1,300 years and served as a political, cultural, and religious center of the island.

The city reached its peak during the reign of King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, who unified the country and launched a massive building program that included the construction of stupas, temples, and other structures. Anuradhapura was also an important hub for trade and commerce, connecting Sri Lanka to other parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Attractions

Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many ancient ruins and religious sites. Some of the most popular attractions in the city include:

1. Sri Maha Bodhi Tree – This is a sacred tree that is believed to be a branch of the Bodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is the oldest recorded tree in the world and is the center of the Buddhist faith in Sri Lanka.
2. Ruwanwelisaya – This is a stupa that was built by King Dutugemunu and is one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka. It is considered a masterpiece of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
3. Abhayagiri Vihara – This is a Buddhist monastery that was built in the 2nd century BCE and was one of the largest monasteries in the world at that time. The site features many ruins, including the Abhayagiri Stupa, which was the second-largest stupa in ancient Sri Lanka.
4. Jetavanaramaya – This is a stupa that was built in the 3rd century CE by King Mahasena and is considered one of the tallest structures in the ancient world. The stupa is 122 meters tall and is an impressive feat of ancient engineering.

How to Reach Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is located about 205 km north of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The easiest way to reach Anuradhapura is by road, and visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from Colombo. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Visitors can also take a train from Colombo to Anuradhapura, which takes around 4-5 hours. The city has a railway station, and there are several trains that run between Colombo and Anuradhapura daily.

Conclusion

Anuradhapura is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and religion. It’s well-preserved ruins and religious sites offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Sri Lanka, and its natural beauty and wildlife make it an excellent place for a memorable vacation. We hope this blog post has inspired you to visit Anuradhapura and explore its rich history and culture.