Anuradhapura served as the capital of the first established kingdom of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, beginning in the 4th century BCE. This massive UNESCO World Heritage site is characterized by colossal stupas, ancient irrigation tanks, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, making it a spiritual focal point for global Buddhism.
The Monolithic Stupas: Wonders of the Ancient World
The scale of the brick stupas (or dagobas) in Anuradhapura is breathtaking. They were built to rival the Egyptian pyramids in size and precision. Key monumental stupas include:
- Ruwanwelisaya: A dazzling white stupa, still actively used for worship, it is one of the tallest ancient monuments in the world.
- Jetavanaramaya: Once the tallest stupa in the world, and currently the tallest brick structure anywhere.
- Abhayagiri Dagoba: Another enormous structure, standing as a testament to the city's ancient architectural capabilities.
The monumental Ruwanwelisaya stupa, illuminated in the evening, is a sacred sight.
The Sacred Tree: Sri Maha Bodhi
Perhaps the most sacred site is the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree believed to be grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree in India, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Planted in 288 BCE, it is the oldest known living tree planted by a human being with a known planting date. It remains a deeply venerated pilgrimage site. Visitors must adhere to the strictest level of reverence here.
Ancient Hydraulic Engineering
Anuradhapura's civilization thrived thanks to an intricate and vast network of reservoirs and canals. These ancient tanks, or 'wewa,' such as the Tissa Wewa and Basawakkulama Wewa, were monumental feats of engineering that captured seasonal rains and provided irrigation for agriculture and water supply for the populace, sustaining the kingdom for over a thousand years in the dry zone.
Artistic Treasures at Isurumuniya
While the colossal stupas grab attention, smaller, more intimate sites hold unique artistic value. The Isurumuniya Temple, carved into a rock face near the Tissa Wewa, is famous for its intricate carvings, most notably the 'Isurumuniya Lovers' and the carving of the Royal Family. This site provides a quiet contrast to the vast scale of the main city ruins.
The delicate and famous 'Isurumuniya Lovers' carving.