Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura Trips & Tours

Anuradhapura

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Anuradhapura Trips & Tours

The oldest of the ancient cities and a living, breathing monument to the past.

Anuradhapura was the ancient monastic capital of Ceylon from the 5th to the 10th century and a place of glory, promise and majesty. Today, it’s still the capital of the region and although not quite as grand as it may once have been, the crumbling temples, monasteries, and forts are still magnificent. Many of the buildings are, in fact, in use today as places of worship and the entire area has a vibrancy to it, magnified by the ever-present hum of Buddhist ceremonies. Sights to take note of include the enormous, brick-built dagobas, ancient symbols of meditation and the tallest in the world, and the old water tanks, a remnant of one of the most ambitious irrigation systems in the world. And probably the most beautiful is the sprawling Bodhi tree, believed to be an offshoot of the very tree under which Buddha became enlightened 2,300 years ago, and revered the world over.

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Acting as Sri Lanka's religious capital for over 1,000 years, the finely-preserved remnants of Anuradhapura paint a vivid picture of the city it once was. The city was established around a fig branch, believed to be from the very tree under which Buddha became enlightened, which you can still visit today. Spend time walking or cycling amongst the palaces, monasteries and temples, many of which are still used for Buddhist ceremonies, and marvel at the giant stupas. You can also see the remains of one of the most impressive irrigation systems in the world. For the ultimate view, take flight in a hot air balloon!

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