North Central Province
Anuradhapura
The ancient sacred city and cradle of Sinhalese civilization
Sri Lanka's first capital preserves over two millennia of history in its monumental dagobas, sacred Bodhi tree, and the ruins of monasteries that once housed thousands of monks.
cultureunescohistory
Nearby attractions
temple
Sri Maha Bodhi
A sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree, among the oldest documented trees in the world.
landmark
Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
A gleaming white-domed stupa dating to the 2nd century BC, still an active pilgrimage site.
landmark
Jetavanaramaya
Once one of the tallest structures in the ancient world, this brick stupa's ruins still tower over the plains.
Explore on the map
Best time to visit
May–September
Visit on a tour
