Anuradhapura
Country: Sri Lanka
Region: Asia
Period: 437BCE-1017CE
Location: 8.335°N, 80.410833°E
Description
Anuradhapura was the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka (then known as Lanka), established around the 4th century BCE. It served as the political and religious center of the Sinhalese kingdom for over a millennium. Known for its grand stupas, palaces, and monastic complexes, Anuradhapura was a beacon of early Buddhist civilization in South Asia.
Modern Remains
Today, Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with extensive ruins that include massive dagobas (stupas), ancient monasteries, reservoirs, and the sacred Bodhi Tree—grown from a cutting of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The preserved city offers deep insight into early Sri Lankan architecture, hydraulic engineering, and religious devotion.