Anuradhapura

Founded in the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura was the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka and remains one of Buddhism’s most revered sites. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage City, home to towering stupas, ancient monasteries, and centuries-old irrigation systems.
At the heart of Anuradhapura are the Atamasthana — eight sacred places that include the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree (a sapling of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment), Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisavetiya, and Lankaramaya.
Wandering through this ancient city offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual and engineering brilliance of the Sinhalese civilization — a timeless testament to faith and cultural achievement.