Description

Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serving as the political and religious epicentre of the island for over a thousand years from the 4th century BC. The sacred city is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi ? a fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, making it one of the most sacred trees in the world. The city's towering dagobas (stupas) include the Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya ? once the third tallest structure in the ancient world ? and the Abhayagiriya. Anuradhapura remains a living pilgrimage site, with millions of devotees visiting each year.