Anuradhapura Sacred City, also known as the Ancient City of Anuradhapura, lies in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was the first capital of the island's ancient kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city served as the capital for over a thousand years, and it remains sacred to Buddhists around the world.
What you will see
The site is made up of ruins rather than a single preserved building, so a visit is best approached as a walk through a large archaeological landscape. Among the remains are ancient monasteries, palaces and dagobas, the dome-shaped monuments that hold a sacred place in Buddhist tradition. Many of these structures stand at a considerable distance from one another, so the scale of the place becomes clear only as you move between them.
What kind of visit it makes
- A slow, reflective walk among monastic and royal ruins, suited to those interested in history and religion.
- A visit that rewards an unhurried pace, with time to sit and take in the surroundings.
- A chance to see a place that has been at the centre of Sri Lankan life for centuries.
Planning your trip
The site is in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, with the postal address Anuradhapura 50000. If you want to check details before you go, the contact number is +94 25 222 2824. Because the monuments are spread across open ground, bring comfortable footwear and sun protection, and dress modestly, as the site is a place of worship for many visitors.