Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura stands proud as Sri Lanka’s first capital city, known in ancient times as Rajarata, or ‘land of kings’. Founded in the 4th century BC, it lasted as the political and religious capital of the country for over a thousand years. The city is a marvel of hydraulic engineering, as the reservoirs and irrigation canals built in ancient times are still being used by the locals. The Sri Mahabodhi tree, grown from a branch of the sacred Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, can be found in Anuradhapura. There are also many Buddhist dagobas and statues in the city, and the architecture allows visitors to catch a glimpse of ancient Sri Lankan culture.