ANURADHAPURA
Anuradhapura city is a creation of Prince Pandukabhaya, which is the first and oldest capital in Sri Lanka. It was the capital of Sri Lanka for about 1400 years and currently among the UNESCO world heritage sites.
Anuradapura is one of most important archaeological sites in the world.
The sacred fig tree under which Lord Buddha first attained enlightenment under Buddha Gaya in India is known as the Sri Maha Bodhi. In 288 BC, Sangamitta Thera, the daughter of Emperor Asoka, bought the right-hand branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi to Sri Lanka, under the guidance of Buddhist nuns and monks. King Devanampiya Tissa of Sri Lanka planted the branch in Mahamevnāwa Park and converted to Buddhism. Today, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sacred fig tree grows from the branch of the original Sri Maha Bodhi, and is thought to be the oldest living tree on earth.
There are many things to see in Anuradhapura like it complex irragation system and ancient buildings
Some of best places to visit in Anuradhapura is
- Tissa Wewa
- Thanthirimale
- Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya
- Wilpattu National Park
- Abhayagiri Dagoba
- Sri Maha Bodhi
- Ruwanwelisaya
- Jetavanaramaya
- Archaeological Museum
- Lovamahapaya