Anuradhapura – Ancient Kingdom
North Central Province
Anuradhapura – Ancient Kingdom
Sri Lanka's ancient capital from the 5th century BCE — a UNESCO site spanning 40 sq. km with sacred stupas, royal ruins, and millennia-old dagobas.
Photo Gallery
1 photosRuwanwelisaya Stupa
About Anuradhapura – Ancient Kingdom
Step into the heart of Sri Lanka's heritage with Anuradhapura, an ancient city that served as the capital from the 5th century BCE to the 11th century CE. As one of the island's most important archaeological and religious centers, it features sacred stupas, royal gardens, and millennia-old ruins. The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is one of the largest ancient Buddhist monuments in the world, dating from the 3rd century BCE and a major pilgrimage site to this day. Sophisticated road networks, irrigation systems, and architectural marvels testify to an advanced ancient civilization. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins span over 40 square kilometers.
Key Highlights
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
One of the largest ancient Buddhist monuments in the world, dating from the 3rd century BCE.
Ancient Urban Planning
Sophisticated road networks, irrigation systems, and architectural marvels of an advanced ancient civilization.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The ruins span over 40 square kilometers, preserved as a site of global cultural importance.