Anuradhapura served as the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka, flourishing for over a millennium as a major political, economic, and religious center in South Asia. Spanning a vast archaeological expanse, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its colossal brick stupas, including Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya (once one of the tallest structures in the ancient world), and Abhayagiriya. The sacred city is also home to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree planted in 288 BC, recognized as the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. Exploring Anuradhapura takes visitors through ancient monasteries, carved stone bathing ponds like Kuttam Pokuna, and intricate moonstones (sandakada pahana).
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