World Heritage City Anuradhapura

Location

Historic and of ancient value to the country, Anuradhapura is one of the cities belonging to the 'Cultural Triangle' of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura City is located 128 miles / 205 kilometres north of Colombo and 63 miles / 101 kilometres from Polonnaruwa in the North Central province, on the banks of the Malwatu Oya River.

History

The heritage city of Anuradhapura was formed in the 4th century BC. The name of the city literally means 'the city of Anuradha'. Anuradha was the Chief Minister of the reigning king during that period. Begun as a village settlement on the banks of Malvatu Oya because of the abundance of fresh water nearby, Anuradhapura was the capital of the Anuradhapura kingdom, which was the first of a line of ancient Ceylonese kingdoms. During the days of the flourishing Anuradhapura kingdom, the city was one of the most stable and powerful centres in South Asia.

An impressively wealthy city of the era, Anuradhapura created a unique culture and magnificent civilization, to which the evidence is still available among the ruins of the ancient city. The city's fame had reached as far as the Mediterranean by the 3rd century BC and less than 300 years later, a local trade delegation reached Rome to meet with Claudius Caesar and Pliny. Another three centuries later, the roads opened for ancient Ceylon and China to trade in various goods.

A total area of 40 square kilometres (25 square miles) of the Anuradhapura City is considered sacred by Buddhists worldwide, due to the fact that a branch of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the Bo tree that shaded Lord Buddha during his quest for enlightenment, is planted in Anuradhapura and also because several kings of Sri Lanka have built dagobas (pagodas) in the area. Just 8 miles / 12 kilometres away is Mihinathale, the birth place of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Mihinthale is a monastery located on top of a rock mountain, which is believed to be the place Arahath Mahinda appeared to King Devanampiyatissa with the message of the Dhamma.

Attractions

Anuradhapura offers tourists the national heritage and sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, brought to Sri Lanka from North India in 247BC. Tourists could also add the various archaeological sites, ancient rock carvings, large irrigation tanks, museums and giant dagobas to their travel itinerary, as they all depict the heritage, culture and ancient glory of Sri Lanka.

Directions

From Colombo

Take route A1 to Warakapola, and then route A6 north to Dambulla, From there, take route A9 north till Galkulama and from the junction, travel along route A13 to Anuradhapura.

From Polonnaruwa

Travel along route A11 west to Maradankadawala and from there, take route A13 up to route A12, then turn left to reach Anuradhapura.

From Kurunegala

Follow route A10 till the small town Padeniya is reached, then turn right on highway A28, which will lead the travellers to Anuradhapura.

From Kandy

Take route A9 north and at Galkulama junction, take route A13 till route A12, then turn left to reach Anuradhapura.

Getting there

All modes of transportation are available for tourists, which include private car, tour coach, public train, inter-island airplane (infrequent) and public bus transportation. Public bus transportation provides the cheapest mode of travel around the country.

Other Activities

Visitors to Anuradhapura who would prefer to engage in some other activity than visiting all the attractions will find the options available very interesting and soothing. Large lakes built as water reserves in the ancient days are still among the many attractions in Anuradhapura and the trails alongside these lakes during evening is an enchanting experience. Travellers could also hike or cycle along the beautiful dry woods of the area. These lakes and woods are also perfect venues for birdwatching.

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