This magnificent white dagaba has been built by King Dutugemunu during 140 BC and one of the most sacred places of the Buddhists. The stupa is one of the world’s tallest monuments, standing at 103 m in height. The stupa was an ancient ruin in the 19th century. After fundraising efforts, the stupa was renovated in the early 20th century. It is believed that the sacred relics of lord Buddha are enshrined in Ruvanvelisaya.

The sacred bodhi tree is central to Anuradhapura in both a spiritual and physical sense. It was grown from a branch brought in from Bodhgaya in India and is believed to be the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. The Buddhists consider this tree holy as it says that under Sri Maha Bodhi is where Gautama Buddha has attained enlightenment.
Today thousands of devotees come to make offerings, particularly on poya (full-moon) days and weekends. Sunset is a magical time to visit Sri Maha bodhi premises.

Dating back to the 1st century BC, this enormous dagaba was built during the reign of king valagamba. Originally over 100m high, it was one of the greatest structures in the ancient world. It is said that the scale of Abhayagiri is only matched by the pyramids of Giza. Today, after several reconstructions, Abhayagiri Dagaba soars 75m above the forest floor. Visually, it’s stunning, and your first glimpse of this brick monument (which is shielded by surrounding forest) through a gap in the trees is breathtaking.

This is an old British colonial administration building which was recently renovated. The museum has an interesting collection of artwork, carvings and everyday items from Anuradhapura and other historic sites around Sri Lanka. Exhibits include a restored relic chamber, found during the excavation areas nearby Mihintale, and a large-scale model of Thuparama Dagoba’s vatadage as it might have been if a wooden roof and many other remains form the ancient kingdom.

Moon-stone also known as, Sandakada pahana, is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. First seen in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period, the sandakada pahana evolved through the periods of other Sri Lankan kingdoms. According to historians, the sandakada pahana symbolises the cycle of Saṃsāra in Buddhism.

Anuradhapura has three great tanks. Nuwara Wewa, is the largest, covering about 12 sq km. It was built around 20 BC and is well away from most of the old city. The 160-hectare Tissa Wewa is the southern tank in the old city. The oldest tank, probably dating from around the 4th century BC, is the 120-hectare Basawakkulama to the north. Even today these tanks are being reserved and provide water for farmers in the area during the rain-free seasons.