Anuradhapura became capital in 380 BC and remained so for more than 1000 years. It was an important symbol of Singhalese power and nowadays it is the most extensive ancient city in Sri Lanka. At the beginning of the 19th century the restoration efforts began that still continue today.
The ruins of ancient Anuradhapura lie to the west and north of the modern city. In modern Anuradhapura are several important sights. The city's holiest site is the Sacred Bo-Tree. According to legend it was grown from the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. The oldest temple in Anuradhapura is the Thuparama Dagoba. It is said that it contains the right collarbone of Buddha. The largest remaining temple is the Jetavanarama Dagoba, which is thought to have been more than 100 m (328 feet) high and was once home to some 3000 monks. It includes beautifully restored (twin) ponds that the monks used for ritual baths. Nearby are several nice museums and you can also see huge tanks, which were built to provide irrigation water for the growing of rice. The best way to explore the area is by bike. Bicycles can be hired there.
There are several hotels and restaurants in Anuradhapura. You can get there by bus or train from Colombo. Anuradhapura is 170 km northeast of Colombo.
Popular tours to the remains of the ancient lakeside city of Polonnaruwa are available in Anuradhapura.
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