The oldest living city · UNESCO World Heritage
Anuradhapura
A 2,300-year-old tree, planted from a cutting of the Buddha's own, still tended every day.
Sri Lanka's first capital was founded in the 4th century BC and lasted 1,300 years. The Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a branch of the tree the Buddha sat under, has been cared for without a break since 288 BC. Vast brick stupas the size of pyramids rise out of the scrub. Come at dusk when the pilgrims arrive in white.
What we do here
- Dusk visit to Ruwanwelisaya and the Bodhi tree
- Cycle the sacred city
- Sunrise climb at Mihintale
- Wilpattu safari for leopards without the crowds
Worth knowing
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982
- The Sri Maha Bodhi is the oldest documented planted tree in the world
- Jetavanaramaya was the third-tallest structure on Earth when built, at 122 metres
- Mihintale, 12 km away, is where Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka in 247 BC
