Located at a distance of around 205 km north of the Sri Lankan capital city, Colombo, Anuradhapura spreads over an area of 40 sq km. The city was established in 4th century BC and served as the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom till the beginning of the 11th century AD. After this, the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa. The city today, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the major archaeological sites of the world.

It is also one of the first destinations in Sri Lanka which a Buddhist tourist visits during his trip to the country. Buddhism in Anuradhapura
Buddhism came to Sri Lanka some 236 years after the death of Buddha and at that point of time, Anuradhapura was the capital of the country. The ruler during this period was Devanam Piya Tissa, a contemporary of the great India king Ashoka who spread Buddhism to many countries. With the introduction of Buddhism, the city grew in importance and the great building era began. This era saw the construction of a number of huge monastery complexes and some of the tallest buildings of the ancient world.


Attractions
Primary Buddhist attractions in Anuradhapura are the Atamasthana or the 8 main places of worship. These eight places include Sri Maha Bodhi, Lovamahapaya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Abayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisaveti and Lankarama.

• Sri Maha Bodhi : This is perhaps the holiest site of Anuradhapura. The fig tree is believed to have grown out of the sapling of the original Bodhi tree in India under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The sapling was planted in 288 BC and happens to be the oldest historically recorded tree in the world. The tree stands on a high terrace about 6.5 m above the ground and is surrounded by railings.
  
  
• Lovamahapaya : At a little distance from Sri Mahabodiya stands the Lovamahapaya also called the Brazen Palace and Lohaprasadaya. It was built by King Dutugemunu some 200 years ago and served as the dwelling of the monks. It was originally a nine stories structure, 400 feet in length which took around 6 years to be completed. However, during the rule of King Saddhatissa, the building was immensely damaged. The palace is amongst the Eight Places of Veneration in Anuradhapura.
  
  
• Ruwanwelisaya : Also known as the 'maha stupa', Ruwanwelisaya was constructed by King Dutugemunu in 137 BC quiet closeby the Sri Maha Bodhi. It is a dagaba ( a dome shaped structure built over the relics of Buddha or some Buddhist saints) with a circumference of 950 feet and rises to a height of 300 feet. The worship house here has 4 statues of future Lord Buddhas including a statue of next Lord Buddha, 'Mithrie Bodhi sath'.
  
  
• Thuparamaya : The oldest dagaba of Sri Lanka, Thuparamaya was constructed by King Devanampiyatissa in 3rd century BC and houses the collarbone of Buddha. Thuparamaya is associated with the Maha Vihara temple and is believed to have served as the residence of the women monks of the Maha Vihara temple. The monument, as you will see today, has a diametre of 59 feet at the base. The dome, around 11.5 feet above the ground, has the diameter of 164½ ft. The compound, paved with granite, has a couple of rows of stone pillars round the dagaba.
  
• Abayagiriya : Abhayagiri was founded by King Vattagamini Abhaya (Valagamba), during the period of his second reign, from 89 to 77 B.C. The monastery complex covers an area of 200 hectares and has a 108m tall stupa which is amongst the tallest brick buildings of the ancient world.
  
  
• Jetavanaramaya : The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa constructed by King Mahsen in the 3rd century AD. The stupa rises to a height of 400 feet and happened to be the 3rd largest structure in the ancient world, after the two Great Pyramids of Giza. With over 93,300,000 baked bricks used in its construction, the stupa was also the largest brick structure ever built. The stupa is associated with the Sagalika sect and stands in a compound that spreads over 8 acres. The Buddhist relics in the stupa include the part of the robe worn by Lord Buddha. 3 statues adorn the budu ge' or the worship house for Lord Buddha. The worship house also has statues of kings including one of king Mahasen.
  
  
• Mirisaveti : The stupa was supposedly constructed by king Dutugemunu as a punishment for eating the first product of a chili (miris) plant accidentally himself. In those days, it was a tradition that the first plant of a tree was donated to the monks. Since, king Dutugemunu failed to carry out this tradition by mistake, he constructed this stupa and donated it to the monks. It is also believed that post his victory over Tamil king 'Elara', King Dutugemunu initiated a celebration which included water sports. The king, before indulging in sports, kept his sceptre containing Buddha relics, near the 'Tisa Vewa'reservoir. However, when he came back to pick it up, he could not lift it. Because of this the king ordered the construction of the stupa. The stupa that stands today is the result of the renovation work done by the cultural Triangle Fund.
  
  
• Lankarama : It is the smallest dagba amongst the 'Atamastana' of Anuradhapura and is located south to Abayagiriya. King Valagamba constructed this dagaba as a mark of respect for one of his wife, Queen Soma Devi. She helped the king to escape from the clutches of enemies, but in process, got captured herself. The stupa was dedicated to the women monks.
  
  
  

Other Attractions

• Isurumuniya : A Buddhist temple situated near the Tisawewa (Tisa tank), Isurumuniya was constructed in the 3rd century B.C after 500 children of high-caste were ordained. The temple is known for its rock carvings, specially the one of the 'Lovers'.
  
  
• Samadhi Statue : The statue is located at the Mahamevuna Park and is one of the finest sculptures of Buddha in dhyana posture. the statue is 8 feet high and is made up of granite.