Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura
This sacred city was the first capital of Sri Lanka. It is really old: already in 380 BC it became the Singhalese capital. One of the most famous (and eldest) monuments at the site is the sacred bo tree near the centre. It was grown from a cutting from the tree in India where Buddha achieved enlightenment, and brought here in the 3rd century BC by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.

The old capital flourished for 1,300 years, until it was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Nearby Polonnaruva, said to be a safer place, became the new capital.

The impressive remains of the site were discovered in the early 19th century, hidden away in thick jungle for a long time. The palaces, monasteries and monuments are since then in restoration.

Year Decision Comments
1982 Inscribed Reasons for inscription



Visit August 1996

The ancient, magic bo tree welcomes you as you enter the main complex. Its age (2300 years?!) is something to dwell on, although we were not really sure which one of the two prominent trees was the legendary one.

The rest of the monuments are spread out over a large area. Because of that, and because they are so old, Anuradhapura is not easy to grasp as a day trip (as I did).

Reviews

Rob Wilson (UK):
A fascinating place to visit, particularly the enormous stupas.
Whilst the cultural triangle ticket is expensive, it does give access to almost all of the main sites.
Date posted: July 2008
Suranga Hettiarachchi (Sri Lanka, Live in USA):
Well, I have been to all the World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka, except Sinharaja Forest.
They are wonderful and amazing, because it is very hard to imagine how people gain knowledge
thousands of years ago to build that kind of massive buildings and shrines. Kandy is nice clean
town full of smell of fresh fruits, and seeing an elephant makes you shiver, but touching the
largest land animal on Earth, is a Kodak moment. Going to Sinharaja Forest, Yes its my next target, when I go to Sri Lanka next year.
 


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