Anuradhapura – A Sacred Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Ancient Soul

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If you want to walk through the roots of Sri Lankan civilization, there's no place like the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. Once the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sprawling open-air museum filled with stupas, monasteries, royal palaces, and centuries-old Bodhi trees that still command awe and reverence.

One of the most spiritually moving moments for me was standing before the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, grown from a branch of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It’s the oldest historically documented tree in the world — and surrounded by pilgrims offering flowers and prayers.

The sheer scale of the monuments here is mind-blowing:

The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, gleaming white and surrounded by elephant statues, is majestic.

The Jetavanaramaya, one of the tallest ancient brick structures in the world, still stands tall after over 1,700 years.

And the Abhayagiri Monastery complex shows how advanced Buddhist architecture was during the early centuries.

🚶♀️ Tips for visiting Anuradhapura:

Wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) and remove shoes near sacred sites.

Rent a bicycle or tuk-tuk — the area is vast and hard to walk in full.

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and cooler temperatures.

Respect the spiritual atmosphere; it’s still a vibrant pilgrimage site.

Anuradhapura isn’t just a collection of ruins — it’s a living city of devotion, history, and heritage. Whether you’re here for photography, spirituality, or curiosity, this ancient city will leave you inspired and humbled.