Anuradhapura, Buddhist archaeological site in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura is a Buddhist archaeological site in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka, containing temples, pools, and brick stupas. The ruins stretch across several kilometers of preserved urban structures from medieval times.
The settlement arose in the 4th century BC as the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom and remained the center of power until the 11th century AD. Invasions from South India eventually led to the city's abandonment as a seat of government.
Devotees leave flower offerings at the roots of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree and pray beneath its spreading canopy, which has grown here for more than two thousand years. The tree stands within a walled enclosure where monks maintain a continuous cycle of ritual care passed down through generations.
Exploring the site requires at least two full days, with early morning tours recommended to avoid the intense midday heat. Comfortable shoes and a head covering are advisable, as paths between monuments can be long and shade limited.
The Jetavanarama Dagoba was constructed in the 3rd century using millions of bricks and reaches a height of 122 meters (400 feet), making it one of the largest brick structures worldwide. Archaeologists estimate that approximately 93 million bricks were used in its construction.
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