Anuradhapura District, Archaeological district in North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Description
Anuradhapura District is a region in Sri Lanka's North Central Province containing ancient temples, monasteries, and farmland spread across a large area. The area holds archaeological sites from different periods alongside agricultural land still in use today.
History
The region was founded in the 4th century BC and served as Sri Lanka's first capital, where Sinhalese civilization flourished for over 1,000 years. This long period established it as a religious and political center of great importance.
Culture
The Sri Maha Bodhi tree in the district is one of Buddhism's holiest places and continues to draw thousands of pilgrims today. The atmosphere around this tree is filled with devotion and quiet prayer.
Practical
You can reach the district by bus from Colombo, with the journey taking around six hours through the central region. The best time to explore is during the drier months, when paths are easier to walk.
Did you know?
The district contains three ancient water reservoirs known as tanks, which showcase irrigation engineering developed over 2,000 years ago. These structures demonstrate the technical knowledge of that era and some still function today.
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Sri Maha Bodhi
11.5 km
Ruwanweli Maha Saya
11.6 km
Jetavanaramaya
10.8 km
Abhayagiri vihāra
12.3 km
Thuparamaya
11.7 km
Isurumuniya
12.1 kmMahavihara of Anuradhapura
11.5 km
Lovamahapaya
11.4 km
Ranmasu Uyana
12.2 km
Mirisawetiya Vihara
12.3 km
Lankarama
13.4 km
Dakkhina Stupa
11.6 km
Tissa Wewa
12.7 km
Anuradhapura Museum
11.8 kmMahakanadara Wewa
8.2 kmBasawakkulama Wewa
12.8 kmPallankulama Wewa
13.7 kmBandara Ratmale Wewa
17.4 kmMuwaetagama Wewa
23.4 kmNachchaduwa Tank
9.5 kmPahala Kurundankulama Wewa
7.6 kmMoragahawala Wewa
19.9 kmMaha Weligollewa Wewa
24.3 kmKapirigama Wewa
19.3 kmMedagama Wewa
17.5 kmMedawachchiya Wewa
23 kmPahala Talawa Wewa
21.7 kmBellankadawala Wewa
25.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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