Anuradhapura in the North Central Province is an ancient capital of Sri Lanka that was founded in the fourth century BC. It was the national capital for almost six hundred years, during which it held strong political powers, but the conflicts for Royal succession led to its vulnerability and the capital was shifted into the interiors. Anuradhapura lies 205 km from the present capital, Colombo and consists of well-preserved ruins of the ancient civilization. Located along the banks of the Malvathu Oya, this ancient city is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When King Pandukabhaya made the city his capital in the 4th century BC, he organized a well-laid out plan for the city, which developed greatly during his reign and that of his son after him. It was at the time when Buddhism was introduced in the city that Anuradhapura grew more prominent. The city till today is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site with monasteries covering more than sixteen square miles. The most impressive are the four gigantic Stupas that are built over Buddhist relics and dominate the surrounding area of paddy fields and coconut palms.
Three kinds of structures can be seen here, the Dagobas, massive bell-shaped buildings, the monastic buildings that are scattered everywhere in the form of stone pillars, platforms and foundations and lastly the Pokunas, which are large water reservoirs. The splendid Elephant Wall of the Ruvanweli Seya Dogoba is a spectacular work of architecture. The dozens and dozens of elephants on the wall are carved in a manner that gives the appearance of the Dogoba being carried by them. The most renowned of the monastic buildings is the 164 BC Brazen Palace.
Also there is a museum where travelers can learn about the ancient civilization and the history of Anuradhapura. The Maha Bodhi Tree or the Bo Tree that was grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree or the ‘Tree of Enlightenment’, where Buddha attained enlightenment, is also a most visited site. Besides, the architectural splendors, the scenic landscape is also worth noticing as a lot of greenery abounds here. The ancient and sacred city of Anuradhapuram is a great tourist destination for those who like to explore the past.
Photo by Patrick Flament provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Oldrich Miksik provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Oldrich Miksik provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Oldrich Miksik provided courtesy of Panoramio.com