Anuradhapura - Ancient Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Anuradhapura is believed by some to be the capital of the Rakshasa King Ravana in the Hindu epic of Lord Rama the Ramayana. A popular Hindu legend says; a layer of ash is to be found anywhere you excavate in Anuradhapura. Proof, they say, as an ancient city (Anuradhapura) was burnt down by Rama devotee Lord Hanuman (the monkey god) before the epic war.

Just over 200km from Colombo, the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom's capital, founded between the 5th and 4th century BC, on the banks of the Malvathu Oya river was Sri Lanka's first capital ruled by the kings of Anuradhapura until the beginning of the 11th century AD, famous for the Anuradhapura ruins and Moonstones of Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka's premier ancient cities, with well-preserved ruins of the ancient Lankan civilization, abandoned by 1017 AD, situated in the dry zone of North Central Province of Sri Lanka.
The Ruvanveli Dagoba at Anuradhapura ranks amongst the most beautiful, oldest and largest dagobas of Sri Lanka. The dagoba is one of Buddhists holiest.
Other main attractions of Anuradhapura and Ancient Anuradhapura UNESCO World Heritage Site: The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Anuradhapura or Sri Maha Bodhiya - Bo Tree to the south of the ancient city, Temples - Star struck stupas in ancient Anuradhapura; Dakkhina Stupa and Mirisaveti Stupa, The Jetavanaramaya or Jetavanarama dagoba of the city is still the highest brick structure in the world, Brazen Place, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Abhayagiri Dagoba, Isurumuniya, Kiribath Vehera, Kuttam Pokuna, Lankarama, Lovamahapaya, Magul Uyana, Naka Vihara, Queen's Palace, Rathna Prasadaya, Sela Cetiya. Thuparamaya, Toluwila Statue and Vessagiri as well as an Mihintale, about 12km from Anuradhapura - a rock dotted with cave shrines and dwellings - a grand granite slab stairway of 1,840 steps that leads to a summit with superb views of the surrounding area.

---

We apologise for the repetition of some place or proper names with different spellings, but there is no definitive spelling translation of these words.
We welcome reviews of any Sri Lanka resorts, hotels or visitor attractions. Please see our contributing writer's guidelines.


JeGraNet.com statement - 15 October 2008 - Quote from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: "There is a high threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Fatal attacks have become more frequent. They have occurred in Colombo and throughout Sri Lanka, including places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers. Further attacks may occur at any time. There is an increasing risk of British nationals being caught up in an attack". As independent travellers we left Colombo after just 9 days into our planned 6 month stay as a result of a feeling of insecurity, however we are sure that 'package tour' travellers to tourist resorts will probably enjoy a worry free holiday.