Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and a sprawling UNESCO sacred city of colossal brick stupas, monastic ruins and the world's oldest documented tree.
Anuradhapura was the island's political and religious capital for more than a thousand years and is one of Asia's greatest ancient cities. Its vast Sacred City spreads over many square kilometres of dagobas (stupas), monastery ruins, bathing ponds and reservoirs, all still living places of Buddhist pilgrimage. Highlights include the towering Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stupas and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the Buddha's Bodhi tree. The modern town sits just east of the ruins and makes a convenient base for exploring on bicycle or by tuk-tuk.
Founded in the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura became the capital of Sri Lanka around 380 BCE and reigned for some 1,400 years until it was abandoned in the late 10th century after invasions from South India. It was the centre from which Theravada Buddhism spread across the island following the missionary visit of Mahinda in the 3rd century BCE. The ruins lay overgrown in jungle until rediscovered and excavated under British rule, and the Sacred City was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
The sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the Buddha's own Bodhi tree, said to be the oldest historically documented tree in the world.
A gleaming white dome-shaped stupa and one of the most sacred and revered monuments in the Buddhist world.
A huge brick stupa at the centre of the ancient Abhayagiri monastic city, once a great international seat of Buddhist learning.
A rock-cut cave temple beside a lotus pond, famous for its exquisite ancient stone carvings including the 'Isurumuniya Lovers'.
A colossal red-brick stupa, once among the tallest structures in the ancient world, at the ruins of the Jetavana monastery.
The oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka, a small bell-shaped stupa ringed by slender ancient stone pillars.
Halal and Vegetarian-friendly options are tagged below. Kosher food is not commercially available here; observant travellers usually self-cater or contact a Chabad house.
Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget
A dependable halal eatery near the bus stand serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, popular with local Muslim families and travellers.
Sri Lankan, Indian · Mid
A bright, popular restaurant in the new town serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, Indian dishes and Western meals, with generous vegetarian options.
Sri Lankan, Cafe · Mid
A guesthouse restaurant on a quiet street offering home-style Sri Lankan meals, fresh juices and a good vegetarian rice-and-curry spread.
Sri Lankan · Budget
A casual local spot known for hearty Sri Lankan rice and curry buffets and hoppers, with plenty of plant-based curries for vegetarian travellers.
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