Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura
Ancient royal capital and stupas.
The island's first great capital, seat of power for more than a millennium, and still a living pilgrimage site rather than a ruin field. Brick stupas rise above the tree line, some of them among the largest ancient structures anywhere.
It is spread out and best covered by vehicle with short walks — and it deserves a guide, because the sacred precinct is in daily use.
Highlights
What you do here.
Sri Maha Bodhi
The sacred fig grown from a cutting of the tree the Buddha sat beneath, tended continuously for over two thousand years.
The great stupas
Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya at dusk, when white-clad pilgrims circle them.
Twin ponds and monastery ruins
The engineering of the ancient city — bathing tanks, guardstones and moonstones.
