Established around the 4th century BCE, it served as the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom for over a millennium until the 11th century CE. The city is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, particularly its majestic Buddhist stupas and monastic complexes. The Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura, is believed to have grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Buddha attained Enlightenment. It is one of the oldest documented trees in the world. Anuradhapura features impressive architectural achievements such as the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Jetavanaramaya Stupa, and Abhayagiri Monastery. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting tourists and historians with its historical and cultural significance. Walking or cycling around the city while absorbing the aura is one of the best ways to experience it.
