Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 4th century BC, it became the cradle of Sinhalese civilization and flourished as the center of governance, religion, and culture for over a millennium. Today, its sprawling ruins, sacred monuments, and spiritual landmarks make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, pilgrims, and cultural explorers alike. At the spiritual heart of Anuradhapura lies the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, planted in 288 BC. This sacred fig tree is a cutting from the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Revered as the oldest living tree with a recorded history, the Sri Maha Bodhi continues to draw thousands of pilgrims daily, embodying over two millennia of Buddhist devotion. The city is also famed for its colossal stupas, or dagobas, which testify to the architectural and engineering brilliance of ancient Sri Lanka. Among them, the Ruwanwelisaya, built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC, stands as a beacon of faith and national pride. The Jetavanaramaya, constructed in the 3rd century AD, once soared to a height of 122 meters, making it the tallest brick structure of the ancient world. The Abhayagiriya Stupa, equally monumental, served as a thriving monastic center that influenced Buddhist scholarship across Asia. Anuradhapura’s ingenuity extended to water management and urban planning. The Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna) exemplify the city’s advanced hydraulic systems, while massive reservoirs such as Tissa Wewa and Nuwara Wewa sustained agriculture and supported its growing population. These feats highlight the blend of practicality and spirituality that defined the city’s development. Beyond its sacred relics and monuments, Anuradhapura was once a bustling metropolis with royal palaces, monasteries, assembly halls, and intricately carved guard stones and moonstones that still stand as masterpieces of stone craftsmanship. Each site within the sacred city offers insights into the life, governance, and faith of the people who once thrived there. Today, Anuradhapura remains both a living city and a timeless monument. While modern infrastructure surrounds the ancient ruins, the city continues to serve as a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists worldwide. Visitors are transported back in time as they walk among towering stupas, gaze upon sacred relics, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of ancient monastic sites. A journey to Anuradhapura is more than a visit to an archaeological site—it is a profound spiritual and cultural experience. It offers travelers the chance to witness the enduring legacy of a civilization that shaped Sri Lanka’s identity and contributed significantly to the history of Buddhism. In every stone carving, in every stupa, and under the shade of the sacred Bodhi tree, the echoes of Anuradhapura’s glorious past continue to inspire awe and reverence.