North Central Province · Ancient kingdom
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an ancient sacred city of monasteries, monuments and the Sri Maha Bodhi tradition. It is both an archaeological landscape and a living pilgrimage place, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Great stupas, monastic ruins and the Sri Maha Bodhi tradition share one wide sacred city. The distances between monuments are part of the visit, not a delay in it.
Some places in Anuradhapura are active sites of worship. Dress respectfully and allow quiet time as well as time to move between them.
Official record: Sacred City of Anuradhapura. The pictures on this page are artistic interpretations, not documentary photographs. Details may differ from the real place.
Plan time for the distances between monuments and for active places of worship.