Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is an ancient sacred city that was established as an early settlement in Sri Lanka. Dating back to the third century BC, Anuradhapura is said to be established by a prince from India. This magnificent city of palaces, temples and monuments flourished for 1,300 years but was abandoned after it was invaded in the late 10th century. Much like Peru’s Machu Picchu, locals were aware of it but not many others until it was “discovered” by Europeans many centuries later. These fantastic ruins have since been excavated and are accessible for the public to enjoy. Anuradhapura is famous for a sacred bo-tree, a sapling of the tree sheltering Siddartha when he attained Buddhahood.