Anuradhapura, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It served as the island’s capital for more than a millennium, beginning in the 4th century BCE. Today, its vast archaeological complex spans several square kilometers and includes some of South Asia’s most significant Buddhist monuments. The sacred Bodhi Tree, known as the Sri Maha Bodhiya, is believed to have grown from a cutting of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It has been cared for by successive generations of monks for over 2,000 years, making it the oldest documented tree in the world with a known planting date.

Among the city’s landmarks are towering stupas, or dagobas, built with astonishing precision and scale. The Jetavanaramaya, once one of the tallest brick structures in the ancient world, rises over 120 meters and was constructed using more than 90 million bricks. Visitors can also explore the Ruwanwelisaya, a pristine white dome revered by pilgrims, and the Abhayagiri Monastery, which once housed thousands of monks and is still under excavation. These sites are not just relics; they continue to be used for prayer and ritual by devotees dressed in white, especially on full moon days known as poya.

Water management was a central feature of Anuradhapura’s ancient city planning. The rulers of the time engineered massive reservoirs such as Tissa Wewa and Nuwara Wewa. These artificial lakes, some over 1,000 years old, remain in use today and attract birds, especially during the migratory season. At sunset, the reservoirs turn into reflective pools, mirroring dagobas in the distance and offering a quiet retreat for travelers who venture beyond the main ruins.