Anuradapura

The ancient first capital city. Anuradhapura flourished as a center of political power, and created a unique culture in South Asia from 400 BC to 1100 AC that was known as far as the Mediterranean Civilizations. As you walk through this sacred city of Buddhism with its monasteries, temples, dagabas and palaces you will notice a very intricate but refined style of art and architecture that probably evolved with the influence of the gentle doctrine of Buddhism and the inspiring beauty of the land itself. Great kings, philosophers, sages and brave warriors lived here and it is here that Buddhism was introduced to the country by the Buddhist monk, Mahinda Thera in the 3rd century BC. Remarkable achievements in the technical development of hydraulic engineering for irrigation are also a strong factor of this ancient civilization. The highlights of sightseeing will be, the sacred Bo-tree, a sapling of the Bo-tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, Historically authenticated as the oldest tree in the world it is venerated by all Buddhists. Thuparama, built in 300 BC this stupa the first to be build on this island is said to enshrine the collar bone relic of the Buddha. Ruwanveliseye, built by the great folk hero, the warrior king Dutugemunu between 161-137 BC. Lovamahapaya, the great copper roofed mansion - the site where a massive 7 storeyed mansion with a thousand chambers built by the kind for the Buddhist monks during 161-137 BC. Isurumuniya Rock Cave Temple, the beautiful rock carving of the lovers. Royal Pleasure Gardens. Moonstone Carving a unique stone carving. Abhagiri Dagaba, presently 235 feet high this monument built by King Vattegamini in 100 BC according to the history books was Four Hundred feet high. Jetawana Dagaba, originally 400 feet in height it still remains the tallest brick monument in the world.