"First Ceylonese Capital" Top 5 Page for this destination Anuradhapura by tommix

Anuradhapura Travel Guide: 94 reviews and 269 photos

Anuradhapura was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. It wa the first Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years and was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, re-discovered by Brits in 1820, the splendid site, 50 km large, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments worth at least one full day of visit!

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:One of three "poles" of so-called "historical triangle". The others two are Polonnaruwa and Kandy

Last visit to Anuradhapura: Aug 2003
Intro Updated Jan 2, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (6)

Spend a little time on the lakeside Off The Beaten Path (1)

Anuradhapura is surrounded by lakes - Nuwara Wewa, Tissa Wewa and Bussawak Kulama are the biggest of them. Lakesides are... more travel advice

Bo (Bodhi) Tree - the oldest tree in the... Things to Do (3)

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya is the most sacred place in the city, visited by the thousends of Buddhist pilgrims from whole the... more travel advice

Monkeys! Friendly and unfriendly ones... Warnings and Dangers (1)

When visiting the Ancient City pay attention to the monkeys. Especially if you will buy peanuts for them. Not all of... more travel advice

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Baths) Things to Do (3)

The rectangular twin ponds which were fed by an underground supply of water drawn from a distance of 6 km. Worth... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
good backpacker's standard

Been to Anuradhapura?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 2, 2004

4 photos

Friendly monkeys in Ancient City

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (14)

Reply
- Report abuse
loanie Feb 19, 2010 at 3:58 PM

Not Tamil suicide bomber .By armed group of Tamil Tigers.
Reply
- Report abuse
Samanthi Apr 24, 2007 at 10:58 AM

Nice pictures from my country.
Reply
- Report abuse
Manyana Sep 10, 2004 at 7:18 AM

pheww! very good shots!
Reply
- Report abuse
mtncorg Sep 1, 2004 at 12:56 PM

Anuradhapura is a highlight of this island nation for sure as you aptly demonstrate. I seem to remember a few mosquitos in the area, too;-\
Reply
- Report abuse
radz Aug 27, 2004 at 5:03 AM

You catch monkeys in action :)Nice page.
Reply
- Report abuse
kyoub Aug 18, 2004 at 4:31 PM

An interesting page and good tips.
Reply
- Report abuse
Guantanamera Jul 27, 2004 at 1:33 AM

Another fascinating lost city... Cool page...!
Reply
- Report abuse
firechick Apr 25, 2004 at 11:49 AM

I really enjoyed your pages. Thanks for doing such a great job!
Reply
- Report abuse
ExGuyParis Mar 20, 2004 at 8:54 AM

Your photos have a life, movement, and mood that I find very appealing. Nice page.
Reply
- Report abuse
Pakistaniguy Feb 2, 2004 at 10:34 PM

these monkey's look so different from the monkeys here in Pakistan :-)))