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Top Sights in Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is the first capital of Sri Lanka, located in the north-central part of the island, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient ruins, Buddhist stupas, and advanced irrigation engineering.
The city was established on the banks of the Malwatu Oya and was formally made a royal capital during the reign of King Pandukabhaya in the 4th century BCE.Its importance grew dramatically in the 3rd century BCE when Buddhism was introduced by Mahinda Thera during the rule of King Devanampiya Tissa, turning Anuradhapura into a major centre of Theravada Buddhism.Over the centuries, successive rulers built monumental stupas, monasteries, hospitals, and extensive irrigation networks to support both religious life and large-scale agriculture.These achievements created a highly developed hydraulic civilisation, with vast reservoirs and advanced water systems that sustained the ancient city.Anuradhapura remained the capital for more than a millennium, making it one of the longest continuously functioning capitals of the ancient world.Its decline began in the late 10th century CE after repeated invasions from South India, leading to the transfer of political power to Polonnaruwa.Today, Anuradhapura remains a major pilgrimage destination, with its archaeological park attracting devotees and visitors from around the world.