Anuradhapura is mainly famous for its extensive Buddhist ruins and status as an important Buddhist pilgrimage center. In fact, this ancient city was the first kingdom to be established in Sri Lanka. Founded in the 5th century BC, Anuradhapura was a flourishing city and was among the 10 largest cities in the sub continent. As Buddhism made its foray into Sri Lanka, a number of Buddhist structures and monastery complexes came up in Anuradhapura. Some of these structures still exist today and revoke the old glory of the city.
The Jetavanaramaya dagoba in Anuradhapura is still the highest brick structure in the world. The present Anuradhapura has been built over the ruins of the old city and is a major attraction for international and domestic tourists alike. It is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, the oldest historical tree in the world that is 2300 years old. Today, there are many things to see in Anuradhapura like the several colossal stupas, a temple entirely hewn from rock and the Brazen Palace.
The most appealing thing about Anuradhapura is its ancient charm that is still discernable amidst its extensive ruins. A tour around this wonderful place really transports you back in time and offers you a wealth of knowledge. So appealing is this ancient charm that it makes you go back again and again to Anuradhapura and lose yourself in the old grandeur of the place.
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