Sri Lanka: Anuradhapura – the ancient capital

I always found Sri Lanka, an island country with rich history, lush greenery and marvellous cuisine, very attractive to visit. I had explored the southern part of the island years ago, and recently, I found myself wandering through the heart of the country, discovering gems like Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, and Pinnawala.

Anuradhapura, an ancient city that once stood as the island’s capital from the 4th century BC to the 10th century AD, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to many archaeological sites, including stupas, statues, palaces and monasteries. My visit included the Ruwanwelisaya white stupa and the sacred Bodhi tree.

Slovenská verzia: Sri Lanka: Anuradhapura – starodávne hlavné mesto

The Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura is a piece of history, believed to be the oldest tree planted by a human, dating back 2,300 years. It’s said that the nun Sangamitta Theri brought it to Sri Lanka, linking the island to Buddhism’s roots.

The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, of 55 meters height, stems from ancient Sinhalese engineering and it is one of the revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. It’s said to enshrine relics of Buddha himself, including his hair and collarbone.

Visiting such sacred sites comes with a respect for local traditions—cover your shoulders and knees, even in the 40°C heat.  My advice, don’t forget socks (these are allowed) to protect your feet from the scorching ground and prevent any unpleasant blisters.