DRAG

Anuradhapura: The Eternal City of Kings, Faith, and Sacred Trees

In the heart of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province lies Anuradhapura, a city that breathes with the spirit of ancient kings, enlightened monks, and timeless rituals. As the island’s first capital and the cradle of Theravāda Buddhism, Anuradhapura is not just a destination—it is a pilgrimage through time. With its colossal stupas, sacred Bodhi tree, and sprawling monastic ruins, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, offering a profound sense of place, purpose, and peace.

The Name and Its Origins

The name Anuradhapura is believed to derive from Prince Anuradha, a follower of King Vijaya—the legendary founder of the Sinhalese race. According to the Mahāvaṃsa, the ancient chronicle of Sri Lanka, Prince Anuradha established a settlement here in the 5th century BCE, naming it Anuradhagrama. Over time, it evolved into Anuradhapura, meaning “the city of Anuradha.”

Another interpretation links the name to “Anura” (meaning joy or prosperity) and “Pura” (city), suggesting “the city of joy”—a fitting title for a place that has inspired devotion and awe for over two millennia.

Population & Demographics

As of 2024, Anuradhapura city is home to approximately 68,244 residents, while the broader Anuradhapura District houses over 892,000 people. The city’s demographic profile is predominantly Sinhalese Buddhist (over 90%), with minorities of Sri Lankan Moors (8.3%), Sri Lankan Tamils, and Christians contributing to its cultural mosaic.

The median age is around 31.3 years, reflecting a youthful and industrious population. The gender distribution is nearly even, with a slight female majority. The city’s social fabric is deeply interwoven with religious life, traditional values, and a growing hospitality sector.

Main Occupations & Local Economy

Anuradhapura’s economy is shaped by its agricultural heritage, religious significance, and tourism appeal:

  • Agriculture: The city is the heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient hydraulic civilization. Vast irrigation tanks like Tissa Wewa and Nuwara Wewa, built by kings over 2,000 years ago, still support paddy cultivation, vegetable farming, and inland fisheries.
  • Tourism & Pilgrimage: As a sacred city, Anuradhapura attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually. Locals are engaged in guiding, hospitality, handicrafts, and transport services, often blending spiritual service with economic livelihood.
  • Public Service & Education: As the provincial capital, Anuradhapura hosts numerous government institutions, archaeological departments, and educational centers.
  • Artisanal Trades: Traditional stone carving, brasswork, and temple painting continue to thrive, especially around the sacred sites.

Signature Stays: Where to Sleep in Style

Anuradhapura offers a range of accommodations—from heritage-inspired resorts to modern boutique hotels:

  • Rajarata Hotel – A contemporary favorite with spacious rooms, a pool, and proximity to the sacred city.
  • Heritage Hotel Anuradhapura – Overlooking Tissa Wewa, this hotel blends colonial charm with modern comfort.
  • Jetwing Lake Forest – A tranquil retreat offering lake views, elegant suites, and curated experiences.
  • Miridiya Lake Resort – A long-standing favorite with a lakeside setting and family-friendly amenities.
  • Ceylan Lodge – A boutique hotel known for its warm service and central location.
  • Milano Tourist Rest – A reliable mid-range option with clean rooms and local hospitality.
  • Hotel Heladiv – A serene escape with lush gardens and personalized service, ideal for pilgrims and leisure travelers alike.

Top Tourist Attractions

Anuradhapura is a living museum, with sacred sites and archaeological marvels spread across a vast cultural landscape:

  • Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi: The oldest historically documented tree in the world, grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

  • Ruwanwelisaya: A gleaming white stupa built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, revered as one of the most sacred dagobas in Sri Lanka.

  • Jetavanaramaya: Once the tallest stupa in the ancient world, this brick monument stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Sinhalese kings.

  • Thuparamaya: The first stupa built after the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, said to enshrine the Buddha’s right collarbone.

  • Isurumuniya Temple: Famous for its rock carvings, including the iconic “Isurumuniya Lovers,” this temple blends natural beauty with artistic mastery.

  • Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace): Once a nine-story monastic complex with a bronze roof, it housed thousands of monks and remains a symbol of ancient architectural ambition.

  • Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna): A marvel of ancient hydraulic engineering, these symmetrical bathing tanks reflect the sophistication of monastic life.

  • Ranmasu Uyana: A royal pleasure garden with stone baths, lotus ponds, and the enigmatic “Star Gate” carving, believed by some to be linked to astronomical or spiritual symbolism.

  • Tissa Wewa: A tranquil reservoir built in the 3rd century BCE, offering scenic walks and sunset views.