Anuradhapura is a very old city in Sri Lanka. It used to be one of the main cities and was even the third capital of ancient Sri Lanka. This city has been around for a long time, about a thousand years! It’s a special place for Buddhists who follow Theravada Buddhism, and it’s famous around the world for its history. Anuradhapura is even considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it’s really important.

Before the 11th century, Anuradhapura was the main city for the Sinhalese people. It’s seen as a holy place for Buddhists and covers a big area, about 16 square kilometers today. When Buddhism became popular there, the city grew a lot. They built strong buildings and used clever technology.

Back then, the kings, the people, and the religious leaders all worked together. This harmony led to the creation of beautiful art and big lakes that looked like seas. There are many lakes in Anuradhapura, like Nuwara, Nachchaduwa, and Tissa. They show how smart people were at collecting water.

Some important places to see in Anuradhapura are the “Ruwanwalisaya” and “Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.” These places are really special and have a lot of history. Visiting them will help you understand more about Anuradhapura’s past and culture.