Anuradhapura in north-central Sri Lanka was its capital for most of 1300 years, from the 5th BCE to the 8th century. Like Polonnaruwa, it was a sophisticated city with waterworks fed by an artificial lake. What remains today are the ruins of the stone foundations of palaces, temples, baths, hospitals, halls, monasteries, and more. Originally, these foundations supported large wooden structures with tile roofs.

The monumental Buddhist dagobas (stupas) are still maintained and in use today, making Anuradhapura a sacred city visited by thousands of pilgrims.

6 January 2016