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With a long and eventful history behind it, Anuradhapura lies in the north central part of Sri Lanka. Home to several of Sri Lanka's grandest palaces, monasteries, and monuments, the citadel has countless elaborate features mirroring the dominant influence of Buddhism in the country
Ancient Anuradhapura had been considered sacred by Buddhists. "The world's greatest monastic city" was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the well-preserved structures as well as the significant past it holds. Legends say that it was in Anuradhapura that the royal twins Sanghamitta and Mahinda had started introducing Buddhism to the kingdom. They are supposed to have brought with them a sapling said to be from the tree under which Buddha sat until he achieved enlightenment. For a long time since then, Anuradhapura had flourished until it became one of South Asia's most powerful cities.
The tree named Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi still stands at the topmost platform in Mahameghavana Park, and it is believed to be the oldest living tree in the world, dating as far back as 249 BC. Today, tourists and believers still flock around the Sri Maha Bodhi, and consider it both historical and hallowed. A note of caution is necessary to those who want to visit the sacred tree: shoes and hats must be removed before entering the area. Another attraction linked to Buddhism is the Ruwanweliseya, the greatest of its kind. The dagoba is believed to have the most perfect water-bubble shape. The oldest, however, is Thuparama Dagoba, constructed on Prince Mahinda's orders.
There are also museums in Anuradhapura housing some of the country's oldest manuscripts and artifacts. Funded by the Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian to commemorate his arrival to the city, the Abhayagiri Museum showcases ancient jewelry, pottery, and religious items. The local Archaeological Museum, on the other hand, exhibits a large-scale model of the Thuparama, but what is even more interesting is the group of squatting plates made by western monks who despised their worldly brother-monks. Not far from the Archaeological Museum is the Folk Museum which exhibits artifacts that reflect the lifestyle of the inhabitants of North Central Sri Lanka.