Sri Lanka Country Guide
Everything you could possibly want, on one sunny, mango-shaped isle
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4.9/5 (992 reviews)

Anuradhapura was the ancient monastic capital of Ceylon from the 5th to the 10th century and a place of glory, promise and majesty. Today, it’s still the capital of the region and although not quite as grand as it may once have been, the crumbling temples, monasteries, and forts are still magnificent. Many of the buildings are, in fact, in use today as places of worship and the entire area has a vibrancy to it, magnified by the ever-present hum of Buddhist ceremonies. Sights to take note of include the enormous, brick-built dagobas, ancient symbols of meditation and the tallest in the world, and the old water tanks, a remnant of one of the most ambitious irrigation systems in the world. And probably the most beautiful is the sprawling Bodhi tree, believed to be an offshoot of the very tree under which Buddha became enlightened 2,300 years ago, and revered the world over.
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Wet Season — a good time to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Wet Season — a good time to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Dry Season — one of the best times to visit
Wet Season — a quieter time to visit
Wet Season — a quieter time to visit
Wet Season — a good time to visit
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