Anuradhapura is the important early kingdom in north central province in Sri Lanka.

Situated in north central province from Colombo to Anuradhapura 210km at about 04hr 40min drive. The ancient city of Anuradhapura, declared by UNESCO in 1982 as a World Heritage site, an ancient city total extended at about 40sq km.  

King Devanampiyatissa was the first king who had a coronation under the guidance of Emperor Asoka who introduced the Monarchy system to Sri Lanka. 

Anuradhapura was the first Capitale city of Sri Lanka for nearly 1500 years
126 kings ruled in this city.

City surrounded by water with lakes to west and river to east.
Three reservoirs west of city: Bulankulama, Basawakkulama, Tisa Vewa Malwathu Oya on east side of city and Nuwara Vewa on the right bank of Malwathu Oya Earliest settlement in Anuradhapura dates back to Stone Age c.900 BC. 60.

Archaeological excavations in the inner citadel of ancient Anuradhapura known as Salgahawatte excavation proved that there was evidence for paddy cultivation and horse breeding as far as 900 BC. (Dr. Shiran Deraniyagala)
A potsherd which was found there shows the Brahmi letters ‘Anuradha’ belongs to
500 BC.

According to Mahawamsa, Vijaya, the first king of Sri Lanka arrived through Manthai sea port in 6″ century BC.

Aryans settled down in Thambapanni in the southern bank of the Anuradhagrama was founded by king Vijaya’s minister Anuradha vicinity of the river Malwatu oya.

Dry Zone by 3^rd century BC Increased rice production supported growing population.
At this time Anuradhapura happened to be the largest city in South Asia and capital of
emerging kingdom.

What can be considered in Anuradhapura for Tourist?

• Kingship, administration system, political situation.
• Religion and its influence.
• Cultural aspect.
• Economic growth, foreign trades.
• Ancient irrigation system.
• Invasions. 

What can be explore in Anuradhapura ancient city?

At present the accepted eight sacred places are as follows.

1. Sri Maha Bodhi,
2. Ruwanveli Saeya,
3. Brazen Palace,
4. Mirisawetiya,
5. Thuparama,
6. Abayagiriya Stupa,
7. Jethawana Stupa
8. Isurumuniya

Apart from eight sacred places there are other Buddhist monuments also find in Anuradhapura.
as an example

1. refectory,
2. Sauna bath,
3. Lankarama Stupa,
4. Abayagiri complex with Stupa,
5. Samadhi Statue,
6. Twin ponds,
7. Refectory halls at Mihintale, Mahapali refectory and Abayagiriya Monastery.
8. Eth Pokuna,
9. Borrows Pavili Pashana,
10. Western monaste Stone bridge,
11. Asokarama and Pankuliya Buddha statues,
12. Ancient Tooth R and Jethawana complex are some of them