Anuradhapura: The Sacred Heart of Sri Lanka

• Helloහායි
  [haai]
• Goodbyeවවුන්න
  [wavunna]
• Yesඔව්
  [ov]
• Noනෑ
  [nā]
• Please/You're welcomeකරන්න
  [kannna]
• Thank youඔබට ස්තූතියි
  [obat sthuthiyi]
• Excuse me/Sorryසමාවෙනි
  [samāwēni]
• How are you?ඔයා කොහද?
  [oayā kohada?]
• Fine. And you?සහෝදා. ඔයා?
  [sahōdā. oayā?]
• Do you speak English?ඔයා ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරනවාද?
  [oayā iṁgrīsi kathā karanvāda?]
• I don't understandමම අතිනවද?
  [mama atinavada?]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseකරුණාකොළ දැක්කා දෙන්න
  [karunākol dēkka denna]
• I don't eat meatමම මස් කන්නේද?
  [mama mas kannēda?]
• Cheers!සුරතලා
  [surathalā]
• I would like to pay, pleaseකරුණාකොළ ගෙවන්න
  [karunākol gēvanna]

• Help!උක්කනවා
  [ukkanavā]
• Go away!යන්න
  [yanna]
• Call the Police!පොලීසයට ඇමතුම්කරනවා
  [pōlīsayat amathumkaranavā]
• Call a doctor!වෛරසට ඇමතුම්කරනවා
  [varasat amathumkaranavā]
• I'm lostමම මොකෙද්දේ
  [mama mokēdā]
• I'm illමම අයදුම්කරනවා
  [mama ayadumkaranavā]

• I'd like to buy...මම ... මිලේ ගන්නවාද?
  [mama ... mile gannavāda?]
• I'm just lookingමම දැන් පටනවාද
  [mama dēna patanavāda]
• How much is it?එය කොහෙද?
  [eya koheda?]
• That's too expensiveඑය වේගයාමද?
  [eya vēgayāmada?]
• Can you lower the price?මිල අස්වනවාද?
  [mila aswanavāda?]

• What time is it?කොහෙද?
  [koheda?]
• It's one o'clockඑකට
  [ekata]
• Half past (10)දාවල
  [dāwala]
• Morningඋදේ
  [udē]
• Afternoonපසළ
  [pasala]
• Eveningවැනි
  [wani]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [īyē]
• Todayඅද
  [ada]
• Tomorrowහෙට
  [heta]
• 1එක
  [eka]
• 2දෙක
  [dēka]
• 3තුන
  [thuna]
• 4හතල්
  [hathal]
• 5පහ
  [paha]
• 6හය
  [haya]
• 7හත
  [hatha]
• 8අට
  [ata]
• 9නය
  [naya]
• 10දහ
  [daha]

• Where's a/the...?... කොට්ඨාද?
  [kotta da?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනය කොට්ඨාද?
  [lipinaya kotta da?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?මාපාවට පෙන්වනවාද?
  [māpāwat penvanavāda?]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟට කොහෙනවා?
  [īlagat kohenvā?]
• A ticket (to ....)පැය එකක් (... යට)
  [pāya ekak (yata)]

Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, was founded by King Pandukabhaya in the 4th century BCE. The city was strategically established on the banks of the Malwatu Oya, which provided a vital water source and facilitated trade and agriculture.

King Devanampiya Tissa, who reigned from 307 BCE to 267 BCE, is celebrated for establishing Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Under his rule, the city saw the construction of the Mahavihara monastery and the Thuparamaya, the first Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka, marking a significant cultural and religious transformation.

In 288 BCE, the sacred Bodhi tree, a sapling from the original tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, was brought to Anuradhapura by Sangamitta Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka of India. Planted in the Mahamevnawa Park, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is considered one of the oldest trees with a recorded history in the world.

King Dutugemunu reigned from 161 BCE to 137 BCE and is renowned for uniting the island under his rule after defeating the Chola King Elara. His contributions to Anuradhapura include the construction of the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, an architectural marvel and one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura is famed for its advanced irrigation systems, which were developed to support agriculture and sustain the large population. The city boasts several enormous reservoirs, or 'tanks,' such as the Abhayagiri and Jethawana tanks, which exemplify the ingenuity and engineering prowess of its ancient inhabitants.

King Mahasen, who ruled from 276 CE to 303 CE, is often credited with ushering in a golden age for Anuradhapura. He initiated the construction of the massive Jethawana Stupa, one of the tallest ancient structures in the world, and further expanded the city's irrigation network, enhancing its agricultural productivity.

Anuradhapura's decline began in the 10th century CE due to repeated invasions from South India. By the 11th century, the city was abandoned after the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa. The once-thriving metropolis gradually transformed into a dense jungle, preserving its ruins for centuries.

In the 19th century, British colonial explorers rediscovered Anuradhapura's ancient ruins. Systematic archaeological excavations have since unearthed its rich history and cultural heritage, revealing intricate carvings, stupas, and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the city's glorious past.

Anuradhapura is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, approximately 180 kilometers away. From Colombo, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to Anuradhapura. The train journey offers a scenic route and takes about 4-5 hours. Alternatively, buses operate frequently from the Colombo central bus terminal and take around 5-6 hours. Taxis are more expensive but provide a direct and comfortable ride.

Anuradhapura is a sprawling city, and while many key attractions are within walking distance of each other, it is advisable to use transportation for longer distances. Local tuk-tuks are a convenient and affordable way to get around. Bicycles can also be rented for exploring the ancient city at a leisurely pace. Public buses operate within the city and connect to surrounding areas, but they can be crowded and less frequent.

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout Anuradhapura, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be an issue. However, it’s wise to have sufficient cash on hand for rural areas and small vendors.

Anuradhapura is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep your belongings secure. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance and 110 for medical emergencies. The local police station and hospitals are available in Anuradhapura. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A traditional greeting involves placing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Anuradhapura like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Sri Lankan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the sacred Bodhi tree, one of the oldest trees in the world. For a unique experience, attend a local puja (prayer ceremony) at one of the ancient temples.