As the first grand capital of ancient Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura stands as a sprawling testament to a civilisation that flourished for over a thousand years. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the world’s tallest brick stupas, reaching toward the sky like mountains of faith. At its heart lies the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented tree in the world, which serves as a living link to the very beginnings of Buddhism on the island. Wandering through the vast complex of ruined palaces, monastic baths, and intricate moonstones, travellers feel the weight of an empire that mastered both spiritual devotion and hydraulic engineering. It is a destination for those who wish to walk through the silent, sacred halls of history.