The epicentre of Sinhalese civilization dating back to 4th century BC, Anuradhapura was the first historical capital of Sri Lanka, and its marvels still radiate greatness. Reigning for over a millennium, the kingdom had 117 rulers who built magnificent palaces, great reservoirs and irrigation systems, pleasure gardens, and Buddhist temples - some, amongst the biggest architectural creations of the ancient world, smaller in size only to the pyramids of Giza. The surviving ruins, and the restored temples and stupas are just a few of the places to visit in the sacred city of Anuradhapura..