This sacred city was established around a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment’, the Buddha’s fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is now accessible once again.
The best way to explore this magnification ancient city is by bicycle. There are many lakes with shaded banks in Anuradhapura where you can sit and enjoy the magnificent scenery around you. If you begin your exploring the city in the morning which is the best time because it is much cooler than the day time you would see flocks of resident water birds looking for food in these lakes. You hire a boat and go exploring these lakes and even take a cool refreshing dip .Don’t forget to take your camera! 
You can find out more about Anuradhapura here https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/200
