The 1st Capital of Sri Lanka, dating back to the 4th Century BC, and one of the most fascinating ancient cities in the world. There was an entire range of religious and secular buildings including hospitals, hostels, cemeteries, temples, palaces and irrigation tanks. The "Sri Maha Bodhi" tree is said to be the oldest historically documented tree in the world. Today, it is supported on crutches and encircled by a gold plated railing.

Jetawanaramaya - Among the important places of the city is giant Jetawanaramaya, a pagoda like building which enshrines the relics of the Buddha. The building was erected in the 4th Century and it was the second tallest building in the ancient world. (It was second only to the pyramids and largest brick monument in the world).

Samadhi statue - This stone statue depicts The Buddha in meditation posture. This was created in 3rd Century and it is considered to be one of the finest sculptures in the world.