Anuradhapura is a major city situated in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. It serves as the capital city of both the North Central Province and the Anuradhapura District. The city is located on the banks of the historic Malwathu Oya, approximately 205 kilometres (127 mi) north of Colombo, the current capital of the country.
The site is designated as a World Heritage Site and is renowned for its well-preserved ruins belonging to the ancient Sinhalese civilisation. These historical remains represent a significant archaeological landmark within the region.