Located a 1.5hrs drive north of Dambulla, the city is situated along the banks of the Malvathu Oya and is the oldest and grandest ancient city in the country. Anuradhapura is world famous for its preserved ruins that include enormous stupas, temples, monasteries, palaces and much more. Founded in the 4th century BC, the city was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, which during its peak, was one of the greatest and most stable civilisations in South Asia. Today, much of the ruins are open to the public for viewing, and many of the temples are still in use by monks and pilgrims.