While it’s not quite as grandiose as Burma’s Bagan or as mysterious as Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the ruins of Anuradhapura remain one of South Asia’s most electrifying sights. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas, soaring brick towers, ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s 1000 years of rule over Sri Lanka. Still today it’s not completely dead; in fact, several of the sites remain in use as holy places and temples; which adds some life to the place.
