Anuradhapura, the first capital of the Sri Lanka flourished for almost 1500 years starting form the 4th century BC. In the middle of 3rd Century BC, after 236 years of passing away of Buddha, Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka and from that point onward a great civilisation was built upon the teaching of Buddha. Today Anuradhapura is one of the most sacred cities for the Buddhists all over the world and it is filled with Ancient Dagabas, monasteries, palaces, manmade water tanks and royal parks. Out of these, Atamastrana ( the 8 holy places) are considered the most important places that a Buddhist pilgrim must visit in Anuradhapura. They are.............. Sri Maha Bodiya Ruwanweliseya Thuparamaya Lovamahapaya Abhayagiriya Jetavanaramaya Mirisavetiya Lankaramaya