Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

With a population of just 63,208, Anuradhapura is hardly the bustling metropolis one might expect from an ancient Sri Lankan capital. The city's glory days as the seat of power for over a millennium have long since faded, leaving a sleepy provincial town in their wake. While the vast irrigation network and intricate Buddhist architecture hint at the kingdom's former grandeur, modern Anuradhapura is plagued by a persistent bureaucratic headache - the legacy of Chola and Sinhalese rule. Those seeking an authentic taste of Sri Lankan history may find Anuradhapura rewarding, but the city offers little for the casual tourist craving excitement and modernity.