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Anuradhapura Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Anuradhapura. We've got 223 adventures going to Anuradhapura, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 32 days. The most popular month to go is April, which has the largest number of tour departures.

223 Anuradhapura tour packages with 667 reviews

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Classic Sri Lanka

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sri lanka multi-day tours 5 days with private driver, vehicle and H/B accommodations

This is the first time we have been in Sri Lanka, so we were a little nervous at first. Our drive/ private tour guide was Dinesh. He was very pleasant and was very knowledgeable. He was very accommodating with our request, especially when it came to the PCR test required to fly out of Sri Lanka. Overall, I give this tour a 5 star and would recommend it to anyone looking to do a private tour in this country.

Sri Lanka In 4 Days

My self and 4 others visited Sri Lanka with Holiday Lanka for 04 days. We had an excellent tour in this lovely country with an excellent guide. Our guide went beyond his way to help us. Holiday Lanka staff was very friendly and professional in arranging everything for us. We highly recommend their service to anyone who is planning to visit Sri Lanka.

Best of Sri Lanka

Great new experiences everyday. The tour has it all, historical sites, outdoors, hikes, sea, cycling ...

4 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary

5-Day in Cultural Heart of Sri Lanka

Make Me a Buddhist for 8 Days

Mini Culture Sri Lanka - 07 Days

Sri Lanka Ancient Culture Expedition (Private Tailored)

Absolutely enchanting, my custom Egypt journey was a masterpiece! ???? From the mystical Pyramids of Giza to the timeless allure of the Sphinx, every moment felt like a magic carpet ride through the sands of time. The Nile Cruise unfolded the mysteries of ancient temples and lively markets, offering a dreamlike experience. Special thanks to the expert guides who turned hieroglyphs into captivating stories. Luxor's grandeur and Aswan's tranquility left me spellbound. Sphinx-like service from start to finish – heartfelt gratitude to the entire team!

• Local Living

The Local Way - Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

Cultural Sri Lanka 8 Days Tour

Bravo Tours provided a well-rounded and immersive experience, leaving us with cherished memories of Sri Lanka's beauty and hospitality. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a deep and culturally enriching journey in Sri Lanka. It was an unforgettable experience

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Grand Tour Of Sri Lanka

Our 12 day tour of Sri Lanka with B H Lanka Tours exceeded our expectations. Before the tour we asked several questions about how our tour would operate and received swift and clear replies from B H Lanka. This confirmed our confidence in selecting this tour with a private driver/guide. We were delighted with our appointed driver, Indunil, who was an excellent driver and guide. Indunil was highly professional in his work, always putting our needs first and always being available when we had to make decisions along the way. He is very good at reading people, carefully listening to what we said and providing useful suggestions. The tour was well priced and the extra options meant we could shape our experiences without having pre-paid for activities which did not suit us. We would highly recommend B H Lanka Tours and their driver, Indunil, without hesitation as a reliable operator who adds a personal touch to this trip in Sri Lanka. This review is written freely by us M & C Wild Australia

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

So Heritage

Sri Lankan Heritage - 12 Days

Grand Tour Sri Lanka

I highly recommend using ASY Tours. We used this service for a 14 day trip road trip from Colombo to Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Mirissa. We would never have been able to see so much in such a short space of time without the help of our driver, Tharindu. He has expert knowledge about the culture and history of Sri Lanka and knows all the best local places to eat and shop. He is extremely easy going and a pleasure to be around. We greatly appreciated that he went out of his way to ensure we experienced as much as possible on our travels. Thank you for the incredible experience!!

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

What people love about Anuradhapura Tours

I spent 4 short but enjoyable days in Sri Lanka. Day at beach hotel, Wilpattu national park safari, Sigiriya Lions rock fortress (with kandy city, dance show), and Nuwara Eliya. Sigiriya was amazing! Well worth the 1000 step climb. Prasanna, my guide and driver, was prompt with pickup upon arrival. He gave such a warm welcome that i immediately relaxed and knew i was in good hands. He's funny and very personable. Because it's a private tour, with solo traveler, it was like riding along with a friend. Prasanna constantly checked in to make sure I had what I needed and was enjoying myself. He organized a wonderful massage for me after I had some body aches. His presence has made Sri Lanka somewhere I will remember fondly forever. Lanka Safe communication and organization before the tour was good. Planning is flexible and can be whatever a client wants. I decided to just book transport with Lanka Safe, and organized the hotels myself. It was smooth. Communication wasn't as swift after payment but still timely enough. I was surprised that there were no messages prior to my arrival, but my driver was waiting for me at the airport, so it wasn't a problem. Several companies never responded to my inquiries, so I appreciate Lanka Safe being so easy to work with. Thank you, Prasanna and Lanka Safe Tours for giving me a warm and fun short holiday in Sri Lanka.

A great trip, lots of varied and interesting activities, fantastic scenery, a suberb leader, Matish, a small friendly group from 5 different countries, good weather most of the way. All the hotels were comfortable and very clean, some were excellent. I felt safe everywhere, even on my own after the trip. The local people were friendly and welcoming everywhere. I would love to come back to Sri Lanka some day.

• Sri Lanka Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 2 Weeks Sri Lanka Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 3 Day Sri Lanka Itineraries 2024/2025

International Versions

• Deutsch: Anuradhapura Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages au Anuradhapura
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Anuradhapura
• Nederlands: Anuradhapura Rondreizen

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Anuradhapura Day Tour

Go deep into sri lankan history with an anuradhapura day tour…, historical prominence of anuradhapura.

• 4th century BC was when Anuradhapura became the capital of ancient Lanka – during the reign of King Pandukhabaya.
• Buddhism was introduced in the 3rd century BC – during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.
• King Tissa built the country’s first Stupa to house the relic of Budhha’s right collarbone.
• He also planted the sacred Bo Sapling brought by Princess Sangamitta, Indian Emperor Asoka’s daughter. Today, this tree is considered as the oldest living tree in the world.
• King Tissa built irrigation tanks and a man-made lake (still in use today) to develop inland agriculture.
• Towards the end of the 3rd century, King Mahasena built 16 irrigation tanks and the tallest stupa: Jethavanaramaya.
• In the 2nd century BC, King Dutugemunu successfully recaptured the city whenever it fell to invading Indian armies.
• King Dutugemunu’s reign saw a massive construction boost including monuments such as Ruwanweliseya Stupa, Mirisavetiya Temple, and the Brazen Temple.

Places you will visit

Abhayagiri Dagoba

Sri Maha Bodhi

Ruvanveliseya Dagoba

Archeological Museum

Jetavanarama Dagoba

Isurumuniya Vihara

Thuparama Dagoba

Kuttam Pokuna

Mirisavatiya Dagoba

Nuwara Wewa

Not to miss in this tour.

• Sunset at Nuwara Wewa.
• The marvels of Ruvanveliseya Dagoba.

Things you will do

• Visit the most popular ancient ruins of Anuradhapura.
• Undertake Blessings at Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura.
• Indulge in an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry meal.
• Learn about Sri Lankan history during your day tour of Anuradhapura.

Q. Is this day tour for me?

Throughout the centuries, Anuradhapura became a center for commerce and religion as well as a place for learning and cultural expansion. Hence, an Anuradhapura day tour is for just about anyone who has an interest in trading, religion, culture and history.

Q. Can it be tailor-made?

Yes, this Anuradhapura day tour itinerary can be customized according to your requirements.

Q. When to go?

As part of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is a tourist friendly destination at any time of the year.

Q. What will transfers cover?

Anuradhapura ancient City

Anuradhapura: a timeless heritage.

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, the ancient city of Anuradhapura stands as a testament to the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place where time seems to have stood still, inviting travelers to step back in time and witness the wonders of an ancient civilization.

A Legacy of Kings:  Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, from the 4th century BCE to approximately 1017 CE. It was a thriving center of power, religion, and culture, hosting a succession of great Sinhalese kings who shaped the island’s destiny.

The Sacred Bodhi Tree:  At the heart of Anuradhapura lies the sacred Bodhi Tree, a direct descendant of the tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. This living symbol of Buddhism has drawn pilgrims and visitors for over 2,300 years, making it one of the oldest documented trees in the world.

Architectural Marvels:  The city boasts a plethora of historical ruins that reflect the advanced architectural and engineering prowess of the era. Majestic stupas (dagobas), intricately carved temples, and monastic complexes tell the tale of an advanced civilization. Must-visit sites include the Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiri Monastery, and the Isurumuniya Temple.

Hydraulic Marvels:  Anuradhapura’s sophisticated irrigation system, characterized by reservoirs, tanks, and canals, is a marvel of hydraulic engineering. These ancient structures, such as the Tissa Wewa and the Basawakkulama Tank, showcased the advanced skills of the time and ensured agricultural prosperity.

A Living Cultural Legacy:  Anuradhapura is not merely a historical relic but a living testament to the enduring traditions and religious practices of Sri Lanka. The city’s ancient monasteries continue to serve as centers of meditation and spiritual exploration.

Plan Your Journey:  Exploring Anuradhapura is a journey back in time. The city offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and architectural splendor. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture explorer, or a seeker of serenity, this ancient city has something to offer you.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the timeless heritage of Anuradhapura. Discover the secrets of an ancient kingdom and connect with the roots of Sri Lanka’s magnificent past. It’s a journey you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

• Principal Income
• Anuradhapura
• Agriculture

Got Any Questions?

Why you need explore anuradhapura with navin lanka tours.

Exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura becomes an enriching and insightful experience when you choose to journey with Navin. Here’s why Navin is the ideal guide for your Anuradhapura adventure:

1. Local Expertise:  Navin is a native of Anuradhapura with a profound connection to the city’s history, culture, and hidden treasures. His local insights will provide you with an authentic and informative experience.

2. Customized Tours:  Navin tailors your Anuradhapura visit to your specific interests and preferences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or an architecture admirer, Navin can create a personalized itinerary just for you.

3. Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures:  Navin is your gateway to uncovering the lesser-known gems of Anuradhapura. He will lead you to hidden temples, serene lakes, and secluded historical sites that are often missed by traditional tourists.

4. Cultural Encounters:  With Navin, you’ll have the chance to interact with locals, attend traditional ceremonies, and truly immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of Anuradhapura.

5. Hassle-Free Exploration:  Navin takes care of all the logistics, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey. You can relax and enjoy the city’s marvels, knowing that every detail is expertly managed.

6. Sustainable Tourism:  Navin is committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, ensuring that your visit leaves a positive impact on the environment and the local community.

When you explore Anuradhapura with Navin, you’re not just touring a historical city; you’re embarking on a meaningful journey with a knowledgeable local friend who will make your experience truly unforgettable.

Discover the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura with Navin, and let his expertise and passion guide you through this historical and spiritual destination

Book now your Tour with us

Title: Explore Anuradhapura’s Ancient Marvels with Navin

Morning to Early Afternoon:

8:00 AM: Sri Maha Bodhi  Your journey through Anuradhapura begins with a visit to the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, one of the world’s oldest living trees. Pay your respects to this ancient icon and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.

8:30 AM: Brazen Palace  Next, you’ll explore the Brazen Palace, an architectural gem that once provided lodging for Buddhist monks. Spend about 20 minutes delving into its historical significance and intricate architectural features.

9:00 AM: Ruwanwelisaya  Discover the magnificence of the Ruwanwelisaya, a grand stupa and a cornerstone of Anuradhapura’s religious heritage. Explore the stupa and its peaceful surroundings.

09:30 AM: Jetavanaramaya  Make your way to the Jetavanaramaya, one of Sri Lanka’s tallest stupas. Delve into its historical significance and architectural splendor.

10:00 AM: Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna)  Witness the marvels of ancient hydraulic engineering at the Twin Ponds, a unique creation that showcases the advanced skills of the past.

10:30 AM: Samadhi Buddha Statue  Stand in awe of the Samadhi Buddha Statue, a masterpiece capturing the Buddha in deep meditation, radiating tranquility.

11:00 AM: Abhayagiri Monastery Complex  The tour continues with a visit to the Abhayagiri Monastery Complex, which includes the Abhayagiri Stupa and the Abhayagiri Museum. Gain insights into the profound history of Buddhism in Anuradhapura.

11:30 AM: Refectory  Immerse yourself in the monastic lifestyle as you visit the Refectory. Observe the historical site that provides a window into the monks’ daily routine.

12:00 PM: Elephant Pond  Explore the Elephant Pond, an ancient reservoir originally used by monks. Delight in the site’s tranquil ambiance.

12:30 PM: Moonstone and Guardstone  Marvel at the intricately carved Moonstone and Guardstone, which stand as remarkable examples of ancient artistry.

1:00 PM: Thuparamaya Stupa  Conclude your extraordinary journey by visiting the Thuparamaya Stupa, an ancient and historically significant religious site.

2:00 PM: The Grand Finale with Navin Your comprehensive tour concludes under the guidance of Navin, a seasoned tour guide who has unraveled the city’s captivating history and spiritual essence throughout the day. 

Tour Cost: $20 per person  The entire guided tour, filled with historical wonders and cultural insights, comes at an affordable cost of just $20 per person. It’s a remarkable opportunity to explore the heart of Anuradhapura’s rich heritage without breaking the bank.

With Navin as your tour guide, you’ll embark on a journey through time and heritage, uncovering the grandeur of Anuradhapura’s ancient sites. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era of serenity and significance.

• Personal Tour Guide
• Personal Vehicle ( Tuk Tuk,Car,Schooter )
• All Parking Tickets
• Water Bottles

NOT INCLUDING

• Tourist attraction Entrance Tickets
• Personal expenses

TOUR COST AND ADDITIONAL INFROMATION

• Tour Cost Per Person 20$
• If your more than 02 Persons Price would be Per person 15$
• You Can Request Which Vehicle Do you like use for Tour
• Above cost are Tour By TukTuk
• Price Would be Change According to Which Vehicle you like to choose
• You Can Request The Starting time 

Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

• +94777 111553
• [email protected]

• February 10, 2022 December 1, 2022
• harshana piyasinghe
• Historical Places , Tours

Our Anuradhapura day tour is specifically designed to take you around the city to give you an unforgettable experience of its opulent culture, pilgrimages, and people. Anuradhapura is one of the major cities up to date in terms of its size, ancient ruins, and demographics. You will be given a guide with excellent local knowledge and communication skills. Language-specific guides can be provided upon special request as well. For people who are in love with culture and history, this is the ideal tour to enlighten their spirits.

Before talking more about our Anuradhapura day tour, let us give you a brief introduction about Anuradhapura city. 

The Great Kingdom: Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was one of the seven kingdoms in the history of kingdoms in Sri Lanka. It is the oldest, largest, and most prosperous of all. In 377 BC, it was declared a kingdom, and King Pandukabhaya made it prosperous. It is still considered the capital of the North Central Province. This kingdom lasted almost 12 centuries ago until it was destroyed in the 10th century AD.

The ancient city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. It is a must-see on your trip as it can give you a broad perspective of Sri Lanka’s history. There are so many ancient monasteries, temples, lakes, and ruins available to watch. The technology for that construction is wonderful to see. Our guides will explain these things further to you. We cover all these things within our Anuradhapura Day Tour.

The series of sacred places: Atamasthanaya

This little island is full of nature, culture, history, and food. This tour will be educational and informative for all tourists. The guides will guide you through important historic ruins and places where the stories behind them will also be explained. Leaflets or brochures are available at the entrance of most places.

There are eight significant icons that represent Sri Lanka’s connection to Buddhism, and all of them are situated in Anuradhapura, thus calling this collection “Atamasthanaya,” meaning “eight sacred places.” There is a unique story or history connected to each one of them. Most of them were built by kings that ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom. You will visit all these places on our Anuradhapura City Tour.

Sri Maha Bodi

This is a fig tree that was planted in 288 BC and is considered sacred because it is believed that Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating under this tree.

Ruwanwelisaya

It is a “stupa” that is built by King Dutugamunu and is one of the biggest completed ones to date.

Thuparamaya

It is the oldest ‘dagoba’ in Sri Lanka, and possibly the oldest visible one in the world.

Lovamahapaya

The significance of this building is that the roof was once covered in bronze tiles.

It is one of the biggest viharas in Anuradhapura. It was a monastery of 5000 monks.

Jethavanaramaya

It is a sacred world heritage site and had accommodated some 3000 monks at the time. It is also quite similar to Abhayagiri.

Mirisavetiya

This stupa was built by King Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara.

Lankaramaya

This is also built by a king called King Valagamba in the Anuradhapura Kingdom times and is one of the eight sacred places in the city.

There are plenty of other places to see and enjoy. Join us on this day tour to see the biggest contributors in Sri Lankan history. Your love for culture will be expanded after seeing the richness of the city.

Anuradhapura Day Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays.

You can plan your Anuradhapura day tour with us. Here are more details about this city tour.

Possible Starting/Pick-up Locations: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Colombo, Negombo, Tincomale, Nilaveli, Kandy (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility).

It takes around 3 hours to complete the visit of Anuradhapura, the ancient city. You can walk or we can arrange some bicycles if you prefer some cycling.

Tour Type: Our Anuradhapura Day Tour is a private tour. The vehicle and the guide/chauffeur guide are dedicated to you and your group. The safari tour will be done by an off-road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by a comfortable car, van, or mini coach.

So, visit our Contact us page to connect with us. We will provide all the essential details regarding this tour! Polonnaruwa is another place in Sri Lankan cultural history, and it was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka. Likewise, Anuradhapura, there are so many ancient places to explore in Polonnaruwa too. You can also plan your Polonnaruwa tour with us!

(Cover Image Source: Spin The WindRose from Pinterest) 

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19 Best Places To Visit In Anuradhapura In 2024

• Last Updated: February 28, 2024
• Asia , Destinations , Sri Lanka

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Anuradhapura? You’ve come to the right place!

The ancient city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most historically, culturally, and religiously significant places in all of Sri Lanka.

Founded in the 5th century BC , Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka for nearly 1,400 years – from 377 BC to the 11th century AD. It’s a fairly big place with many things to see and do.

Table of Contents

I spent a few days here earlier this year and was really blown away by the place. There’s definitely something special in the air here.

The thing I love most about Anuradhapura is the sheer amount of history and culture that can be seen in every corner. It’s packed full of important monasteries, monuments, and other sights.

However, unless you have a week to spend here, you’ll need to be selective. That’s why I’ve written this guide – to help you get the most out of your time in the city.

🤩 Short for time? Check out this excellent value day tour of Anuradhapura’s most famous sights

19 Best Places to Visit in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Here’s my pick of the best things to do and places to visit in Anuradhapura.

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1. Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

Located within the Mahamewna Gardens, in the historic centre of Anuradhapura, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree that holds immense religious significance.

It’s believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It’s also said to be over 2,250 years old, making it the oldest documented tree in the world.

In fact, most of the ancient city of Anuradhapura was actually structured and built around this sacred tree.

Today, pilgrims and visitors gather around the Bodhi tree to pay their respects, meditate, and offer prayers, food, and flowers.

The serene environment, the sounds of chanting pilgrims, and the colourful prayer flags create a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

There are people selling flowers at a few places along the road leading up to the Sri Maha Bodhi tree. If you like, you can buy some and leave them on the tables and altars that surround the edge of the sacred tree.

It’s a really special and moving place.

I came here twice – once at the end of the day, and the second time early in the morning. It was especially atmospheric at sunset, and if you have the chance to visit at that time I’d highly recommend it.

It’s one of the most unique and important places to visit in Anuradhapura – don’t miss it.

Location: 89VW+WVH, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Opening times: 6:15 am–9 pm, Mon–Sun

2. Ruwanweli Maha Seya (also known as Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba)

The Ruwanweli Maha Seya is an enormous ancient stupa (or “dagoba”) and another of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. It’s also one of the largest stupas in the country.

Built around the 2nd century BC, the towering dome stands approximately 91 metres tall. It’s painted a brilliant white and can be seen from many different places of the city.

Ruwanweli Maha Seya is a majestic sight to behold and stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Buddhists from all over the world come here to prey, give offerings, and partake in various other religious rituals.

Ruwanweli Maha Seya is definitely one of my favourite places to visit in Anuradhapura. Standing there, among the chanting pilgrims, I felt an indescribable energy that moved me in a way I can’t describe.

As I walked slowly around the stupa with the pilgrims and devotees, they made me feel so welcome. Many said hello, waved, or simply smiled at me as I went past.

As I made my way around, I couldn’t help but wonder how many people had done this before throughout history. It was wonderful to feel the peace and tranquility of this amazing place.

It felt like time stood still in a timeless place.

Everything about the experience was very powerful and is one that will stay with me forever.

Location: 992W+2G9, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Opening times: 5:30 am–9 pm, Mon–Sun

🤩 This is an excellent (and excellent value) day tour of Anuradhapura

3. Isurumuniya Rajamaha Viharaya Temple

Isurumuniya Rajamaha Viharaya Temple is a historic Buddhist temple that’s known for its ancient rock carvings, including the famous Isurumuniya Lovers’ Carving.

The temple complex is partly carved out of a giant boulder and features a number of serene ponds and beautiful statues. In addition to its beauty, the temple holds great religious significance for Buddhists.

It was built between 307–267 BC, making it one of the oldest significant sites in Anuradhapura. It’s also believed to have been the first temple to house the sacred relic of the tooth of Buddha , which is now inside the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy .

When I visited, the place was full of pilgrims of all ages who had come here to pray, give offerings, and soak up the beautiful and spiritual ambiance.

The Lovers’ Carving is housed inside one of the side buildings and depicts an intimate embrace between two figures. (You aren’t allowed to take photos inside here sadly.)

As well as this famous carving, there are many other examples of exquisite ancient craftsmanship, including rock carvings, woodwork, artefacts, and a number of beautiful frescoes.

There’s also a colony of bats that lives inside one of the caves. They’re cute (but very loud)!

With its rich history and spiritual importance, you should definitely include this temple in your Anuradhapura itinerary.

Location: 89MR+R4J, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Opening times: 7:30 am–6:30 pm, Mon–Sun

4. Jetavanaramaya (Jethawanaramaya) Stupa

Jetavanaramaya is one of the most iconic places to visit in Anuradhapura. It forms the focal point of the Jethawanaramaya Monastery Complex.

The majestic stupa was once the tallest building in the world and was built during the 3rd century AD by King Mahasena.

At the time it was built, it was also the third-largest structure in the world (after the two Pyramids of Giza in Egypt). It’s believed to be the tallest stupa ever built and contains over 93 million bricks!

When it was originally constructed, Jetavanaramaya soared to a height of 122 metres (400 ft). Following damage in the 11th century, it now stands at 71 metres but is still very impressive.

Its construction is a testimony to the skill and craftsmanship of Sri Lanka’s ancient architects. (A little like Sigiriya , which is also incredible and definitely worth visiting if you haven’t already!)

Running around the edge, there is a large terrace with guard stones and an intricate carving of a cobra with seven heads. You’ll also see the shrine room, which was built at a later stage and contains several Buddha statues.

Location: b341 Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Opening times: 5:30 am–11 pm, Mon–Sun

🤩 Check out this half-day guided tuk-tuk tour of Anuradhapura

5. Abhayagiri Monastery Complex

The Abhayagiri Monastery was once one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most important monastic complexes. It was established over 2,000 years ago, in the 1st century BC, and has been a major pilgrimage destination ever since.

The Abhayagiri Monastery Complex is one of Anuradhapura’s three main monastery complexes. As well as housing up to 5,000 monks at its height, it was also an important library and theological centre.

It’s a pretty large site, spread over around 200 hectares.

Although most of the ancient monastery complex now lies in ruins, many of its most prominent features are still fairly well preserved. Many artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations have also been displayed around the site.

Wander among the stupas, ponds, halls, and temples and you’ll get a great sense of what this ancient city would have been like 2,000 years ago. Keep an eye out for the various stone carvings, sculptures, and murals.

The Arahant’s chamber, in particular, contains a range of stone inscriptions and murals depicting stories from Buddha’s life.

Location: 999V+WRF, B341, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Note: The following 5 items (Abhayagiriya Stupa, Samadhi Statue, Lankaramaya Dagoba, Ratnaprasada, and Kuttam Pokuna/Twin Ponds) are all found inside the Abhayagiriya Monastery Complex.

I’ve given them their own sections to break things up a bit. But you can easily visit all 5 of them in one go. Allow a couple of hours in total to see them all.

6. Abhayagiriya Stupa

The main stupa of the Abhayagiri Monastery, this towering structure is 75 metres high and made entirely from bricks.

It was damaged over the centuries and was left to ruin, crumbling and becoming gradually more overgrown. However, in the 1980s and 90s, a massive restoration project was undertaken to conserve and repair the stupa.

True to the original construction method, no cement was used in the repair works.

Around the edge of the structure, you’ll find the ruins of a meeting hall, an alms hall, and a hostel that provided monks with shelter and a place to sleep.

Location: 99CW+94C, Watawandana Road, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

7. Samadhi Statue

There are countless statues of Buddha located all over Sri Lanka. But the Samadhi Buddha Statue in Anuradhapura is one of the most famous and important.

This beautiful sculpture is 7 feet tall and depicts Lord Buddha sitting cross-legged and meditating.

It’s located inside the Abhayagiri Monastery complex and was carved at some point around the 5th century AD.

I was really struck by the sculpture’s facial expression. It’s so lifelike and expressive, a perfect representation of serenity and calmness. I found myself gazing at it for quite a long time, utterly transfixed.

This is an iconic symbol of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and you should definitely include it in your list of places to visit in Anuradhapura.

Location: 999X+X73, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

8. Lankaramaya Dagoba

Lankaramaya Dagoba is one of the smallest major stupas in Anuradhapura. But it has several unusual and unique design features that make it worth checking out.

Most strikingly, it’s surrounded by a ring of carved stone pillars. Archaeologists and historians aren’t certain of the purpose of these pillars, but they might indicate that a structure was built around the stupa, enclosing it inside.

It’s believed that this dagoba was an important meeting place for monks, scholars, and the city’s ancient rulers.

There are a number of beautiful carvings around the edge of the stupa that show stories from ancient Buddhist mythology. Keep an eye out for the elephant carvings, elaborate floral patterns, spirals, and decorative lotus petals.

Location: Lankarama Dagoba, Lankarama Rd, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

9. Ratnaprasada (/Rathna Prasadaya) (or Jewel Palace)

Ratnaprasada, also known as the Jewel Palace, is a fascinating ruin located inside the Abhayagiri Monastery complex.

It was once a grand palace built by King Parakramabahu I and served as a residence for his family and courtiers. The ruins of Ratnaprasada offer a glimpse of what the ancient city would have been like at the height of its power. In terms of scale, grandeur, and opulence, the Jewel Palace would have been virtually unmatched at the time.

Some of its treasures still remain, including various murals stone carvings, and bronze statues.

The Ratnaprasada Moonstone

The famous Ratnaprasada Moonstone is located at the entrance of the palace.

Moonstones are important and unique features of ancient Sri Lankan architecture. They are usually found at the bottom of staircases, and particularly at the entrances of important buildings.

This particular one is a semi-circular stone slab with elaborate carvings arranged in a concentric pattern radiating out from the centre. Look closely and you’ll see lotus flowers, various animals, vines, and flames.

It’s believed that the design layout and the carvings themselves are symbolic of the teachings of Buddha.

Location: 99CR+5FW Abhayagiri Complex, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

10. Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)

Anuradhapura is located in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone. Droughts have been a common feature of this area for all of its recorded history.

The city’s ancient engineers designed and built a creative solution to these water shortages. They dug two deep reservoirs side by side to collect and store drinking water for use during times of scarcity.

However, Twin Ponds (or Kuttam Pokuna) are not just two large wells. They are in fact an example of fairly advanced hydraulic engineering and were constructed with a series of underground pipes and even an inbuilt filtration system.

As well as being cleverly designed, the Twin Ponds are very beautiful. They have a precise symmetrical design, with elaborate stone carvings, and grand staircases leading down to the water.

Location: 9CC2+9MC, Watawandana Road, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

11. Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)

The Lovamahapaya (or Brazen Palace) was once a nine-story building built for monks. At the time it was built (around the 2nd century BC), the Lovamahapaya was thought to have been the tallest building on the island of Sri Lanka.

Each floor had its own purpose, including assembly halls, dwelling places, and an “image house” containing images and statues of Buddha.

Despite being ruined by fire centuries ago, around 1,600 of the stone pillars that supported the building remain standing today.

You definitely need to use your imagination a bit, but this is still an atmospheric and interesting place to visit in Anuradhapura.

There are also gardens surrounding the Lovamahapaya where you can stroll or rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Location: 89WX+83X, Sri Maha Bodhi Rd, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

🤩 This is a great guided bicycle tour of Anuradhapura

12. Vessagiriya Cave Temples

Located close to Isurumuniya temple, Vessagiriya is a large and intriguing complex of caves and rock temples.

The caves themselves are home to some well-preserved inscriptions and carvings. These are believed to have been inscribed during the reign of King Vasabha (67-111 AD) and offer a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s cultural history.

For hundreds of years, this place served as a retreat for Buddhist monks. Many of the natural caves have been converted into cells and other rooms for the resident monks.

Vessagiriya is also home to various sacred Bodhi trees, which can be found both within and around the edge of the cave complex.

Visiting the Vessagiriya cave temples is one of the less famous things to do in Anuradhapura. But it’s definitely worth spending at least an hour or so exploring this fascinating site.

Location: Vessagiriya, Anuradhapura – Padeniya Hwy, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Opening times: 7 am–5 pm, Mon–Sun

13. Thuparamaya Dagoba

Part of the oldest Buddhist Temple in Sri Lanka, Thuparamaya Dagoba was built during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. This is when Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka.

It’s believed to be the first stupa ever built in the country and was built to house a sacred collarbone relic of Buddha. This makes it one of the most important stupas in Anuradhapura, despite its relatively small size.

The whitewashed external structure that you can see today is a restoration that was completed in the 1860s. However, the remains of the original stupa and its important relic are still supposedly housed inside.

It also has some unique design features, like the moonstone which runs around the edge of the stupa and represents the eternal cycle of rebirth according to Buddhism.

It also has a number of other stone carvings and pillars from the original temple structure.

Location: 994W+4HQ, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

14. Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Park)

The Sacred City of Anuradhapura is a vast site and exploring it is hot and tiring work (although absolutely worth it).

If you’re looking for somewhere green and shaded to cool off and relax, head over to Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Park). It’s located close to the Vessagiriya cave temples.

This used to be the royal pleasure garden and is tranquil and peaceful. Three ornamental ponds are fed by a network of underground pipes, and there are several seating areas, elegant pillars, and lots of greenery.

Location: 89QQ+9W9, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

15. Mirisawetiya Dagoba

Mirisawetiya Dagoba is another impressive dagoba in Anurahdapura.

(Yes, there are A LOT of important stupas in Anuradhapura!).

It’s older and smaller than Ruwanweli Maha Seya but is somewhat similar in appearance.

This ancient stupa was built by King Dutugemunu in the 3rd century BC. According to legend, Dutugemunu buried his royal scepter inside the dome.

There are intricate carvings in various places around the edge of the dome.

Here you’ll probably see pilgrims and worshipers offering flowers, chanting, and burning incense. It’s another special and deeply spiritual place.

Location: 89VQ+XHH, Old Puttalam Rd, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

16. Nuwarawewa Lake

Nuwarawewa Lake is the largest human-made lake in Anuradhapura. It was constructed over 2,000 years ago, mainly to conserve water given the city’s hot and dry climate.

It was built by damming a local river and diverting the water into a giant tank. The tank itself was formed of a naturally-occurring depression, with an artificial steep-sided embankment built around the edge.

It’s huge – approximately 5 kilometres long and over a kilometre wide at its narrowest point.

A path runs along a large stretch of the shore embankment, and it’s a perfect place for a stroll in tranquil surroundings.

I saw a few local people swimming here too. I have no idea whether it’s technically allowed or not, but it seems like you can!

Location: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

17. Tissa Wewa

Tissa Wewa is another large reservoir, located directly behind Isurumuniya temple.

Smaller than Nuwarawewa Lake, but just as old, it was built mainly to supply the city with water for agriculture.

Today, it’s a calm and beautiful spot for a walk and to take in the views of the surrounding area. You can see several of the city’s giant stupas from here.

There are still rice paddies dotted around the edge of the lake, where this staple food is grown today just like it was in ancient times.

Tissa Wewa is still an important source of fish for local villagers too, and you’ll probably see a few people fishing here, either in little boats or from the shores.

Tissa Wewa is also a great place for birdwatchers. It’s home to a wide range of endemic and migratory birds, such as bitterns, kingfishers, cormorants, egrets, woodpeckers, pelicans, herons, and storks.

18. Mihintale Mountain

Located about 11 kilometres east of Anuradhapura railway station, Mihintale is a sacred mountain that’s believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

It’s an important pilgrimage site and one of the best places to visit near Anuradhapura. Partly for its historical, cultural, and religious significance. But also for the panoramic views of the surrounding area from its summit.

Sri Lankan Buddhists believe that this is the place where the Indian monk and missionary Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and converted him to Buddhism in 247 BC.

On top of the mountain, there is a giant white statue of Buddha in a seated position as well as a large white stupa, plus a number of shrines and cave temples.

To reach the summit, there’s a steep path (with around 1,840 steps) that was built more than 2,000 years ago. It’s well worth making a detour to visit this place on your way to or from Anuradhapura.

It can also be reached as an easy half-day trip from Anuradhapura, with regular buses running between the two. You can even take the bus directly from Anuradhapura train station to Mihintale and back again.

Location: Mihintale, Sri Lanka

🤩 I love this half-day tour of Mihintale from Anuradhapura (includes transport)

19. (BONUS) – Wilpattu National Park

Okay, it’s not technically in Anuradhapura, but Wilpattu is my favourite national park in Sri Lanka. You can also easily visit it as a (half or full) day trip from Anuradhapura, so I thought I’d include it here.

Wilpattu National Park is the largest and oldest national park in the country. It’s home to some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, spotted deer, and mongooses.

I highly recommend taking a jeep safari tour of Wilpattu . Your driver will take you deep into the heart of the park where you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and spot a range of exciting wildlife.

Of course, sightings aren’t guaranteed – these are wild animals after all.

But when I did a safari in Wilpattu I was lucky enough to spot all of the above animals and many more too. Leopards and sloth bears are particularly shy and elusive, so I was thrilled to see these amazing animals in the wild.

Most Wilpattu safari tours can be arranged to pick you up from your accommodation in Anuradhapura. It’s very easy and convenient.

I’ve done several jeep safari trips in Sri Lanka – including at the more popular Yala National Park – and the one in Wilpattu was the best by far.

There’s a similarly amazing range of animals, but a tiny fraction of the number of other visitors. It’s way less crowded, much wilder, and the animals seemed overall more relaxed and not stressed out.

In Wilpattu, I only saw another 8 or 9 safari jeeps all day. In Yala there are hundreds, all jostling for position to get the best sightings.

If you only have the chance to go on one safari during your time in Sri Lanka, I definitely recommend picking Wilpattu.

🤩 Check out this excellent full-day Wilpattu National Park safari (pickup & dropoff in Anuradhapura)

Location: Wilpattu National Park, Pahala Maragahawewa, Sri Lanka

Opening times: 6 am–6 pm, Mon–Sun

How to Get to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka and there are several different ways to get there.

The cheapest method is usually to take a public bus. You can get direct buses to Anuradhapura from many different places, including Colombo , Kandy , Trincomalee , Dambulla (close to Sigiriya), and Jaffna .

Bring cash to buy your tickets on the bus.

Anuradhapura also has a fairly major train station. Services running from Colombo to Jaffna all stop here so it’s easy to reach from either city by train.

If you’re pressed for time and don’t have a particularly tight budget, travelling by taxi, Uber or tuk-tuk will probably save you time and effort.

When in doubt about the cost of a taxi or similar, it often pays to ask the people where you’re staying as they should be able to give you an idea of a fair price to pay for your trip.

Additionally, they may even know someone who can take you on your journey and provide you with an even better fare. This happened to me on several occasions – you just need to ask.

Another way to visit Anuradhapura is to  join a tour that will take you there  (and possibly to other surrounding attractions too). This is one of the most expensive options, but is very convenient so might be good for people with less time.

🤩 This is an amazing 7-day tour of Sri Lanka’s “Cultural Triangle”

If you’re coming from Kandy, check out this private and fully-customisable day tour .

You can even book a  private transfer to Anuradhapura  direct from Colombo Airport.

However, my personal favourite option for getting around Sri Lanka is to hire your own tuk-tuk and drive yourself. I did this a few times during my 4 months in Sri Lanka.

It’s definitely the most fun way to get about and allows you to explore as much as you want at your own pace.

If you’re interested in doing this, I’d highly recommend going with  Tuk Tuk Ceylon Ride . Their customer service is fantastic, they sort out all the necessary permits, and they’re generally better value than the more popular  tuktukrental.com .

If they don’t have any availability, another option could be  this highly-reviewed tuk-tuk rental company .

Where to Stay in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura has a wide range of places to stay, with something to suit all budgets and preferences.

An excellent budget option is Ceylonima Home Stay .

I’ve personally stayed here and it’s simple but very comfortable, spotlessly clean, and great value. The rooms have air-con and outdoor terraces, the hosts are friendly and welcoming, and they do delicious food too.

If you’re looking for a highly-reviewed mid-range option, check out Aryana Boutique Hotel .

If cost isn’t an issue, Uga Ulagalla is a beautiful high-end resort with several luxurious private villas located just south of Anuradhapura.

🤩 Click here to check prices and availability of all other Anuradhapura accommodation on Booking.com

FAQs About the Best Things to Do in Anuradhapura

Here are answers to some commonly-asked questions about visiting Anuradhapura.

Is Anuradhapura worth visiting?

Yes, Anuradhapura is definitely worth visiting. It’s home to many of the country’s most important historical, cultural, and religious sites and is a fascinating place to explore.

Why is Anuradhapura important?

Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for almost 1,400 years. It was a major political, cultural, and religious centre and contains many of the country’s most important ancient monuments.

Which are the best places to visit in Anuradhapura?

The most important places to visit in Anuradhapura are the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Isurumuniya Rajamaha Viharaya Temple, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisawetiya Dagoba, Lovamahapaya (the Brazen Palace), Lankaramaya, Abhayagiriya Stupa, and Thuparamaya.

What’s the best time of year to visit Anuradhapura?

Anuradhapura is an incredible destination year-round. However, if possible, I recommend coming during the cooler months between December and March.

Sightseeing and exploring the temples will be much more comfortable and pleasant then, although it will still probably be quite hot.

What is the dress code for Anuradhapura?

Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly. When visiting the temples and sacred sites, both men and women need to cover their knees and shoulders.

Either wear comfortable loose-fitting long trousers or bring a sarong to tie around your waist.

You also need to take off your shoes when visiting many sites throughout the sacred city.

Hint: The ground can get extremely hot during the day, so I’d recommend bringing a pair of socks to protect the soles of your feet if you’re not used to walking around barefoot!

What are the Eight Sacred Places of Anuradhapura?

The Eight Sacred Places (or Atamasthana ) of Anuradhapura are the eight most sacred sites in the ancient city.

These are: the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiriya Stupa, Lankaramaya, Jetavanaramaya, Lovamahapaya (the Brazen Palace), and Mirisawetiya Dagoba.

What time of day to visit Anuradhapura?

It’s best to get up early and see as much as you can in the morning before it gets too hot.

I recommend finding somewhere cool (and ideally air-conditioned) to rest and avoid the heat of the day. Then, you can reemerge and continue exploring when the temperature is more bearable again.

How many days do you need in Anuradhapura?

How much time to spend in Anuradhapura depends largely on your interests and priorities. If you’re looking to get a good overview of the city’s main ancient sites, temples, and monasteries, two or three full days should be enough time.

🤩 This is an excellent tour of Anuradhapura’s most famous sights

Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a special place that will stay with you long after you leave. From the amazing ruins to the buzzing spiritual atmosphere, there are so many things to experience, explore, and enjoy in this ancient city.

Sometimes I find ancient ruins can feel a little dead and detached from the current day. But Anuradhapura is totally different.

It’s a living, breathing place that’s just as important to people today as it was over 2,000 years ago.

Whatever your beliefs, it’s a totally unique place to visit and well worth it.

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Anuradhapura: All you need to know about the Sacred City of Sri Lanka

The sacred city of Anuradhapura is a must-stop on your travel itinerary if you want to get a taste of the rich history that Sri Lanka has to offer. We absolutely loved this place and it just might have been one of our favorites from our 3-week backpacking trip. This Ultimate travel guide to Anuradhapura will take you through the best places to visit, where to stay, travel tips, and much more. Enjoy a 2 or 3-day stay, while biking your way through ancient ruins in this marvelous historical-filled city.

The UNESCO world heritage site was the first capital of Sri Lanka and holds major cultural, religious, and historical significance. Its religious significance makes the destination an important pilgrimage for devotees. Over an area of around 40 square kilometers, you will find many remnants of gigantic dagobas and temples scattered. Together with its neighboring sightseeing Mihintale , Anuradhapura is the perfect destination to learn more about Sri Lanka’s culture & history .

* Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you book through our links. This is at no extra cost to you. This way you’re helping us write awesome travel guides and keep providing you with free content. We only recommend products we like and trust ourselves.

Is Anuradhapura worth visiting?

While planning our 3-week journey through Sri Lanka we were going back and forth on whether or not to add Anuradhapura to our itinerary. Since we are more in favor of slow travel, we had to make some cuts on what to visit. When researching, we noticed it often doesn’t make the list despite its impressive attractions. This ancient city seems to remain rather an off-the-beaten-path destination . 

In the end, we decided to make a stop, and we sure didn’t regret it. Besides being an absolutely beautiful scenic place, the locals and its atmosphere just stole our hearts. Anuradhapura was one of the perfect places to get a better taste and feel of Sinhalese daily life. Since we encountered fewer tourists here compared to other popular places like Ella and Sigiriya , it was definitely a more serene experience. Here you can peacefully cruise between temples surrounded by rice fields without encountering another soul for a while. We would 100% recommend putting it on your Sri Lanka itinerary, for which two days are just the perfect amount.

Travel Guide Anuradhapura: History of the Sacred City

The sacred city of Anuradhapura is located in the northern-central part of Sri Lanka. Next to Jaffna , it is probably the most visited destination towards the north of this island. For our 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary , we decided to follow the north-to-south loop. After our safari adventure in Wilpattu National Park , we found our way to Anuradhapura.

*Disclaimer: Prices in this travel guide to Anuradhapura are indications and are based on the daily currency rate during our stay in Sri Lanka. Bear in mind that the Sri Lankan currency is currently heavily fluctuating due to inflation. We also advise you to check current travel advice to Sri Lanka due to the ongoing economic crisis. This has led to possible shortages of basic necessities (such as food and fuel), power cuts, and overall unstable security situations.

The first capital of Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura used to be one of the greatest monastic cities, dating back to the 5th Century BC. The city flourished as the first capital of Sri Lanka , serving as the royal seat from 380 BC to the 11th century AD. During the 1400 years as the capital of the country, more than 130 kings took reign. Buddhism found its way from India to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC when the king of Anuradhapura at the time encountered the Indian monk Mahinda. After this Buddhism rapidly spread around the whole island.

Anuradhapura, as the old center of Theravada Buddhism, gives the perfect glimpse of pre-Christian times into the glorious Sinhalese Buddhist civilization . The marvelous stupas or dagobas, that tower along the sky, are the perfect example of ancient Sri Lankan engineering. The many ruins of former royal palaces and temples, together with some remarkable rock carvings, show the richness of its culture.

Unesco World Heritage

These archeological treasures make the destination most beloved among history buffs. The area covers around 40 square kilometers and is filled with excavated temples and remains of the old king’s city. Because of its historical significance dating back to the ancient Sinhalese civilization, the ancient town became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982. Together with Kandy and Polonnaruwa , Anuradhapura is part of the famous cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. A 1000 years ago this cultural triangle used to be the center of thriving commercial and religion.

Over the centuries though the whole country had to deal continually with incursions coming from India. These invasions made people start abandoning Anuradhapura, after which the city fell into oblivion. Nature started to take over, overgrowing the temples and dagobas with plants. It was only until the beginning of the 20th century under the British, when Sri Lanka was better known as Ceylon , that Anuradhapura was excavated.

Travel Guide Anuradhapura: The best things to do & see

We arrived at our guest house stay in Anuradhapura around noon, where we would stay for the coming 2 nights. Since we still had the full afternoon, we decided to already head out to explore the temple complex of Mihintale . This was probably one of our favorite sights in Sri Lanka and the perfect place to enjoy the colorful sunset. The next day we spent the day discovering the ancient city of Anuradhapura. We decided to rent a tuk-tuk with a driver to take us around the whole area. 

It is perfectly possible to see both Mihintale and the old city of Anuradhapura in one day, but then you will be looking at one hectic full day. We personally like to take our time and would recommend staying 2 nights . This way you can also get to see more of local life and experience the place in another way. We definitely also advise joining a dinner at your local guesthouse if they offer it. A must if you want to experience authentic Sri Lankan food and learn more about their cuisine. More on that later in our Travel Guide Anuradhapura.

Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura

The old royal city of Anuradhapura is bursting with UNESCO world heritage sites , filled with stupas and temples. As one of the key places in the cultural triangle , it holds significant historical importance for Sri Lanka. Below you can find the main highlights of the ancient city. There are way more sights on the historic grounds, but we wanted to list the most interesting ones.

Practical information

• Put on your alarm clock and set out in the early morning to start exploring. Temperatures tend to be very hot, so try to beat the heat. Another wonderful thing about going early is there is practically no other tourist in sight, only locals that come for their morning prayer. It’s a beautiful sight to witness devotees all dressed in white clothing.
• On average it will take you around 4 to 5 hours to cover the most important parts of the grounds.
• In order to access the ruins of the sacred city, you will need to buy a day pass . The ruins are open daily from 7h30 AM to 5h30 PM. The entrance fee is around 5500 LKR or €25 and you can purchase tickets near the archeological museum.
• Some sights are free, only the Isurumuniya Viharaya temple is not included in the day ticket and costs additional 200 rupees.
• The sites are spread out over an area of 40 square kilometers and that’s quite some ground to cover. It makes the most sense to rent a bike or tuk-tuk with a guide to get around.

The whole area almost feels like one big park, with lakes and rice fields surrounding the sights. The archeological site is actually not a well-defined area, unlike the ancient city of Polonnaruwa , and they don’t check your ticket systematically. Some of the sights are for free and therefore not included in the ticket, so some might opt to not get the actual ticket. However the main sights require a ticket check, and you don’t want to miss out on these.

Sri Maha Bodhi

The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree is one of the holiest sites in Sri Lanka and is located in the spiritual center of Anuradhapura, Mahavihara. It’s the heart of the ancient city and home to the oldest, historically authenticated tree in the world (it’s believed to be 2000 years old). Rumors say it’s even the sacred fig tree where Buddha attained Enlightenment. Thus, making the holy Bodhi tree the center of Anuradhapura, spiritually but also physically (being literally in the center of the temple, which surrounds the sacred tree).

Originally this Bodhi tree is supposed to stem from a branch of the Bodhgaya tree from India. Hence why it’s one of the most popular attractions in Anuradhapura. People often tend to stand in line and come to recite mantras together. It’s very fascinating to observe the local traditions that take place within this serene place. The entrance is free.

Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba

This remarkable giant white stupa is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist places, as well as one of the world’s tallest ancient structures . The dagoba used to be the biggest in the world. Nowadays it stands tall at 55m, which is way less than its original height due to the much damage it had to endure. Regardless it was still an impressive sight to see and made us feel really small. Its beautiful dome shape and the wall of 344 elephant statues guarding the structure left us in total awe. The white limestone construction sticks out beautifully with the colorful Buddhist flags and ropes. The Ruvanvelisaya dagoba is known to be home to some sacred relics of Buddhism: As allegedly some of Buddha’s ashes are enshrined here.

Although a part of the stupa was under construction at the moment of our visit, it was really interesting to see how they actually freshen it up. The place itself can get very crowded on a Sunday and might be the busiest place in the holy city. Some recommend avoiding it during the weekend, but then you might miss Sri Lankans performing their traditions. Locals usually bring lotus flowers as an offering before walking clockwise around the stupa.

Isurumuniya Vihara

Another beautiful site is Isurumuni Viharaya, a Buddhist temple carved out of a rock dating back to the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (300 BC). The rock temple’s design is quite unique and is set around a lotus pond with carvings of playful elephants. It’s possible to climb around the back to the top, revealing a small viewing platform over the surrounding rice fields. Up here you can get a better look at the bell-shaped stupa which is located to the side. When descending you will pass a Buddha shrine underneath a gorgeous tree.

The small museum near the entrance showcases several beautiful stone carvings, amongst them the famous Isurumuniya lovers sculpture . It portrays a woman sitting on the lap of a man, which supposedly depicts Prince Saliya from the 5th century AD. It was said he gave up the right to the throne in order to marry a girl from a lower caste.

ENTRANCE FEE | 200 LKR (~ €1)

OPENING TIMES | 7.30 am to 6.30 pm

Abhayagiri Dagoba

The Abhayagiri dagoba used to serve as the ceremonial area of the Abhayagiri Monastery where thousands of Buddhist monks used to gather. This colossal dagoba dates back to the 1st century BC and was originally over 100m high. In ancient times it was regarded as one of the greatest structures next to the famous pyramids of Giza. Today the red brick dagoba ‘only’ measures around 75m after its reconstruction but is still breathtaking. The massive unplastered dome rises above the surrounding forest from far away. Contrary to its twin-looking brick dagoba, the Jetavanarama , the tip is still intact. Interesting to know: the name of the dagoba translates to ‘Hill of Protection’ or ‘Fearless Hill’. 

Mirisavatiya dagoba

Another huge white stupa, but lesser visited than the Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba . It was built by King Dutugemunu and the story goes that the King went to bathe in the Tissa Wewa , leaving his scepter on the bank. The scepter supposedly contained a relic of Buddha. When he returned from his bath he couldn’t move the scepter anymore, which was anchored to the ground. The king took this as a sign, building a dagoba on the very spot.

Mahasena Temple (Moonstone)

More northwest of the Abhayagiri Dagoba you can find the ruins of an old monk residential complex. It’s mostly known for its well-preserved moonstone (or Sandakada Pahana). Moonstones were typical Sinhalese architectural elements usually found at the entrance of a temple. The design of these moonstones is usually a half-round stone with detailed carvings. In the center, you can see a lotus flower surrounded by intertwined leaves, followed by swans. Lastly, in the outer circle, you can see a row of animals. It typically shows elephants that represent growth, lions that symbolize energy, horses that stand for power, and bulls that represent patience.

Located just 100 meters further you can find the Ratnaprasada or ‘Jewel palace’. Sadly today only ruins are left but originally the palace was seven stories high. You can still spot some well-preserved guard stones or Muragala at the entrances where the palace used to be. It depicts the Cobra King holdings a flowering branch and a vase of abundance in his hands. At his feet, you can spot a little dwarf and his crown is framed by a cobra.

Further south you come across a big pool of water, known as the Elephant pond (Eth Pokuna) . It used to serve as ancient water storage for the monastery. However, our guide told us it might have also been used as a pool for the elephants. Hence its name and size. Supposedly the tank can fit 6 Olympic-style swimming pools, so I would say big enough to bathe some elephants.

The Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)

Another swimming pool looking like construction is the Twin ponds or Kuttam Pokuna from around the 8th century. Unfortunately, we missed these on the drive. It is basically two identical pools next to each other, fitting for its name. The ponds show some significant craftsmanship by the early Sinhalese in terms of hydrological and architectural engineering. Water found its way to the ponds through underground pipes where it even went through a water-filtering system. It finally entered the ponds through the mouth of a Makara, a mythical hybrid beast. The ponds were most likely used by monks from the Abayagiri dagoba, one for bathing and the other for drinking.

Finish your tour at the Tessa Wewa lake

Throughout the grounds of Anuradhapura, you can find three lakes, which are actually big artificial water reservoirs (or Wewa). They were provided by the king and meant for the irrigation of the land. It’s the perfect place to catch the sunset or drive by with the bike to catch a glimpse of the white stupa. You can easily get here coming from the Isurumuniya Vihara.

View the sunset from Mihintale

In the afternoon upon arrival in Anuradhapura, we decided to head out to explore Mihintale and view the sunset from this temple complex . Little did we know that the views over the valley would be this impressive. We absolutely fell in love with this place and made our stop in Anuradhapura one of our favorites on our whole trip. If there is one place we can absolutely advise to put on your Sri Lanka itinerary it’s this one. You will not be disappointed!

The birthplace of Buddhism

Mihintale is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka , making it one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the country. So you will most likely see more locals here than tourists. The sacred area is located on a small mountain, accessible by a long stair path. The main temple site includes a white stupa in the middle surrounded by 3 higher platforms. On one, there’s a big white Buddha statue, reachable by small stairs, carved into the rock. On the other side thrones a rock, better known as the ‘meditation rock’ offering magnificent views. This one needs a bit more effort to get up, a little adventure! The last platform holds a colossal white dagoba, the perfect hangout spot to catch the sunset.

You should consider planning in half a day to explore this unique site. Some people combine this with the ancient city in one day, which is possible but might make your day too hectic and you ought to miss something. The area is located ~15 kilometers east of the city. The easiest way to reach it is by taking a tuk-tuk which would cost you around 2500 rupees (round trip) . Another cheap option is taking the bus from Anuradhapura bus station, which costs only 40 rupees (~ €0,15).

ENTRANCE FEE | 1000 LKR (~ € 4,50)

OPENING TIMES | 9 am to 5 pm

Travel Guide Tips for visiting the ancient city of Anuradhapura

 go as early as possible .

We will admit, that we are not the biggest early birds ourselves, but we were able to adapt our rhythm in Sri Lanka naturally. We often woke up with the sunlight coming through the windows and the sound of the birds chirping. In the end, it really pays off to get the most out of your days here! So try to start your days around 7 am -8 am to start exploring. This way you will beat the heat (it’s starting to get really hot around noon) and avoid the big crowds . In the early morning, you will mostly see locals and devotees going for prayers in the temples, which is a fascinating experience to be a part of!

Get around by tuk-tuk or bicycle

Don’t underestimate the distances between the different heritage sites in the old city of Anuradhapura. If you want to get the most out of your day ticket, we advise against walking to the sights in the scorching sun. When researching our trip we saw people recommending to rent a bicycle , to go from temple to temple. This is a great way to soak up the atmosphere and get some movement in. A lot of guesthouses or hotels offer this as a service and there are enough bicycle rentals along the road. Renting a bike will cost you around 500 LKR (~ €2,5) for the day . Definitely a good option if your stay isn’t too far from the ancient city. Don’t forget to drive on the left side of the road ;).

However, we personally decided against it, considering the heat (it’s typically above 30 degrees) and huge distances (the terrain is over 40 km²). To be able to see the most and not get a heat stroke we recommend renting a tuk-tuk with a driver that takes you around. This costs around 3500 LKR for the whole tour which takes about 5 hours. We found the best way is to ask your host or hotel for help (They usually have somebody reliable available). Make sure to specify if you want a guided driver or somebody, who just drops you off at every place. Taking a guided driver is a plus as you get to know more about the history, background stories, and culture. This really makes your visit to this ancient town complete. 

Bring socks

It’s a good idea to bring a pair of socks (white works best) since you will be walking barefoot a lot and the grounds can get really hot and rocky. It might not look fashionable under a dress but you will thank me later! It’s of course allowed to wear your slippers/shoes outside the temple area. Often, the moment you have to take them off is indicated on a sign. We always took the Buddhist flags as a rough indication of where to walk barefoot.

Temple etiquette

Since the major sites are considered sacred, it’s important to prepare yourself and dress modestly. Just like any other holy place in the world, this is out of respect for the culture and simply you might not be allowed to enter otherwise.

• When entering a temple site or a sacred place, remove your shoes and hat . It makes sense to wear suitable clothing from the start since you need to cover your upper arms and knees . So for women, long dresses with a little sleeve come in handy. It’s always handy to bring a sarong or light scarf when you are wearing a top or shorts. This is both for men and women.
• You will notice that a lot of Sri Lankan pilgrims are wearing white in the temples. The color white is considered a holy color and stands for purity in Buddhism and openness to learning So in case you are carrying something white with you, that’s a good option to go with. It also helps reflect strong sunlight, another tip ;).
• Photography – Of course, it’s allowed to take pictures, but there is one important rule: N ever stand with your back to a Buddha statue or stupa (think about selfies!).
• When you are visiting a dagoba or stupa, remember to walk around the dome clockwise . As that is usually the way worshippers take when walking around the monument.

Also, don’t forget to hydrate often in that heat, for example with a delicious refreshing coconut from one of the food stands. These tips from our Travel Guide Anuradhapura should help you get around!

Travel Guide Anuradhapura: Where to stay?

The location of your stay might be an important thing to consider. If you are opting to see the archaeological complex by bike, you want to stay as close as possible to it. Also considering going for dinner or grabbing a snack, it is a nice option to go by foot and not always have to grab a tuk-tuk. So ideally you should look to book your accommodation downtown or in the surrounding area. As for most of our stays in Sri Lanka, we opted to go for a guesthouse stay with a local family . Not only is this way of accommodation more affordable, but it also gives you the chance to connect to locals and have a more authentic experience.

BOOK ACCOMMODATION  | See all hotels & guesthouse stays in Anuradhapura HERE

Water Front Home Stay

We stayed at the Water Front Home Stay , which is the best example of an excellent and heartwarming homestay. The owner, Wasantha was the friendliest and most helpful host we could have wished for in Sri Lanka. He and his family made us feel right at home. From a delicious welcome drink, and great conversations about Sri Lanka’s culture to an amazing authentic dinner. Every dish was carefully prepared and explained, we really recommend having dinner there!

The room itself was absolutely clean and very quiet since its location is far enough from the busy roads, yet close enough to restaurants. It also comes with air conditioning and a fan, excellent WiFi and the bathroom is clean and spacious. These are generally points important to us when booking and the Waterfront Home Stay really ticked off all the boxes. We paid €25 a night, which included a very nice breakfast, which was so worth its value.

Another option we were looking at was Heaven Upon Rice Fields , a charming guest house stay located right between the rice fields. This place has really good reviews too and the rooms look spacious and clean, with a wonderful view over the surroundings. However its location is a bit more north and away from the center with all its restaurants, so you might need to take a tuk-tuk every time.

Travel Guide Anuradhapura: Where & what to eat?

Although Anuradhapura is not like Ella with all its hipster and Instagramable places, it still offers good quality spots to eat out. The city is overall less touristic, so you will love it for its peacefulness and pleasant atmosphere. We really enjoyed going for some fresh juices and milkshakes near the Kumbichchan Kulama lake . Here you can find several juice bars lined up next to the water where a lot of families gather. After our day exploring the old town, we found ourselves having refreshments at Fresh juice bar . They offer a wide variety of juices to choose from, for only 180 rupees each (~ less than €1). You can imagine we let ourselves go a little. 

Recommended restaurants in Anuradhapura

Downtown you can find most of the restaurants. We heard good things about Gemi Gedara Restaurant where they offer a lunch buffet and traditional Sri Lankan dishes. The setting is truly beautiful, with its open spaces and wooden tables in a treehouse-looking area. Another favorite is Ambula , north of the lake, which also offers an all-day buffet with all kinds of curries and rice platters. The setting of the restaurant is really cozy with its timber and palm leaves aesthetic.

On our first evening in Anuradhapura, we didn’t want to go too far from our stay and opted to have dinner at Bro Restaurant . It’s a rather new restaurant and they give a modern twist to traditional dishes. We had the chicken Kothu and devilish chicken , both Sri Lankan favorites, which were outstanding (be careful, the devilish chicken is super spicy!). We paid around 1700 rupees (~€7,5) for both of us, which is a bit more pricy by Sri Lankan standards but the portions were huge.

Dinner at your guesthouse

However, we genuinely recommend trying to have dinner at your guest homestay if they offer it! Like we did at the Water Front Homestay , an amazing authentic experience. They usually serve a traditional Sri Lankan curry, which differs totally from an Indian kind if that’s what you are visualizing. It consists of several small dishes, mostly vegetables as you can see in the picture. At our homestay, we had lentil curry (or Dal), cucumber curry, and coconut sambal with poppadoms.

They usually ask you if you want a fish or chicken curry with that. We noticed that the meat portions are on the smaller side in Sri Lanka since there is less going around and they tend to eat more vegetarian. But overall the served portions are more than enough, no worries! The owner explained all the dishes and even surprised us with a homemade dessert, buffalo custard with locally made syrup. Absolutely divine! After that, we almost ordered it every time when we saw it on the menu.

Travel Guide Anuradhapura: How to get to Anuradhapura?

How to get to anuradhapura from colombo / negombo.

If you have just arrived in Sri Lanka and you planned the north-to-south loop, the best way to get from Colombo to Anuradhapura:

• Bus: 200 LKR (~€ 1), 5-6 hours

Overall bus transportation is one of the cheapest ways to get around. It will probably cost you around 200 LKR. Keeping traffic in mind, you will be looking at around 6 hours of travel time, also depending on the bus line you take (15, 57, or 4). You can check the following website for bus lines and schedules. However, we suggest double-checking your bus at the bus station (Pettah bus stand near Fort Station).

• Train: 240-370 LKR (~€ 1,5-€2), 5-6 hours

This option is the quickest and most budget-friendly way to get to Anuradhapura. It will take you around 5,5 hours and costs roughly 240-370 LKR. For the schedule of the trains, check the following website . You can easily buy your tickets directly at Colombo Fort train station, but for booking online we recommend using 12Go Asia . Note: Online prices will be higher compared to buying at the train station. 

• Pick Me Taxi: 9,000 LKR (~€ 40), 4 hours

This is the most comfortable option, but it also comes with a price. The Pick Me app (the equivalent to Uber) is mostly available in the bigger cities, so you can order one upon arrival through the app. The drive takes around 3 to 4 hours and will cost you around 9,000 LKR.

• Tuktuk: 6,000 LKR (~€ 30), 5 hours

The most common way of transportation throughout Sri Lanka, however, may be less advisable for longer distances. 

How to get to Anuradhapura from Dambulla / Sigirya?

There is no train line running between Anuradhapura and Dambulla . Also, the option of an Uber is less likely in these areas. Next to renting a private car or tuk-tuk, the bus will be your best option . Local buses between Dambulla and Anuradhapura run quite frequently, usually every 20min. However, from personal experience, we can tell you this is not always the case. Public transport usually doesn’t show up on time and we had to wait an hour in the past as well due to the fact that the bus was overcrowded. Anyways, if you are coming from Sigiriya or Dambulla, head over to the main junction in Dambulla and get on bus number 42 or 43 (line Kandy – Vavuniya) heading north to Anuradhapura. We suggest taking the 43 since it’s the only one with AC ;). The drive only takes 1,5 hours and costs 400 LKR per person .

How to guide your travel to Anuradhapura from Kandy?

If you are traveling from Kandy you will have to travel the same way as from Dambulla, since it’s the same bus line. 

BOOK TRANSPORTATION | Book a train, bus or taxi to Anuradhapura with 12Go Asia HERE

We hope this travel guide to Anuradhapura was helpful and inspires you to discover this ancient city in Sri Lanka! Let us know in the comments what you think! You can show some ❤ and support for the blog and help us share more adventures! Our travels are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows us to keep writing helpful travel guides and gather information to make it easier for people to discover the world.

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Anuradhapura – The First Capital of Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura Sri Lanka Sinhala: අනුරාධපුරය ; Tamil: அனுராதபுரம்; was the first capital of the island established in the 4th century BC. It was the royal capital for 119 successive Singhalese Kings and lasted for about thousand five hundred years. Many historic monuments and buildings still remain in the acres of this sacred land.

Anuradhapura is revered as one of the greatest monastic sites on this planet.”

The historic city of Anuradhapura is an essential stop on any tour of Sri Lanka. This city, located around 205 kms north of Colombo, is one of eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Anuradhapura currently serves as the capital city of the North Central Province, and is considered the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Its vast network of ancient Buddhist temples, monasteries and places of worship which cover over 40 sq kms has made it a sacred site to Buddhists around the world.

History of Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka’s historical chronicle, the Mahavamsa, records that Anuradhapura first became the capital of ancient Lanka in 4 th  Century BC, during the reign of King Pandukhabaya. The King is attributed with designing the city, developing a core town and even surrounding suburbs based on a highly complex plan.

Anuradhapura came into prominence after Buddhism was introduced to the island in the 3 rd  Century BC during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. He built the country’s first stupa here, the Thuparama, which is said to house a relic of the Buddha, his right collarbone. King Tissa also arranged for the planting of the sacred Bo sapling brought to the country by Princess Sangamitta, daughter of Emperor Asoka of India. This is today the venerated Sri Maha Bodhi, which is considered the oldest living tree in the world.

King Devanampiya Tissa was also one of the first Kings to build irrigation tanks to develop inland agriculture, especially the growing of rice. He is credited with building the Tissa wewa (also known as Tisa wewa), which covers an area of approximately 550 acres and the embankment alone is measured at around 2 miles long. This man-made lake continues to be a major irrigation tank even today, and has become an essential resource to rice farmers in the area.

This ancient capital city fell many times to invading armies from India, but was famously recaptured and established as the pinnacle of the country’s development and culture by King Dutugemunu in the 2 nd Century BC. During his reign in Anuradhapura, he embarked on a massive construction project which created many of the magnificent monuments which are visible even today, chief amongst them the Ruwanweliseya stupa (built to house the begging bowl of Lord Buddha), the Mirisavetiya temple and the Lohapasada or Brazen Temple.

There were many among King Dutugemunu’s successors who added on to the city through construction of religious buildings, gardens and parks as well as irrigation tanks. The city became not only the centre of commerce and religion, but a place of learning and cultural expression.

King Valagamba, who reigned towards the end of the 3 rd  Century BC, built the 230ft high Abhayagiri stupa, while King Mahasena is credited with having built 16 irrigation tanks which created a thriving agricultural community in Anuradhapura and its environs. King Mahasena also built Sri Lanka’s tallest stupa, the Jethavanaramaya, which at 400 ft is one of the highest stupas in the world, as well as one of the oldest brick buildings of the ancient world.

Anuradhapura continued to be the seat of power from the 4 th  Century BC to 11 th  Century AD. During this period, there were intermittent invasions by armies from India, but it remained the stronghold of the King of Lanka until King Vjayabahu I declared Polonnaruwa the capital city in 1070.

Anuradhapura – Points of Interest

Sri mahabodhi tree.

It is hard to believe; but without a shadow of doubt—that this small tree with limbs so slender that they must be supported on iron crutches, is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world (2,200 years).

A branch of the very Bo beneath which (at Buddha Gaya in North India) the Buddha himself found Enlightenment, was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century B.C. by the Princess/religieuse Sanghamitta; a sister of the saint Mahinda.

It has never since been without its hereditary attendants and the care, to the very end, of the country’s kings. As lately as the reign of the last of them (Sri Vikrama Rajasingha, whom the British captured and deported); a wall was built by royal command to repair the platform on which it grows. In 1966 it was enclosed in a golden railing.

Loha Prasada – The Brazen Palace

A roof of copper over this primordial skyscraper bestowed upon it, its name. This work of Duttha Gamini is known to have burned down only 15 years after its building; which leads to the surmise that it was largely a wooden structure.

The 1,600 pillars (40 x 40) that now mark the site are historically ascribed to king Parakrama Bahu the Great (1153—1186 A.D.) of Polonnaruwa. The original building was of 9 graded stories and is said to have had one thousand rooms.

Mahathupa – Ruwanweli Dagaba

The Mahathupa (Great Thupa) is today known as the Ruvanveliseya Dagaba. This is the centre piece of The Maha vihara (Great Monastery). The Maha vihara, because of it’s long history of guarding the traditions of Theravada Buddhism, and because its monks kept the most sacred shrines at Anuradhapura, was the most important monastery of the city. Although not it’s true height and original form, the fine white Ruvanveliseya Dagaba, guarded by a ‘wall of elephants’, still looks magnificent.

A dagaba or thupa (relic chamber), is a dome which is built over sacred relics, the bodily remains of the Buddha. King Duttha Gamini had already built the Mirisavati and his magnificent Brazen Palace, but he wanted something bigger and better for his greatest work.

It is said that this cost the king 6.4 million coins in wages, and that the workers received food and clothing and a considerable ‘extras’ for the work.

On top of this beautiful ‘bubble’ shaped Mahathupa was a ruby as big as a man’s fist, and today the Burmese people have donated a rock crystal, which is 2 feet high (60cm) to replace it.

Thuparama Dagaba

The Thuparama was the first Buddhist building at Anuradhapura. It was built by King Devanampiya Tissa to enshrine the Buddha’s collar bone. Originally of the “paddy heap” shape, its present “bell” shape dates to reconstruction in the 1840s. The graceful monolithic pillars surrounding it once upheld a circular roof making the shrine a Vata Dage (Circular—Relic—house) a characteristically Sinhala architectural feature.

Jetavana Dagaba

To the east of the Mahathupa lies an enormous brick dagaba, the Jetavana. The dagaba was originally built to a height of 400 feet (120 Metres), making it the 3rd largest building in the world at that time. The two taller buildings were the biggest of the Egyptian pyramids, built two thousand years before.

Mahasena built this massive dagaba in the 3rd Century AD, in a apparent show of strength and support to the Sagaliya sect of the Buddhist order which he followed. This was against strong opposition from the powerful and established orthodox Maha vihara order.

The dagaba is recorded to having a concrete base, and foundations of brick 26 feet deep (12m).

Abhayagiri Vihāra, Monastery & Dagaba

Established by King Vattagamini in 88 BC, the Uttravihara (Northern Monastery) is now known as the Abhayagiri Vihāra, (Monastery). This was a result of the King being jeered by a Jain hermit, while fleeing from from the South Indians, after losing his throne. He spent 14 years ‘in the wilderness’.

When he returned to power, he destroyed the Jain Monastery, and around the the Jotiya shrine, he built a Buddhist monastery.

Abhayagiri Vihāra was the largest monastery in Sri Lanka for about 600 years. It housed 5000 monks in its grounds of more than 500 acres (235 hectares), and was at the time the most powerful institution in the country after the king.

Here in the grounds of the Abhayagiri you will see some of the most beautiful architecture and sculpture in Anuradhapura. Since the chronicle of the Northern Monastery has not survived. and the Great Chronicle does not devote much space to it’s rival monastery (the Great chronicle was written by an orthodox Maha vihara monk – the monks of the Abhayagiri were labeled as ‘Heretics’).

The Abhayagiri Dagaba itself was the work of King Gajabahu (114 – 136). and it reached a height of 370 feet (115m), and although rather smaller than the Jetavana dagaba, was the second largest stupa in the world. It is one of the eight holy shrines of the Buddhists.

Samadhi Buddha

Samadhi is a state of deep meditation, and the Lord Buddha is represented in this position after gaining enlightenment. This 4th Century AD statue of the Buddha in meditative pose is acknowledged worldwide as a masterpiece. The Indian Nationalist leader, Nehru, derived strength from contemplating his statue, during his imprisonment by the British.

Kuttam Pokuna – The Twin Ponds

The twin ponds are a magnificent example of landscape architecture built on a grand scale. The ponds are in fact not twins at all, pond (b) being longer by 40 feet than pond (a). The stone molding of the baths and the flights of steps leading to the water are graceful and austere, but above all natural. Apart from their beauty, the twin ponds are very functional. Water which is fed through an inlet is cleaned and purified several times over; before the cool water gushes out into the pond through a lions-head spout.

Besides this spout is a Naga stone, perhaps the best in Sri Lanka. The water eventually drains away from pond.

Mirisavati Dagaba

King Duttha Gamini celebrated the seventh day after his victory with a water festival at the Tissa tank. Nearby on the shore he planted his spear (the King’s spear, generally containing a Relic of the Buddha, was the royal standard in battle) and laid his clothes.

Here he built his first Dagaba, enshrining in it his spear with its Relic—in expiation, as he himself explained, of his impiety in having once eaten a relish (miris) “without a thought of the Brotherhood”. The Vahalkadas (frontispieces) are particularly striking.

Major archaeological research, conservation and excavations are being conducted in Anuradhapura by the Archaeological Department and UNESCO in a project known as the ‘Cultural Triangle’.

Activities in and around  Anuradhapura

Bicycle tour of anuradhapura.

For the more independent and adventurous of you, we can organize a 2.5 hour bicycle tour of Anuradhapura ancient city. Once you reach Anuradhapra in one of our private tours, your guide will organize your bicycle. You will receive your map of the city along with a bicycle and entrance ticket. You are free to explore the recommended places of interest at your will, and you will be informed of where to return and the time. Your guide will brief you of the important site, do’s and don’ts and other local tips prior to the tour.

Other Points of Interest Close to Anuradhapura

Mihintale mountain.

Buddhism in Sri Lanka is understood to have been introduced in the year 247BC. It is believed that Mihintale is the site of the meeting between Arahat Mahinda and then King, Devanampiyatissa took place on a  Poson Poya  Day.. You may also visit the Meditation Rock where it is assumed that Arahat Mahinda preached his first sermon. You can make this visit, a relaxing climb to an extremely prominent site in Sri Lanka; you may also catch a glimpse of a sunrise and a stunning sunset.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya  is a Buddhist Temple situated close to the Tisa Wewa. Isurumiuniya is famous for its stone carvings of the ‘Isurumuniya Lovers’, ‘Horseman’, ‘Elephant Pond’ and the ‘Royal family’. Most famous are the statues of the lovers. It is believed that the statues of the lovers are that of Prince Saliya Raja Kumara who was the son of King Dutugemunu the Great, gave up his throne for the ‘low caste’ Chandala maiden Asokamala. The stone statue depicts the two lovers in a 6th century Gupta style carving.

Avukana Buddha

Located in the village of  Avukana  in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, this is a standing statue of the Buddha which has been cleverly carved out of a great rock face. This piece of sculpture depicting the standing Buddha stands at 42 feet  (including the base) and was done during the reign of King Dhatusena.  Every detail of the body and robe have been intricately carved, with the left hand holding the robe at the shoulder and the right hand held up to the shoulder in a position known as the Asisa Mudra.

Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, Yapahuwa

Yapahuwa  is a rock fortress complex situated between the cities of Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Yapahuwa was founded in 1273 by King Bhuvenakabahu in the face of Pandyan invasions from Kalinga, South India. Yapahuwa was the capital city of Sri Lanka for just over a decade between 1273–1284.

Also known as ‘Subha pabbata’ (or ‘Subha’s rock’), Yapahuwa was initially established as a military outpost against the advanving Pandayans by Subha, a general of King Bhuvenakabahu. From here Subha was able to check Magha’s (1215 – 1236 AD) forces from proceeding southwards. Magha of Kalinga led an invasion of the Island with nearly 24,000 solders. Later (1272-1284 A.D) Bhuvanekabahu made Yapahuwa his capital and transferred the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha from Dambadeniya to Yapahuwa.

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• Ceybank Rest Hotel
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• The Lake Forest Hotel
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• Mango Mango
• Little Paradise Anuradhapura
• Palhena Restaurant
• Gemi Gedara Restaurant - Anuradhapura
• Ritigala Forest Monastery
• Kandy To Ella Train
• Ruwanwelisaya
• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
• Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura
• Half day tour - in Sacred city of Anuradhapura Or sacred city of Mihintale.
• Anuradhapura Ancient City Tuk Tuk Tour
• Anuradhapura UNESCO Heritage Site Mobile Self-Guided Tour (Sri Lanka)
• One Day Tour - Sacred city of Anuradhapura & Sacred city of Mihintale. (Sunset)

21 Amazing Places to Visit in Anuradhapura in 2024

Anuradhapura ticks a lot of boxes: it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, and, with so many things to do in Anuradhapura, is one of the best tourist attractions in the country. Not to mention, the ruins at the Anuradhapura ancient city rank as some of the world’s greatest and oldest Buddhist monuments. 

There are literally dozens of wonderful places to visit in Anuradhapura and a visit to this spectacular place should rank highly on any Sri Lankan itinerary.

Wondering where to start? Never fear, in this Anuradhapura guide, we’ll give you all the information you need so you find the best things to do in Anuradhapura and make the most out of your visit to this wonderful city.

Sri Lanka Travel Resources

• Start here: The Essential Sri Lanka Travel Guide and 47 Essential Sri Lanka Travel Tips
• Getting there: search for flights to Colombo
• Guidebook: pick up a copy of Bradt Sri Lanka
• Where to stay: search for guesthouses and hotels
• How to get around: search for trains and buses
• Travel insurance: get travel insurance for your trip
• Gear: pick up a Steripen for clean water 24/7
• Money: get a Wise money card to save money in Sri Lanka

Table of Contents

When to Visit Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is best visited from November to April. During this time, the days will be (moderately) cooler. You can visit year-round, however, after April it becomes very hot. 

We visited in mid-April and it regularly reached over 35C during the day. 

An important note about visiting Anuradhapura: as the Anuradhapura ancient city is an important pilgrimage site, it becomes very busy during the monthly poya day (full moon). During this time, pilgrims flock to the sites to pay worship and respect. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, it’s best to plan your visit outside these days. Otherwise, if you don’t mind crowds, it’s quite the cultural experience! 

Anuradhapura Location

Anuradhapura is located 205 km north of Colombo in Sri Lanka’s North Central province. 

Anuradhapura is a part of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, and as such, is within close proximity to the other major historical sites in the country, including Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.  

Enjoy your visit to Anuradhapura? Read 14 Awesome Things to Do in Sri Lanka for more inspiration

Anuradhapura Overview

Anuradhapura comprises both the ancient city (one of the tourist places in Anuradhapura) and the ‘new’ city, where the shops, restaurants, guesthouses and residential development are located. 

There are a couple of things that make Anuradhapura unique amongst other Asian ancient cities: firstly, the ruins of Anuradhapura ancient city are spread throughout the new city, rather than contained in one, separate precinct. This provides the new city with a vibrance and colour not seen in other Sri Lankan towns. 

Secondly is the contemporary relevance of Anuradhapura. Several of the sites remain in use as important Buddhist pilgrimage sites and it’s not uncommon to see groups of pilgrims paying a visit alongside the tourists. 

Read next: Sri Lanka’s Best Hidden Gems

The new city of Anuradhapura is very pleasant. It has a very distinct small-town feel and it’s very easy to get around. It also has lots of great accommodation options and you can easily rent bikes and scooters to explore the area. 

Anuradhapura Ancient City History

Anuradhapura played a very important role in Sri Lanka’s history. The city was Sri Lanka’s first capital in 380 BCE. 

Under the reign of Devanampiya Tissa, it rose to become a major world city. Its rulers constructed enormous water tanks (i.e., reservoirs), which allowed the city to grow and flourish. You can see these water tanks throughout the city – they’re so large they look like small lakes! 

Heading to the East Coast after Anuradhapura? Check out our guide on Uppuveli Beach and Nilaveli Beach

How to Get to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is located right in the centre of Sri Lanka, so it’s pretty straightforward to get to. 

There are two train stations in Anuradhapura. The Main Anuradhapura station is closer to the old bus station and is in town. The other, smaller, station is located south of town and is known as Anuradhapura New Town Station. 

From Colombo, the train takes around 3.5 hours and costs anywhere from 260 to 750 LKR . You can search for and buy tickets online at 12Go Asia . 

Similarly, Anuradhapura has two bus stations: the ‘Old Bus Station’ and the ‘New Bus Station’. Different buses arrive / leave depending on where you want to go / are arriving from.

The Old Bus Station services areas to the south, while the New Bus Station services destinations to the north and east. 

Learn how to visit Gartmore Falls, the most beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka

Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

There are a wealth of things to do in Anuradhapura and you can easily spend a few days exploring the area. 

Anuradhapura Ancient City

Of all the places to visit in Anuradhapura, exploring the ancient city should be your first priority. It is the number one thing to do in Anuradhapura and for good reason.

You can expect to find enormous dagobas (stupas), ancient water tanks (irrigation systems) and crumbling temples. It’s also highly likely there’ll be many pilgrims visiting as well. 

The ancient city is spread over a massive area of 40 square kilometres – i.e., it’s really huge. Fortunately, there are also heaps of greenery, parks, lakes (mostly ancient water tanks) and even rice fields, so strolling or riding through is a great thing to do in Anuradhapura.  

There are literally dozens of places to visit in Anuradhapura. In this Anuradhapura guide, we highlight some of the more notable Anuradhapura tourist places, as well as the free and low-cost sites. 

The Mahavihara Complex

This is an unticketed part of the ancient city, so it’s a free place to visit in Anuradhapura. That makes it a great Anuradhapura tourist place to prioritise if you’re on a budget.

It’s also home to some of Anuradhapura’s biggest star attractions and best things to do in Anuradhapura, including:

• Sri Maha Bodhi: This is a sacred bodhi tree. Legend has it that it was grown from a cutting from India, making it the oldest tree in the world (over 2000 years old). This is still a very active pilgrimage site, so you will see locals praying here. 
• Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba: This massive white stupa measures 290m in circumference, and is guarded by a fleet of 344 stone elephants. It’s considered one of the most sacred areas for Buddhists all over the world.
• The Brazen Palace (Lowamahapaya): These are the remains of 1600 columns of a former city palace. There is not much left, nor is it that impressive. But you’ll get to see a glimpse of it as you walk between the Sri Maha Bodhi and The Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba. 
• Thuparam Dagoba

Abhayagiri Complex

This place to visit in Anuradhapura is ticketed, but in our experience, tickets aren’t frequently checked. The main attraction here is the stupendous Abhayagiri Dagoba, which dates back to the 1st century BCE. 

The Abhayagiri Dagoba was originally over 100 metres high, making it one of the greatest structures of the ancient world. At its time, it was only matched by the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is stunning and incredible to see. 

Isurumuniya Complex 

Constructed in the 3rd century BCE, this is a very charming temple built into a rock. It’s very unique and we really enjoyed visiting this Anuradhapura tourist place. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to throw a coin into the temple. It’s one of the best things to do in Anuradhapura!

This place to visit in Anuradhapura has a separate ticket, which costs 200 LKR per person, making it a very affordable site within the Anuradhapura ancient city. 

Interested in the north of Sri Lanka? Read Sri Lanka – 10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Skip the North

Tissa Wewa 

Tissa Wewa is one of the ancient water tanks in the Anuradhapura ancient city. Visiting Tissa Wewa is a nice place to catch the sunset and a great thing to do in Anuradhapura at the end of the day. It feels like a small lake and you can see the two glorious white stupas in the distance. This area is completely free to visit.

Ranmasu Uyana

Also known as the Royal Pleasure Garden, Ranmasu Uyana is a garden where the once unmarried kings and queens came to bathe and meet new partners. So, it’s pretty much a version of Tinder, just 2000 years old. This place to visit in Anuradhapura is free.

Other Places to Visit in the Anuradhapura Ancient City

• Lovamahapaya
• Elephant Pond
• Aukana Buddha Statue
• Thuparamaya
• Samadhi Buddha Statue

Visiting Mihintale is one of the best things to do in Anuradhapura and should not be missed.

Located 13 km east of Anuradhapura, Mihintale is the location where Buddhism first arrived on the island. All of Mihintale is located on a large hill, overlooking the central plains. From the top, you have great views of the surrounding countryside.

Make sure you visit Mihintale for sunset, as the colours from the top of the hill are simply outstanding. 

There are a number of important monuments at Mihintale, including: 

• The Assembly Hall
• The Sinha Pokuna
• The Ambasthale Dagoba. This is a ceremonial stairway, lined with frangipani trees, which leads to the Ambasthale Dagoba. This was built over the spot where King Devanampiya was converted to Buddhism. 
• The Aradhana Gala. There are great views of the surrounding valley from here. 

When you arrive at Mihintale, you will reach the bottom of the hill. It takes around 25 minutes to walk up to the area where all of the monuments are. 

Tickets to Mihintale cost 1000 LKR per person. You can probably get away without buying a ticket, as the inspection booth is to the far left of the path up the hill and they’re not super strict on checking. 

How to Get To Mihintale

Mihintale is approximately 30 minutes from Anuradhapura.

The best way to get to Mihintale is to rent a scooter in town and drive out. Otherwise, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you. This can be organised locally, in town (around 4000 LKR), or via an organised tour .

If you want a bit of exercise, there are even fun cycling tours from Anuradhapura to Mihintale !

Dambulla Cave Temple

The Dambulla Cave Temple is another one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The caves are very beautiful and absolutely worth a visit. We went with pretty low expectations and were pleasantly surprised by this Anuradhapura tourist place.

Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple makes a great day trip from Anuradhapura city, or on your way to other destinations in the cultural triangle, like Sigiriya. 

The Dambulla Cave Temple features five separate caves, each featuring beautiful murals and Buddha statues. In total, there are around 150 Buddha statues and paintings. These make up some of Sri Lanka’s most important religious art. The Buddha images were first created more than 2000 years ago and have been added to since. 

The Dambulla Cave Temple is set at the top of a hill, which takes around 15 – 30 minutes to climb. There is a clear set of stairs, so it is not a difficult climb. My elderly parents were able to do it without any problems. 

Besides the actual caves, the beautiful views over the central plains of Dambulla are also an attraction in itself and a wonderful thing to do in Anuradhapura. On a clear day, you can even see Sigiriya in the distance. 

When you arrive at the Dambulla Cave Temple, you buy your ticket at the base of the hill. Entrance costs 2000 LKR per person. 

At the Dambulla Cave Temple, there are guides who will give you a brief tour of the caves and some history of the area. They ask for around 300 – 500 LKR, but the ‘tour’ is very quick and not really worth it. 

How to Get To the Dambulla Cave Temple

The Dambulla Cave Temple is located in the city of Dambulla, 63 km south of Anuradhapura.

From Anuradhapura, you can hire a driver to take you. It should take about 1.5 hours and cost 12,000 LKR for the entire day, roundtrip. 

To get to Dambulla via public transport, you can take either a train or a bus. The closest train station is in Habarana, which is 25 km north. Local buses run frequently from the train station to town. 

You can also take a bus from Anuradhapura to Dambulla. This will take approximately 2 hours and cost around 150 – 200 LKR. 

You can always visit the Dambulla Cave Temple as part of a tour . There are many, many options, most of which include a visit to Pidurangala and/or Sigiriya.

Visit Wilpattu National Park

Anuradhapura is an ideal location to base yourself to visit Wilpattu National Park , the best place in Sri Lanka to go on a safari. It’s a great thing to do in Anuradhapura!

Read more about visiting Wilpattu National Park in our complete guide

With heaps of animals (including the elusive Sri Lankan leopard!) and very few visitors, you can expect tranquillity, nature and lots of fauna.

A visit to Wilpattu can easily be organised once you are in Anuradhapura, or in advance as part of a tour .

Visit Minneriya National Park

If you want to get more wildlife in, another excellent place to visit in Anuradhapura is Minneriay National Park. Located just a couple of hours away from Anuradhapura, Minneriya National Park is perhaps the best place in Sri Lanka to see elephants. It’s another excellent thing to do in Anuradhapura.

You can visit Minneriya as part of a half-day safari .

Anuradhapura Tips and Tricks

• For visiting the Anuradhapura ancient city, give yourself at least one full day at a minimum . There are many things to do in the Anuradhapura ancient city, so be sure to take your time. If you can, another day will really enhance your experience. 
• Start early! It gets super hot in Anuradhapura and trust us, you’ll want to tour the Anuradhapura tourist places in the morning to beat the heat. 
• Rent a bike or a scooter . The places to visit in Anuradhapura are very spread out and it’s hot. It’s much more enjoyable to tour the Anuradhapura tourist places on a bike or scooter than attempting to walk between sites. You can also hire a tuk-tuk to take you around for the day. Of course, you can always organise a tour .
• Dress appropriately. All of the Anuradhapura tourist places are still sites of religious pilgrimage (including Mihintale and the Dambulla Cave Temple), so you are expected to dress accordingly. This means covering your legs, shoulders and upper arms. You are also not allowed to wear a hat. 
• Wear socks . You will have to take your shoes off at each Anuradhapura tourist place and the ground gets excruciatingly hot. Socks will be a lifesaver. 
• Tickets . Be strategic with your entrance ticket for the places to visit in Anuradhapura. The ticket for the Anuradhapura ancient city is very expensive at $25 USD per person per day (and this only covers the 5 largest monuments). Plan your visit so that you can see all the ticketed Anuradhapura tourist places in one day and then leave the free or cheaper sites for the next day. If you want to save that $25, note that tickets are usually only inspected around the Jetavanarama sites and the Anuradhapura Museum. We were not checked at the Abhayagiri site but were checked at Twin Ponds. 

Looking for more Sri Lanka travel tips during your Anuradhapura visit? Read 47 Essential Sri Lanka Travel Tips

Is Anuradhapura Worth Visiting?

So, is Anuradhapura worth visiting? Yes, Anuradhapura is absolutely worth visiting!

There are a few reasons why Anuradhapura is worth visiting: there is a wealth of interesting and beautiful places to visit in Anuradhapura, there are some excellent day trips you can make, it’s a great city to get a sense of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, plus it’s an accessible and pleasant city.

Add to the mix some great places to stay in Anuradhapura and some good food options, and you’ve got yourself a champagne travel destination. So in sum, Anuradhapura is 100% worth visiting.

Where to Stay in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is awash with great value accommodation options. 

Ceylonima Homestay

This was one of the best places we stayed in all of Sri Lanka and we can’t recommend it enough. The rooms are comfortable and the food is delicious. What really makes this place stand out though, are the owners, who make you feel like part of the family. They will go above and beyond and can arrange anything you want, at the best price possible. 

Aryana Boutique Hotel

This is a lovely boutique hotel located very centrally in town. The rooms are slightly small but still very nice and comfortable. The best part though is the much-welcomed pool, which is especially nice to jump into after a day exploring the ruins. 

The food isn’t great so you’re best seeking meals elsewhere. 

Uga Ulagalla 

At the top of the scale, this exclusive resort features everything you could ever ask for. The private villas feature plunge pools and there’s a spa on site. It’s located  40 km from town in a luxurious setting, surrounded by paddy fields and orchards. 

How to Get Around Anuradhapura

It’s very easy to get around Anuradhapura. Tuk-tuks are readily available, both on-demand and for daily hire. If you hire one for the entire day, expect to pay $20 – $30 USD. 

Most guesthouses can arrange scooter or bike hire. A scooter will cost around 2500 LKR per day and a bicycle will cost around 500 LKR per day. 

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13 Comments

This looks like an amazing place. I also love off the beaten path places, and appreciate all your tips! I almost went to Sri Lanka this year, but missed out, so another time!

Hi Heather, thanks so much for your feedback! Yes, it was a turbulent year in Sri Lanka’s history but things are looking up for next year! It’s a wonderful country to visit. 🙂

Wow, looks like there are loads of amazing things to do in Anuradhapura! I’ll add it to my list

Thanks Katy!

Something new to add to my Srilanka itinerary. I would love to plan a day trip to this UNESCO site.

We can’t recommend it enough. If you’re going to Sri Lanka, you’ll love this place.

I love cities with a rich history! Thanks for all these amazing things to do in Anuradhapura!

You are very welcome! Glad you enjoyed the article. 🙂

This looks like a highlight of Sri Lanka! I would love to visit the cave temples, especially. I always thought of Sri Lanka as mostly a beach and nature destination, so it’s good to understand more of the history.

The Dambulla Cave Temple was a personal favourite for us. Super interesting, with great views over the plains. Highly recommended!

Beautiful! excellent resource, thanks for sharing

All these cultural sites sounds fabulous. I would particularly like to visit Mihintale as it was the original place of Buddhism also because of the natural beauty. There is something very spiritual about being in a natural place at sunset.

Thanks Karen, we completely agree! Mihintale has a wonderful vibe and the incredible natural beauty that surrounds the site only adds to its appeal.

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Anuradhapura Day Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through ancient Sri Lanka with our Anuradhapura Day Tour. Explore sacred sites, marvel at architectural wonders, and immerse yourself in spiritual serenity. Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a memorable day trip.

The ancient city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved historical ruins dating back to the CENTURIES (4th century BC – 11th century AD) during which it remained the capital of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was also the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and is known today as one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world.

Located in the North central province of the island, Anuradhapura is about 205kms north of Colombo. The city continuously draws millions of tourists to the sites of ancient ruins – which are the most expressive and unmatchable sites in all of South Asia. A magnificent collection of architectural and archaeological marvels include massive dagobas, crumbling temples, giant brick towers, and archaic pools that were constructed during the several thousand years that the Kingdom of Anuradhapura ruled the nation. At present, these sites that you will visit on your Anuradhapura day tour are used mostly as temples and holy places hence should be given respect at all times.

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle lies the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with centuries of history and spiritual significance. Embarking on an Anuradhapura Day Tour promises a journey through time, where visitors can immerse themselves in the grandeur of ancient ruins, sacred temples, and towering stupas.

A Glimpse into Sri Lanka’s Glorious Past:

As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura served as the capital of ancient Sri Lanka for over a millennium. Today, it stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage, with sprawling archaeological sites that showcase the architectural prowess and spiritual fervor of bygone eras.

Discovering Sacred Sites:

An Anuradhapura Day Tour begins with a visit to the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be the oldest documented tree in the world, planted from a cutting of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Pilgrims from around the globe flock to this revered site to pay homage and seek blessings.

Historical prominence of Anuradhapura

• 4th century BC was when Anuradhapura became the capital of ancient Lanka – during the reign of King Pandukhabaya.
• Buddhism was introduced in the 3rd century BC – during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.
• King Tissa built the country’s first Stupa to house the relic of Budhha’s right collarbone.
• He also planted the sacred Bo Sapling brought by Princess Sangamitta, Indian Emperor Asoka’s daughter. Today, this tree is considered as the oldest living tree in the world.
• King Tissa built irrigation tanks and a man-made lake (still in use today) to develop inland agriculture.
• Towards the end of the 3rd century, King Mahasena built 16 irrigation tanks and the tallest stupa: Jethavanaramaya.
• In the 2nd century BC, King Dutugemunu successfully recaptured the city whenever it fell to invading Indian armies.
• King Dutugemunu’s reign saw a massive construction boost including monuments such as Ruwanweliseya Stupa, Mirisavetiya Temple, and the Brazen Temple.

Places you will visit

Sri-Maha-Bodhi

This is the site where the sacred bo tree that came in from india was planted. it is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world..

Thuparama Dagoba

The oldest dagoba in sri lanka, constructed by king tissa, to enshrine the right collarbone of lord buddha..

Ruvanveliseya Dagoba

One of the best architectural marvels, and is considered a sacred site for buddhists from nepal, tibet and other countries across the world..

Mirisavatiya Dagoba

Built around the 2nd century bc by king dutugemunu, and is said to have a relic of buddha inside..

Kuttam Pokuna

Bathing tanks that have existed for centuries – one of ancient sri lanka’s most outstanding achievements in the field of hydrological engineering..

Jetavanarama Dagoba

A popular tourist attraction in anuradhapura, built around the 3rd century bc. the un-plastered dome is said to be constructed with over 90 million bricks.

Nuwara Wewa

The largest tank in anuradhapura, covering an area of about 12 square kms, and was built in the 20th century bc. this location offers spectacular views of anuradhapura ancient city at sunset., not to miss in this tour.

• Sunset at Nuwara Wewa.
• The marvels of Ruvanveliseya Dagoba.

Things you will do

• Visit the most popular ancient ruins of Anuradhapura.
• Undertake Blessings at Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura.
• Indulge in an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry meal.
• Learn about Sri Lankan history during your day tour of Anuradhapura.

Q. Is this day tour for me?

Throughout the centuries, Anuradhapura became a center for commerce and religion as well as a place for learning and cultural expansion. Hence, an Anuradhapura day tour is for just about anyone who has an interest in trading, religion, culture and history.

Q. Can it be tailor-made?

Yes, this Anuradhapura day tour itinerary can be customized according to your requirements.

Q. When to go?

As part of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is a tourist friendly destination at any time of the year.

Q. What will transfers cover?

Pickup from Hotel – Tour Attractions – Drop at your Hotel.

Anuradhapura: Exploring the Ancient City’s Rich History and Cultural Heritage

Ever wondered about the rich history and cultural heritage hidden in Sri Lanka’s ancient city of Anuradhapura? As a UNESCO World Heritage Site , this old capital of Sri Lanka has an abundance of archeological ruins that depict the marvels of its past.

Our blog will guide you through the fascinating exploration spanning centuries worth of architectural wonders , religious relics , and tailored vacation spots in Anuradhapura. Let’s embark on a journey to connect with a civilization that once was!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Anuradhapura is an ancient city in Sri Lanka with rich history and cultural heritage.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , known for its archaeological ruins , architectural wonders , and religious relics.
• Visitors can explore ancient engineering marvels like enormous dagobas ( stupas ) and advanced water management systems .
• The city also boasts numerous archaeological sites, such as the Ruwanwelisaya stupa and the Dambulla Cave Temples.
• Anuradhapura is home to important Buddhist temples and sacred places, including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
• Adventure activities in Anuradhapura include cycling tours, visiting the Sacred Mountain of Mihintale, exploring the Dambulla Cave Temples, and going on a wildlife safari in Wilpattu National Park.
• Accommodations in Anuradhapura range from budget guesthouses to high-end resorts. Travelers can easily explore the city by renting bicycles or hiring tuk-tuks.

Significance of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura holds immense historical and cultural importance, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most significant cities.

Historical and cultural importance

Anuradhapura holds a key place in Sri Lanka’s past. The city started in the 4th century BC, becoming the first capital of the country . It was a strong kingdom and trade center . Its temples, baths, and ruins still tell tales from ancient times.

Today it is known for its well-kept remains of old Sinhalese culture . This UNESCO World Heritage site brings to life the depth and power of Sri Lanka’s royal seat . The city lies along the Aruvi Aru River , adding to its charm and beauty.

History lovers will find much joy exploring Anuradhapura’s rich heritage .

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Anuradhapura is not just any ancient city, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that it has been recognized as a place of outstanding universal value and importance to humanity.

The city’s rich history and cultural heritage have earned it this prestigious designation. As you explore Anuradhapura, you will come across archaeological wonders like enormous dagobas (stupas) and ancient pools .

You will also discover crumbling structures that once stood tall and proud. These sites are not only fascinating to visit but also provide valuable insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.

Exploring Anuradhapura’s Rich History and Cultural Heritage

Anuradhapura’s rich history and cultural heritage can be discovered through its ancient engineering marvels , archaeological sites and ruins, as well as its Buddhist temples and sacred places.

Ancient engineering marvels

Anuradhapura is renowned for its impressive ancient engineering marvels. The city is dotted with enormous dagobas , which are massive dome-shaped structures that served as sacred Buddhist monuments.

These dagobas were built using advanced engineering techniques by the ancient Sinhalese people. Additionally, Anuradhapura boasts an intricate network of canals and reservoirs , known as tanks, that were constructed to support the agricultural needs of the city.

These water management systems demonstrate the ingenuity and skill of the ancient engineers who designed them. Exploring these remarkable structures provides a glimpse into the impressive engineering achievements of early civilizations in Sri Lanka’s history .

Archaeological sites and ruins

Anuradhapura is home to a plethora of archaeological sites and ruins that offer a glimpse into its ancient history. Here are some must-visit sites:

• Ruwanwelisaya : This enormous stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist monuments in Sri Lanka, standing at an impressive height of 338 feet.
• Jetavanarama : As the tallest stupa in the world during its construction, this site is a testament to the architectural excellence of ancient Sri Lanka.
• Thuparamaya : This is considered to be the oldest dagoba (stupa) in Sri Lanka and holds great significance for Buddhists.
• Abhayagiri Dagoba : Once part of a monastic complex, this dagoba impresses with its sheer size and intricate carvings.
• Isurumuniya Vihara : This rock temple showcases beautiful rock carvings, including the famous “Lovers’ Leap” sculpture.
• Samadhi Statue : This serene Buddha statue exudes tranquility and serves as a reminder of the ancient town’s spiritual heritage.
• Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) : Although now reduced to ruins, this seven-story building was once adorned with 1,600 columns and served as a residence for monks.
• Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) : These ancient bathing pools are not only stunning but also showcase the advanced engineering skills of the time.

Buddhist temples and sacred places

Anuradhapura is home to numerous Buddhist temples and sacred places that hold great significance in Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural heritage. These sites offer a unique opportunity for adventure travelers to explore and immerse themselves in the rich spiritual traditions of the region. Here are some must-visit Buddhist temples and sacred places in Anuradhapura:

• Ruwanwelisaya : This massive stupa is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. It is believed to house relics of Lord Buddha , making it a revered place of worship for Buddhists.
• Thuparamaya : Known as the first dagoba built in Sri Lanka, Thuparamaya is another significant temple in Anuradhapura. Its architectural beauty and historical importance attract visitors from around the world.
• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi : Located within the Mahamewna Gardens, this sacred fig tree is said to be a sapling from the original Bodhi Tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is considered one of the oldest living trees with a recorded history dating back more than 2,000 years.
• Abhayagiri Vihara : Once a renowned monastic complex, Abhayagiri Vihara was an important center for Buddhist learning and practice during ancient times. Today, visitors can explore its ruins and experience its profound spiritual atmosphere.
• Isurumuniya Temple : Situated near Tissa Wewa (Tissa Lake), this beautiful temple features stunning rock carvings depicting various scenes from Buddhist mythology. The serene surroundings make it a perfect spot for meditation and contemplation.

Activities and Attractions in Anuradhapura

Explore the city on a thrilling cycling tour, visit the sacred mountain of Mihintale, marvel at the Dambulla Cave Temples , and embark on a wildlife safari in Wilpattu National Park .

Cycling tours

Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura on a thrilling cycling tour . Pedal through the historical ruins and cultural sites , immersing yourself in the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Feel the breeze as you ride past ancient stupas and crumbling structures, discovering hidden gems at every turn. Marvel at the architectural wonders and learn about the fascinating history behind them.

Cycling tours offer a unique way to explore Anuradhapura’s vast archaeological park and soak in its captivating atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure that combines outdoor exploration with cultural discovery!

Mihintale (Sacred Mountain)

Mihintale, also known as Sacred Mountain, is a significant attraction in Anuradhapura that adventure travelers should not miss. Situated about 13 kilometers east of the ancient city, Mihintale holds great historical and religious importance.

It is believed to be the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India. The mountain is home to a series of shrines, stupas, and rock dwellings that provide visitors with a glimpse into the early days of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Climbing up the steps to reach the summit offers breathtaking views of Anuradhapura and its surrounding landscapes. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply want to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, Mihintale is an enriching experience for all adventure seekers visiting Anuradhapura.

Dambulla Cave Temples

The Dambulla Cave Temples are a must-visit attraction in Anuradhapura. These ancient rock temples are located on a massive granite outcrop and have been a place of worship for over 2,000 years .

Adventure travelers will be amazed by the five caves filled with stunning Buddhist statues and intricate wall paintings. Each cave has its own unique design and artistic treasures.

As you explore the temples, you’ll also enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this spiritual site!

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is a must-visit attraction for adventure travelers in Anuradhapura. This national park is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka , and it’s one of the oldest and largest parks in the country .

With its diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty , Wilpattu offers an unforgettable safari experience. Here, you can spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and many other species in their natural habitat.

The park also boasts scenic lakes and dense forests that make it a paradise for nature lovers. So don’t miss out on exploring the wonders of Wilpattu National Park during your visit to Anuradhapura!

Accommodations and Transportation in Anuradhapura

There are various options for accommodations in Anuradhapura, ranging from budget to high-end hotels and guesthouses. Travelers can easily explore the city by renting bicycles or hiring tuk-tuks for convenient transportation.

Budget, mid-range, and high-end options

Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or splurging on a luxury trip, Anuradhapura has accommodation options that can suit a wide range of preferences and budgets. Here is a guide to budget, mid-range, and high-end accommodations in this ancient city.

As for transportation, getting around Anuradhapura is relatively straightforward. Bicycles are a popular choice for navigating the ancient city, with plenty of rental shops available. Alternatively, auto rickshaws and taxis are readily available, or for a more leisurely pace, walking can be an option, particularly within the archaeological park.

Getting around the city

Exploring Anuradhapura is made easy with various transportation options available within the city. Here are some ways to get around:

• Tuk-tuks : These three-wheeler taxis are a popular and convenient mode of transportation in Anuradhapura. They can easily take you around the city and to different attractions.
• Bicycles : Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the ancient city at your own pace. Many accommodations offer bicycle rentals, and there are also bike rental shops in the area.
• Walking : Anuradhapura’s archaeological park is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of the ancient city. A comfortable pair of walking shoes is highly recommended.
• Private cars or hired drivers : If you prefer a more private and comfortable option, you can hire a car or a driver for your sightseeing needs. This gives you more flexibility in terms of where you want to go and when.
• Public buses : Anuradhapura has a well-connected public bus system that can take you to various parts of the city as well as neighboring towns and attractions.
• Guided tours : Joining a guided tour can be beneficial if you want an informative and hassle-free experience exploring Anuradhapura. Local guides can provide insights into the history and cultural significance of each site.

Conclusion: Anuradhapura as a Must-Visit Destination for History and Culture Lovers

Anuradhapura is a must-visit destination for history and culture lovers. With its rich history , well-preserved ruins , and ancient temples , this ancient city offers a unique glimpse into the past .

Whether you’re exploring the archaeological sites or immersing yourself in the cultural heritage, Anuradhapura promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s royal capital .

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover the wonders of Anuradhapura!

1. What can I see in Anuradhapura to learn about its rich history and cultural heritage?

In Anuradhapura, you can visit ancient temples, monuments, and ruins that showcase the city’s historical significance and cultural heritage.

2. How old is the ancient city of Anuradhapura?

The ancient city of Anuradhapura dates back over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

3. Are there any guided tours available in Anuradhapura to explore its rich history?

Yes, there are guided tours available in Anuradhapura that provide valuable insights into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who explain the significance of various sites.

4. Can I take photographs while exploring Anuradhapura’s historical sites?

Yes, you can take photographs while exploring Anuradhapura’s historical sites for personal use or as a way to capture memories. However, it is important to be respectful of the surroundings and follow any guidelines regarding photography restrictions at specific locations.

Melanie Cho is a passionate traveler, storyteller, and cultural enthusiast with a heart that bridges the landscapes of Korea and Sri Lanka. As a 28-year-old Korean woman who spent her formative years splitting time between these two captivating worlds, Melanie’s unique upbringing ignited her love for exploration and connection. Her intimate knowledge of both cultures enables her to share authentic insights, captivating stories, and practical tips that inspire fellow adventurers to embark on unforgettable journeys.

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