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Anuradhapura, an important city, located precisely in the north central plain of Sri Lanka has top attractions to visit. This city was once the ancient capital of the country and today, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city being rich in culture, history and religious significance offers tourists a unique approach to it. There are ample things to do in Anuradhapura offering a memorable experience. Whether you are a history buff wanting to explore the ancient temples or you simply want to adore the scenic beauty of the region, Anuradhapura has something for everyone!
Top 10 Things To Do In Anuradhapura
Below is a list of top things to do in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. These things are among the key highlights of the region and promise ample fun.
1. Explore The Grandeur At Ruwanweli
Photo: Rathna Deepaya / Unsplash
Ruwanweli Maha Seya is a buddhist temple in Anuradhapura. This temple is also known as Maha Thupa or the Great Thupa. One Dona of Buddha relics is enshrined here which makes this place one of the largest collections of relics in the entire world. The stupa has a height of 103 metres and is a perfect destination for history buffs. This place is an iconic symbol of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilisation and has rows of elephant statues.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost: N/A
2. Spot The Famous Elephant Pond At Isurumuniya Temple
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Isurumuniya is a Buddhist Temple in Anuradhapura and has three key carving highlights, the Elephant Pond, the Isurumuniya Lovers and the Royal Family. One of the famous things about the Elephant Pod is that there are carvings of elephants on the rock. It looks as if the elephant is playing with water in the pond. Tourists can take a walk through the temple’s pristine gardens, examine the ancient carvings and sculptures and enjoy the vibe of the Buddhist era.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost: 500 LKR /
3. Learn About The Ruins Of The World At Abhayagiri Vihara
Photo: Balou46 / Wikimedia Commons
Abhayagiri Vihara is one of the major monastery sites in Anuradhapura and houses the most extensive ruins in the world. This place is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrim centres not only in the city but in the entire nation. The term “Abhayagiri Vihara” not only refers to a complex of monasteries but also a ‘Sangha’ of Buddhist monks who maintained their own historical records. There are several bronze statues on the premises taking visitors back to the ancient era. Abhayagiri Vihara is indeed a cultural quadrilateral and a top place to visit in Anuradhapura.
Ideal Trip Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hours
Cost: N/A
4. Admire The Stone Inscription At Ranmasu Uyana
Photo: Rushdy Nisthar / Wikimedia Commons
Ranmasu Uyana, also known as the Royal Park, is a historic place to visit in Anuradhapura. This place shares its proximity to Isurumuniya Vihara and Tissa Wewa and contains the famous Magul Uyana. This park is spread over an area of 40 acres and is a top example of Sri Lankan Garden architecture which belongs to the pre-Christian era. The park has remains of ancient buildings, several ponds and a Star Gate. Visitors can spot stone inscriptions at the Star Gate, walk on the Royal Gardens belonging to the 8th and 9th Centuries and take a close-up look at the pavilion.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Cost: LKR 200
5. Take A Walk At Perimiyankulama Bridge
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Perimiyankulama Bridge is a stone bridge in Anuradhapura and is perfect for a stroll in the evening. This bridge is one of the oldest remaining bridges in the region of Anuradhapura and is nearly 2000 years old. Perimiyankulama Bridge is 10 feet in height and even today, a horse carriage can easily pass through it. Photography and birdwatching are two of the most performed activities in this place. Visitors can spot the stone slabs which are laid across rows of pillars and have been conserved to date. Reaching this place promises a scenic journey including paddy fields.
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Cost: N/A
6. Climb To Mihintale’s Peak
Photo: Yumeshan Lakshitha / Wikimedia Commons
Mihintale’s Peak is a lovely mountain peak near Anuradhapura and is believed to be the place where Buddhism was inaugurated by the Buddhist monk Mahida and King Devanampiyatissa in Sri Lanka. A climb to this mountain peak offers eye-catching views of the surrounding places. Today, this site is a pilgrimage site and has many religious monuments and abandoned structures. There are many inscriptions on the rocks of this mountain, some of them dating back to the third century BCE.
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Cost: 500 LKR /
7. Spot Animals At Wilpattu National Park
Photo: Udara Karunarathna / Unsplash
Wilpattu National Park is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. This place is renowned globally for its leopard population and sloth bears. One of the major highlights of this national park is the existence of several sand-rimmed water basins. The park has a dense forest area as compared to other areas. Visitors can also opt for safaris in the park. Photography, animal spotting and birdwatching are a few of the best things to do in Wilpattu National Park.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Cost: LKR 3500
8. Learn About Sri Lanka’s Buddhist Heritage At Mirisawetiya Stupa
Photo: Nipuna Gamage / Wikimedia Commons
Mirisawetiya Stupa is a memorial building and a temple in Anuradhapura. There are Buddha relics placed in the sceptre by King Dutugamunu. This stupa is exactly built in the place where the sceptre was placed. This place attracts hundreds of tourists worldwide and promises an immersive experience along with offering insights into this historical place. Multiple statues of Lord Buddha are placed inside the stupa along with other important scriptures and other intricate carvings.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Cost: N/A
9. Take A Boat Ride At Tissa Weva
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons
Tissa Weva is a lovely lake in Sri Lanka and a soothing place to visit. This place is an artificial reservoir and offers pretty views of the surroundings. Boat rides on this lake promise scenic beauty, especially during the sunset. Walking, jogging, birdwatching and exercising are other interesting things to do here. Some of the bird species spotted here are bitters, geese and egrets. The difficulty of boating is easy and a naturalist or a guide accompanies visitors.
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Cost: LKR 1600
10. Visit The Royal Palace Of King Vijaybahu
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons
The royal palace of King Vijayabahu is currently in ruins but showcases the grandeur of the past. This place offers insights into Sri Lanka’s rich past. Visitors can take a stroll in lush green gardens and spot scriptures, stone inscriptions, statues and buried ruins. A wall at the palace displays ancient paintings of the royal family.
The royal palace of King Vijayabahu is largely visited by tourists due to its strategic location in the centre of the city. Lucky enough, visitors can spot several birds including peacocks in the region.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Cost: LKR 1500
Truly, there are ample things to do in Anuradhapura, a remarkable destination in Sri Lanka. This place being Sri Lanka’s ancient capital offers visitors an inspiring experience. Whether visitors admire the beautiful architecture of the famous Ruwanweli or praise the scenic beauty around, things to do offer an unforgettable time. Plan a trip with TripXL to Sri Lanka and leave with a deeper appreciation of ancient heritage.
Cover Photo: Thisaru Tharuka / Wikimedia Commons
