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Anuradhapura captures the ancient history of the island. Once the first capital of Sri Lanka, the sacred city of Anuradhapura now lies as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing many centuries of Buddhist traditions, architectural wonders, and archaeological treasures. In this Anuradhapura Sri Lanka travel guide discover the peace within, combined with lush landscapes and sacred sites, makes the city one of the most exciting destinations for a traveler seeking history, spirituality, and quiet time. It allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of ancient civilization while in harmony with a natural setting and the historical relics that it has.
About Anuradhapura City
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The city of Anuradhapura is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 205 kilometers to the north of Colombo. The city comprises a dry zone of the island and experiences warm temperatures and seasonal monsoons. The important factor in the cityscaping of Anuradhapura is its location on the banks of the Malwathu Oya. The Anuradhapura city is one of the oldest in the world regularly inhabited, the first capital of Sri Lanka, and the most important religious and cultural center. A major road and railway network connects Alluru to southern India, making access easy for tourists arriving from the most important southern cities of Kandy, Jaffna, and Trincomalee.
Quick Facts About Anuradhapura
Location: North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura Weather: Dry zone, warm with seasonal monsoons
Inhabitants : One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world
Accessibility: Connected by road and rail
How To Reach
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The ancient city of Anuradhapura is well-connected and accessible by various modes of transport.
By Road: Anuradhapura is approximately 205 km away from Colombo and thus can be reached via A9. Under normal circumstances, it takes about 4-5 hours to travel there using a car, taxi, or bus.
By Rail: Anuradhapura is a major railway station on the northern railway line from Colombo, stopping at Jaffna and Kandy. Approximate travel time from Colombo is 4 to 5 hours, which is ideal for a leisurely and pleasurable journey.
Things To Do In The Sacred City Of Anuradhapura
From ancient stupas to serene reservoirs and lush forest monasteries, here are some of the best spots to explore around Anuradhapura:
1. Explore Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, an unmistakably significant Buddhist monument in Anuradhapura, is one of the most respected and architecturally notable stupas in Sri Lanka. A massive white dome almost to the tune of 103 meters in height, is, therefore, one of the tallest stupas worldwide and is dotted with the sacred relics of the Buddha, making it a renowned pilgrimage centre. The decoration on the stupa reflects the artistic genius of the time, with its fine golden-polished pinnacles and stone-carved sculptures. Daily, pilgrims and guests come to pray, meditate, and perform religious rites.
Location: Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura 50000, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
2. Visit The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
Photo: Ken Wieland / Wikimedia Commons
According to historical records, the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is the oldest tree. It has been propagated from a sacred branch of the original Bodhi Tree that existed under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. In 288 BCE, King Devanampiya Tissa planted it, and since then, the tree has been a pilgrimage site for generations of monks of the Buddhist order. The tree has been encircled by protective walls, built over the years against natural and human offenders, and accompanied by transitory little shrines where devotees would come to lay down their flowers, light an oil lamp, and chant prayers.
Location: Mahamewna Gardens, Sacred City, 1.5 km from Anuradhapura Railway Station
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Admire Jetavanaramaya Monastery
Photo: Mekalanka Pramodha / Wikimedia Commons
Jetavanaramaya Monastery, located in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-is perhaps the most recognized Buddhist site in Sri Lanka. The ancient world’s tallest construction, measuring 122 meters, is partially ruined but remains one of the largest brick monuments ever built, comprising more than 93 million baked bricks. The monastery complex-not just as a place for religious observance but also as an eminent center of Buddhist scholarship-whose doors were flung wide open for monastics from anywhere in Asia to study both Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions.
Location: Central Anuradhapura, near Abhayagiri Monastery and Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
4. Discover Tissa Wewa Reservoir Near Isurumuniya
Photo: Kasuni Amarasinghe / Wikimedia Commons
The Tissa Wewa is an ancient reservoir at Anuradhapura, built in the 3rd century BCE and a monument of the sophisticated irrigation system of the city. This enormous artificial lake was intended to furnish water primarily for agriculture and domestic use, thereby providing a sustainable water supply for the ancient capital. This immense reservoir sprawls over several kilometers and is an amazing example of early engineering of Sri Lanka. It not only serves as a major supply of water for the neighborhood even today but also as a drawing point for those seeking peace and picture-perfect settings.
Location: Near Isurumuniya Temple, southeast of the Anuradhapura Sacred City
Entry Fee: Free
5. Experience Religious Traditions At Abhayagiri Monastery Complex
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The monastery complex of Abhayagiri is located in Anuradhapura, and it is the biggest and probably the most important of the ancient Buddhist monasteries in the country. Founded through the 1st century BCE, it developed to be one of the most essential learning centers in Buddhism. This complex would cover around 200 hectares, and the site still contains the Abhayagiri Stupa, which once stood at over 100 meters, as one of the largest brick structures in the world.
Location: Northern part of Anuradhapura’s Sacred City, within the main archaeological zone
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Places To Visit Nearby
From sacred pilgrimage sites to wildlife sanctuaries and ancient rock monasteries, here are some of the best places to visit near Anuradhapura:
1. Wilpattu National Park
Photo: NavaaneethaSarma MurugananthaSarma / Wikimedia Commons
Wilpattu National Park, lying in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is the largest and among the oldest of the national parks, covering more than 1,300 square kilometers. The park contains a couple of peculiarities, i.e. the “Willus” (natural lakes), which serve as an important source of water for animals, and provides a sanctuary for a broad spectrum of fauna: Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, and crocodiles. Dense forests, scrublands, and open grasslands create a thriving ecosystem, all of which are found in this national park.
Location: Wilpattu National Park, Hunuwilagama Entrance, Puttalam-Anuradhapura Road (A12), Sri Lanka
Distance From The City: About 58 km
2. Mihintale
Photo: Hesandu Uyangoda / Wikimedia Commons
Mihintale is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and the place where Buddhism began in Sri Lanka. In 247 BCE, King Devanampiya Tissa met Indian monk Mahinda, who introduced Buddhism to the island. This sacred area, featuring ancient stupas, rock caves, monasteries, and a long staircase of 1,840 steps that afford fabulous views from the top of the hill, attracts pilgrims to many sites such as the Ambasthala Dagoba, the Mihindu Cave, and the Aradhana Gala, where Mahinda is said to have meditated, thus endowing Mihintale with lifelong spiritual and historical significance.
Location: Mihintale, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Distance From Anuradhapura: Approximately 12 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Jordiferrer / Wikimedia Commons
In Anuradhapura, there are affordable guesthouses as well as luxury hotels available that meet the travel needs of everyone. Some of the places most people frequent are The Sanctuary at Tissawewa, Rajarata Hotel, Heritage Hotel Anuradhapura, which provide great comfortable stays near noteworthy historical sites. The city center offers budget guest houses and a couple of boutique hotels, which the more budget-conscious can afford, for basic amenities with easy access to attractions in the locality.
Where To Eat
Photo: Cayambe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Most of the eating places in Anuradhapura have traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, hoppers, and seafood. For a more atmospheric meal experience, there can be found Ceylon Café, Milano Tourist Rest, and Alankulama Family Restaurant that provides a mix of local and foreign dishes. From street food stalls to small eateries strewn around the city, one can find something affordable. There are a few lakeside restaurants where you can grab a bite with a little peace and quiet.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Jolle~commonswiki / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip: Budget guesthouses begin with LKR 3,000 per night, mid-range hotels will cost anywhere between LKR 8,000 to 20,000, while upscale resorts will be somewhere above LKR 30,000. Food costs like local establishments could offer meals from anywhere between LKR 500 to 1,500, whereas mid-range restaurants start from LKR 3,000 per meal.
Tips For Travellers:
- At least one full day should be provided to visit the major sites of Anuradhapura.
- Comfortable shoes are advised since walking is required to view many of the ruins which are in large open areas.
- Public transport and tuk-tuks provide the most convenient way of moving about owing to the vastness of Anuradhapura’s area of interests.
Anuradhapura is a mesmerizing place that offers the chance to travel back in time in the legacy of Sri Lanka that intertwines spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Stupas invoke awe; reservoirs fill the spirit with water; everything about this sacred city declares its grandeur. Some come for their cultural experience while others seek solitude, tranquility, and serenity; Anuradhapura promises all. With this Anuradhapura Sri Lanka travel guide book your trip with TripXL and travel with the best accommodation and suggestions from experts.
Cover Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
