Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka (2026) – Ancient City, Stupas & Travel Guide
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At a Glance
Highlights
Fun Facts
Why Visit Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka?
Anuradhapura is the sacred heart of Sri Lanka and the island’s first capital, founded in the 4th century BC by King Pandukabhaya, one of the most notable Sinhalese kings. The city was first settled around the 10th century BCE, marking its early settlement and historical significance long before its formal designation as the capital city. Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka from 308 BC to the 11th century AD, making it a significant archaeological park and a major center of Theravāda Buddhism for over a millennium.
Today, Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most impressive archaeological sites, managed by the archaeological department. Walking through its ancient ruins is like stepping back in time — from the majestic Ruwanwelisaya stupa to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be the oldest historically documented and oldest tree planted by humans. The ruins of Anuradhapura were taken over by the jungle before being excavated in the late 19th century. The city also boasts a significant collection of colossal and well-preserved ruins of ancient Buddhist monasteries and stupas, including Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri. The Mahavihara monastery in Anuradhapura became the prime center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, fostering Theravāda Buddhism and shaping Sri Lankan culture.
Spanning an area of about 40 square kilometers, the archaeological park of Anuradhapura features a modern contemporary city alongside the ancient city ruins, creating a unique juxtaposition of history and present day life. Additionally, visitors can explore the remains of numerous ancient baths, pools, stone carvings, and the famous Mirisawetiya Stupa scattered throughout the site.
The city is also a living pilgrimage site. Thousands of devotees still gather daily to worship, light oil lamps, and offer lotus flowers at temples, making Anuradhapura one of Sri Lanka’s most spiritual destinations. Pilgrims from all over the country visit Anuradhapura to worship and make offerings at its sacred Buddhist sites. The city's stupas and sacred sites continue to be used for worship and local ceremonies today, reflecting the deep religious significance rooted in the Great Chronicle (Mahavamsa) and ongoing traditions.
Buddhism in Sri Lanka was introduced by Mahendra, the son of Emperor Ashoka from north India, in the 3rd century BCE, further solidifying Anuradhapura's spiritual and cultural significance. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura is believed to be a sapling from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, symbolizing the deep connection between the island’s ancient capital and Theravāda Buddhism.
If you’re exploring the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa), Anuradhapura is an essential stop for both history and spirituality. It served as the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom and a significant center of Buddhism for over a thousand years, with many ancient temples and sacred sites to visit.
Top Attractions in Anuradhapura
1. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree (Sacred Tree)
- A sacred fig tree said to be a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in India.
- Planted in 288 BC, it is the oldest historically documented and oldest tree in the world.
- Pilgrims visit daily to pray, make offerings, and meditate.
👉 Tip: Visit at sunset for a deeply spiritual atmosphere with chanting monks and glowing oil lamps.
2. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa (Major Monument)
- Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, one of the most revered stupas in Sri Lanka.
- Stands at 103 m high with a massive dome, symbolizing Buddhist devotion.
- Thousands of pilgrims in white attire gather during full moon days. The Ruwanwelisaya stupa is believed to enshrine a portion of the Buddha's ashes.
3. Jetavanaramaya Stupa
- Once the tallest stupa in the ancient world (122 m).
- Built by King Mahasena (3rd century AD), it remains one of the largest brick structures on Earth.
4. Thuparamaya Stupa
- The oldest stupa in Sri Lanka, built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC.
- Said to enshrine a collarbone relic of the Buddha.
5. Abhayagiriya Monastery
- One of the greatest monastic universities of ancient Sri Lanka.
- At its peak, it housed 5,000 monks and attracted scholars from across Asia.
6. Isurumuniya Temple
- Rock temple famous for its intricate stone carvings, including the “Lovers of Isurumuniya” sculpture.
- A tranquil site blending history, art, and devotion.
7. Mihintale – Cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
- Located 12 km from Anuradhapura.
- Believed to be where Arahat Mahinda introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC.
- Features a grand staircase of 1,840 steps, ancient stupas, and panoramic views.
- The nearby Mihintale temple complex is about 10 kilometers outside Anuradhapura. The entrance fee for the Mihintale temple complex is Rs 500 per person.
- Wilpattu National Park is a popular destination for wildlife spotting near Anuradhapura.
👉 Many travelers combine Mihintale with a day trip to Anuradhapura.
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
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Photo by Thema Collection Wild Glamping Knuckles
Hotels in Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Budget ($20–40)
- Guesthouses near the sacred city.
- Popular picks: Nilketha Villa Eco Hotel, homestays with garden views.
- Heaven Upon Rice Fields: A guesthouse located among rice fields, costing €24 per night for two people.
- Ceylonima Homestay: Recommended for a homestay experience in Anuradhapura with great hospitality. The average cost for a budget accommodation in Anuradhapura starts around €7 for basic hostels.
Mid-Range ($60–120)
- Comfortable stays with pools and AC.
- Options: Avasta Resort & Spa, Miridiya Lake Resort.
- Hotel Heladiv: Located a bit outside the city center, offering nice rooms for €41 per night for two people.
Luxury ($150+)
- Boutique resorts and eco-lodges.
- Best picks: Palm Garden Village Hotel, Ulagalla by Uga Escapes (luxury villas with private pools).
- Aryana Boutique Hotel: A small hotel close to the center offering rooms from €85 per night, including breakfast for two people.
👉 Pro Tip: Stay within 2–3 km of the sacred city to easily explore by bicycle or tuk-tuk.
Things to Do in Anuradhapura
- 🚲 Cycle through the ruins: Rent a bike and explore temples, stupas, reservoirs, and ancient tanks at your own pace. The tank systems in Anuradhapura include a system of cascaded tanks and gravity-fed canals that transported water to settlements and agricultural areas. The city's hydraulic society developed sophisticated engineering skills that managed water resources effectively in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The culture of ancient Anuradhapura was shaped by its ability to manage water, transforming the arid area into a fertile agricultural kingdom. The ancient kings of Anuradhapura were renowned for constructing an extensive network of large reservoirs and canals to support agriculture. Accommodation providers in Anuradhapura often also offer bicycle hire and other amenities for guests. Most hotels in Anuradhapura offer bicycle rentals for guests. Cycle rentals are available from most hotels in Anuradhapura.
- 🚖 Tuk-tuks: Tuk-tuks are available for hire to explore Anuradhapura, especially for visiting the large site and distant monuments.
- 📸 Photography: Sunrise and sunset light up the stupas with golden hues, creating perfect photo opportunities.
- 🕉️ Join pilgrims: Light an oil lamp or join meditation sessions near the Bodhi tree or sacred temples.
- 🌿 Nature walks: Stroll around Tissa Wewa and Nuwara Wewa reservoirs, spotting birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.
- 🐘 Day trips: Combine with Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, or Wilpattu National Park for a diverse experience.
Local Experiences in Anuradhapura
✔️ Cycling tours around ruins – the best way to explore the vast UNESCO site.
✔️ Village visits – learn traditional Sri Lankan farming and cooking reflecting Sri Lankan culture.
✔️ Meditation retreats at Buddhist temples.
✔️ Evening puja at Sri Maha Bodhi or Ruwanwelisaya — a deeply moving experience.
✔️ Sunset picnics by Tissa Wewa or Nuwara Wewa reservoir.
Restaurants in Anuradhapura
- 🍛 Local curry houses – Affordable and authentic, serving rice & curry (LKR 300–600).
- 🥗 Lake-view restaurants – Scenic dining with Sri Lankan & Western menus.
- 🥘 Hotel dining – Mid-range & luxury hotels often offer buffets with Sri Lankan dishes.
- 🥐 Mobile bakers: Mobile bakers often pass by hotels and guesthouses, selling local pastries and snacks. Guests can find food from mobile bakers in Anuradhapura who sell sweet pastries and filled buns.
Best Time to Visit Anuradhapura
- Nov–Apr: Best weather, dry and sunny – perfect for sightseeing.
- May–Aug: Hot and humid, but less crowded.
- Sep–Oct: Occasional rains, greener landscapes.
👉 Best overall: December–April for dry, comfortable travel.
Getting to Anuradhapura
🚗 By Car: 4–5 hrs from Colombo, 1.5 hrs from Dambulla via major road junctions.
🚆 By Train: Colombo–Anuradhapura railway line (scenic ride, 5–6 hrs). Traveling from Colombo to Anuradhapura by train costs between €9-11 and takes 6-7 hours.
🚌 By Bus: Regular buses from Colombo, Kandy, and Dambulla. Traveling from Colombo to Anuradhapura by bus costs between €8-10 and takes 6-7 hours.
🚖 Local Transport: Tuk-tuks and bicycles are the best way to explore the ruins. Visitors often arrive at Anuradhapura by bus, train, or taxi. It is common to tip taxi drivers a small percentage of the fare in Sri Lanka.
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Day-by-Day Unfolding
Day 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Anuradhapura vs Other Cultural Cities
- Anuradhapura vs Polonnaruwa → Anuradhapura = older, vast, spiritual; Polonnaruwa = more compact, better preserved.
- Anuradhapura vs Sigiriya → Sigiriya = iconic fortress; Anuradhapura = spiritual and historic heart.
- Anuradhapura vs Dambulla → Dambulla = cave temples; Anuradhapura = expansive sacred city.
Day Trips from Anuradhapura
🚩 Sigiriya Rock Fortress (1.5 hrs) – iconic rock citadel with frescoes.
🚩 Dambulla Cave Temple (1 hr 15 min) – UNESCO-listed Buddhist cave complex.
🚩 Wilpattu National Park (1 hr) – Sri Lanka’s largest national park, famous for leopards and lakes.
🚩 Mihintale (20 min) – the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
🚩 Avukana Buddha Statue (1 hr) – 12-meter-high standing Buddha carved from granite.
🚩 Yapahuwa Rock Fortress – an ancient capital and fortress with historical significance, located near Anuradhapura.
Travel Tips for Anuradhapura
✔️ Dress modestly (shoulders & knees covered).
✔️ Carry socks – temple floors get very hot; you will often need to walk barefoot.
✔️ Rent a bicycle for the best experience.
✔️ Respect local customs – pilgrims may be praying or meditating.
✔️ Start sightseeing early morning to avoid heat.
✔️ Visitors need to remove their shoes before entering religious sites in Anuradhapura.
✔️ Many visitors choose to hire a guide when exploring Anuradhapura for a better understanding of the sites.
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
FAQ
Got Questions? We Have Answers
The sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, stupas, ancient temples, and being the first capital of Sri Lanka.
At least 2 days to see the highlights; 3–4 days for a slower cultural experience.
By bicycle or tuk-tuk, as sites are spread out across a large site.
Yes – children enjoy the open spaces, lakes, and cycling.
December–April (dry season).
Yes, the entrance fee to the ancient city is approximately $25 per person, which grants access to major monuments and temples.
Absolutely. Hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour is recommended to fully appreciate the history and significance of the sites.
Conclusion
Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka is more than just an archaeological site — it’s a living sacred city where history, faith, and culture converge. From cycling among ancient stupas to meditating under the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, every moment here connects you to over 2,000 years of history. Entry to the ancient city of Anuradhapura costs $25 per person.
Whether you’re a pilgrim, history lover, or cultural explorer, Anuradhapura offers one of the most unforgettable journeys in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
👉 Plan your Anuradhapura adventure with Sithiyam and experience the timeless beauty of Sri Lanka in 2026.
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