Explore Anuradhapura

🛕 Anuradhapura Travel Guide

Known for: Ancient Sinhalese kingdom, Buddhist pilgrimage sites, massive stupas, and the sacred Bodhi tree
Location: North Central Province, part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• May to September (Dry Season):
  ✅ Ideal for sightseeing and temple visits with little rain

• October to April:
  🌿 Slightly more rain, but pleasant temperatures

Evenings and early mornings are best for exploring outdoor sites due to heat.

🛣️ How to Get There:

• 🚗 By Car/Taxi:
  ~4–5 hours from Colombo

• 🚆 By Train:
  Daily trains from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura (~4.5–6 hours) – scenic but slower

• 🚌 By Bus:
  Intercity or AC buses (Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla)

Closest town: New Anuradhapura (modern city); ancient ruins lie in Old Anuradhapura

🌟 Top Attractions:

🕉️ Sacred City of Anuradhapura (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

1. Sri Maha Bodhi Tree (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya):

   • Oldest historically documented tree in the world (planted ~288 BC)

   • Grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment

2. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa:

   • Massive white dagoba, sacred to Buddhists

   • Built by King Dutugemunu ~140 BC

3. Jetavanaramaya Stupa:

   • Once the third-tallest structure in the ancient world (~122m)

   • Built from over 90 million bricks

4. Thuparamaya:

   • First stupa in Sri Lanka, enshrining a relic of the Buddha

5. Abhayagiri Monastery Complex:

   • A vast ancient monastic site with ruins of temples, meditation halls, and sculptures

6. Isurumuniya Vihara:

   • Rock temple with carvings of “Isurumuni Lovers”, elephants, and royal figures

7. Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds):

   • Ancient bathing tanks with advanced hydraulic engineering

8. Samadhi Buddha Statue:

   • Meditative pose carved from stone, revered for its serenity

🎨 Activities to Do:

• Visit sacred Buddhist sites and participate in quiet meditation or puja

• Explore the massive archaeological ruins by bike or tuk-tuk

• Observe pilgrims and monks in white robes, offering flowers and prayers

• Explore ancient irrigation marvels, including lakes and canals

• Watch sunset at Ruwanwelisaya – glowing against the twilight

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury:

• Uga Ulagalla – Eco-luxury resort with private plunge pools (30 min from city)

• Palm Garden Village Hotel – Colonial charm, pool, nature

Mid-range:

• Hotel Alakamanda

• Rajarata Hotel

• Avasta Resort & Spa

Budget:

• Liyana Holiday Resort

• Nilketha Villa Eco Hotel

• Little Paradise Guest House

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Rice and curry with local vegetables

• Jackfruit (polos) curry

• Eggplant moju

• Hoppers and coconut sambol

• Coconut roti with dhal curry

Top Places to Eat:

• Ceylan Lodge Restaurant – Sri Lankan and continental

• Mango Mango – Indian & vegetarian

• Pizza Hut or Sri Khema – Casual options

• Seedevi Family Restaurant – Local rice & curry

🧑‍🎨 Local Culture:

• Deeply spiritual city – Devout Buddhists make frequent pilgrimages here

• Dress modestly – especially in white, if visiting temples

• Ancient hydraulic engineering – marvel at ancient tanks (like Nuwara Wewa)

• Ceremonial days – Full moon (Poya) days bring thousands of pilgrims

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• ⚪ Wear white or modest light clothing – respectful temple attire

• 🥿 Remove shoes and hats at temple entrances

• 🧴 Bring sunscreen, water, hat, and sunglasses – open spaces get hot

• 🚲 Rent a bicycle or tuk-tuk – best way to see the expansive ruins

• 🎫 Entry ticket (SAARC & foreign visitors): ~$25 USD

  • Covers all major sites for a day or two

  • Tickets available at the archaeological office or at the main gate

Booking information