Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Anuradhapura is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented human-planted tree in the world, dating back to 288 BCE? This sacred fig tree was grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment in India. As you explore this ancient capital, you’ll walk through 2,300 years of living history, where massive stupas once rivaled the pyramids of Giza in height and grandeur.

Anuradhapura served as Sri Lanka’s first established capital, flourishing for over 1,300 years before being abandoned after an invasion in 993 CE. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a remarkable journey through time, with its well-preserved ruins, sacred religious sites, and engineering marvels that continue to inspire awe.

Best Time to Visit Anuradhapura

The ideal time to visit Anuradhapura is during the dry season from November to April. During these months, you’ll enjoy clearer skies and more comfortable temperatures averaging around 26°C (80°F), perfect for exploring the expansive archaeological sites.

If you visit during April, as I did, be prepared for temperatures that can exceed 35°C (95°F). Start your explorations early in the morning and take a break during the hottest part of the day before resuming in the late afternoon.

Getting to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is located 205 km north of Colombo in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, making it part of the country’s famous Cultural Triangle along with Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

The scenic train journey from Colombo to Anuradhapura offers beautiful views of Sri Lanka’s countryside

By Train

The train journey from Colombo to Anuradhapura takes approximately 3.5 hours and offers beautiful views of the Sri Lankan countryside. There are two stations in Anuradhapura: the Main Station (closer to town) and the New Town Station (south of the city). Tickets cost between 260-750 LKR ($1.30-$3.75 USD) depending on the class.

By Bus

Buses to Anuradhapura run frequently from Colombo, Kandy, and other major cities. The journey from Colombo takes around 5-6 hours depending on traffic. Anuradhapura has two bus stations: the Old Bus Station (serving southern destinations) and the New Bus Station (serving northern and eastern routes).

By Car

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The drive from Colombo takes approximately 4 hours via the A9 highway. Many visitors combine Anuradhapura with other Cultural Triangle destinations like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa.

Getting Around Anuradhapura

The ancient city of Anuradhapura spans over 40 square kilometers, making transportation essential for exploring efficiently. Here are your best options:

Exploring Anuradhapura by bicycle is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the ancient city

By Bicycle

Cycling is the most popular and enjoyable way to explore Anuradhapura. Most guesthouses and hotels offer bicycle rentals for around 500 LKR ($2.50 USD) per day. The flat terrain makes for easy riding, and you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace while enjoying the countryside atmosphere.

By Tuk-Tuk

For those who prefer not to cycle in the heat, hiring a tuk-tuk for the day is an excellent option. Expect to pay around 2,500-3,000 LKR ($12-15 USD) for a full day tour of the main sites. Your driver can also provide valuable local insights and help navigate between the scattered ruins.

By Scooter

Renting a scooter gives you the flexibility to cover more ground quickly. Rentals cost approximately 1,500-2,500 LKR ($7.50-12.50 USD) per day. This is particularly useful if you plan to visit outlying attractions like Mihintale.

By Car with Driver

For maximum comfort, especially during the hottest months, hiring a car with a driver allows you to explore in air-conditioned comfort. This typically costs around 5,000-7,000 LKR ($25-35 USD) for a full day.

Top Attractions in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura’s ancient city is home to some of the most impressive Buddhist monuments in the world. Here are the must-visit sites that should be on every traveler’s itinerary:

The magnificent Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is one of Anuradhapura’s most sacred Buddhist sites

Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo Tree)

This sacred fig tree is the oldest documented human-planted tree in the world, dating back to 288 BCE. It was grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment in India. The tree is surrounded by golden railings and is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world.

Ruwanwelisaya Stupa

This massive white stupa stands 103 meters (338 feet) tall and is one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BCE, it’s surrounded by a wall of elephant sculptures and remains an important place of worship. The stupa is particularly beautiful at sunset when it glows in the golden light.

Jetavanaramaya Stupa

At the time of its construction in the 3rd century CE, this brick stupa was the third-tallest structure in the world at 122 meters (400 feet), surpassed only by the Great Pyramids of Giza. Though partially ruined now, it remains an impressive sight and demonstrates the advanced engineering skills of ancient Sri Lankans.

The massive Jetavanaramaya Stupa was once the third-tallest structure in the ancient world

Abhayagiri Monastery Complex

This vast monastic complex covers over 200 hectares and was once home to 5,000 Buddhist monks. The main stupa originally stood over 100 meters high. The site includes beautifully carved moonstones, guard stones, and bathing pools that showcase the artistic excellence of the Anuradhapura period.

Isurumuniya Temple

This rock temple is famous for its exquisite stone carvings, particularly the “Isurumuniya Lovers” sculpture. The temple is built around a small artificial lake and offers a peaceful setting away from the main archaeological zone. Entrance fee: 200 LKR ($1 USD).

Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)

These masterfully engineered twin bathing tanks showcase the advanced hydrological knowledge of ancient Sri Lankans. The ponds feature sophisticated filtration systems and are connected by an underground conduit. They were used by monks for bathing and remain remarkably well-preserved.

Thuparamaya

This is the first stupa built in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism to the island in the 3rd century BCE. It’s believed to enshrine the right collarbone of the Buddha. The surrounding stone pillars once supported a unique umbrella-like structure over the stupa.

The Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna) showcase the advanced engineering skills of ancient Sri Lankans

Mihintale: The Cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism

Located just 12 km east of Anuradhapura, Mihintale is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. According to tradition, this is where the Buddhist monk Mahinda, son of Indian Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiyatissa and introduced Buddhism to the island in 247 BCE.

The breathtaking sunset view from Mihintale mountain, just outside Anuradhapura

The site consists of a series of monastic buildings and shrines built on a mountain. Visitors climb 1,840 stone steps to reach the summit, where they’re rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Key Attractions at Mihintale:

• Ambasthale Dagoba – Built on the spot where Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa first met
• Kantaka Cetiya – An ancient stupa with beautifully preserved carvings
• Meditation Rocks – Where monks would meditate in natural rock shelters
• Kaludiya Pokuna – A scenic black water pond surrounded by rock formations

Mihintale is particularly magical at sunset, when the golden light bathes the white stupas and offers spectacular photo opportunities. The entrance fee is 500 LKR ($2.50 USD) per person.

Day Trips from Anuradhapura

While Anuradhapura itself offers plenty to explore, its central location makes it an excellent base for day trips to other fascinating destinations in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

Wilpattu National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including elephants and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard

Wilpattu National Park

Located just 30 km west of Anuradhapura, Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park and offers excellent wildlife viewing with far fewer crowds than the more famous parks in the south. The park is known for its natural lakes (villus) and is home to leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and numerous bird species. A half-day safari costs around 4,000-6,000 LKR ($20-30 USD) plus park entrance fees.

Dambulla Cave Temple

About 72 km southeast of Anuradhapura, the Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five caves filled with 153 Buddha statues and stunning ceiling frescoes dating back to the 1st century BCE. The entrance fee is 2,000 LKR ($10 USD).

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

This iconic 5th-century rock fortress rises dramatically 200 meters (656 feet) above the surrounding plains. Located 80 km from Anuradhapura, Sigiriya features ancient frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic views from the summit. The entrance fee is 4,500 LKR ($22.50 USD).

The dramatic Sigiriya Rock Fortress makes for an excellent day trip from Anuradhapura

Polonnaruwa

The second ancient capital of Sri Lanka (after Anuradhapura), Polonnaruwa features well-preserved ruins from the 12th century, including impressive Buddha statues, royal palaces, and bathing pools. Located 100 km from Anuradhapura, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with an entrance fee of 3,500 LKR ($17.50 USD).

Where to Stay in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura offers accommodation options for every budget, from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts. Most places are located in the new town, a short distance from the ancient city.

Many mid-range and luxury hotels in Anuradhapura offer swimming pools – perfect after a day of exploring

Budget Options

Anuradhapura has numerous family-run guesthouses offering clean rooms and warm hospitality for around 2,000-4,000 LKR ($10-20 USD) per night. Many include breakfast and bicycle rentals. Little Paradise Guest House, Mihintale Hotel, and Milano Rest House are popular choices with budget travelers.

Mid-Range Options

For 6,000-12,000 LKR ($30-60 USD) per night, you can stay at comfortable hotels with amenities like air conditioning, swimming pools, and restaurants. Rajarata Hotel, Heritage Hotel, and Creston Park Accommodation offer good value in this category.

Luxury Options

Luxury seekers can choose from several upscale properties in and around Anuradhapura. Ulagalla by Uga Escapes offers private villas with plunge pools set in a 58-acre estate with peacocks roaming freely. Other options include Jetwing Lake and Palm Garden Village Hotel, with rates starting from 20,000 LKR ($100 USD) per night.

Practical Tips for Visiting Anuradhapura

Buddhist pilgrims making offerings at one of Anuradhapura’s sacred sites

Entrance Fees and Tickets

The Archaeological Site ticket costs $25 USD (approximately 5,000 LKR) for foreign visitors. This Cultural Triangle ticket is valid for one day and covers the main archaeological zone. Some sites like Isurumuniya Temple (200 LKR) and Mihintale (500 LKR) require separate tickets. The Archaeological Museum costs 500 LKR.

While the ticket price may seem steep, it contributes to the preservation of these ancient treasures. Tickets are checked at major sites, particularly around Jetavanarama and the museum area.

Dress Code and Etiquette

As Anuradhapura is a sacred Buddhist site, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. You’ll need to remove shoes before entering temple areas, so wearing socks is recommended as the ground can get extremely hot during midday.

When visiting active religious sites, maintain a respectful demeanor. Ask permission before photographing monks or worshippers, and never pose with your back to Buddha statues.

What to Bring

• Plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes and socks
• Light, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees
• Small denominations of Sri Lankan rupees for offerings, refreshments, and smaller site entrance fees
• Camera with extra batteries

Local Cuisine and Dining

Anuradhapura offers a range of dining options, from simple local eateries to restaurants catering to tourists. Don’t miss the chance to try authentic Sri Lankan cuisine during your visit.

A traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry meal offers a variety of flavors and textures

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Rice and Curry – The staple meal consisting of rice served with several curry dishes, pickles, and sambols
• Kottu Roti – Chopped flatbread stir-fried with spices, vegetables, and your choice of meat
• Hoppers (Appa) – Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with an egg in the center
• String Hoppers (Idiyappam) – Steamed rice noodles formed into flat nests, served with curry
• Pol Sambol – A spicy coconut relish that accompanies many Sri Lankan meals

Recommended Restaurants

For authentic local cuisine, try Mango Mango, Casserole, or White House Restaurant. These establishments offer delicious Sri Lankan dishes at reasonable prices (300-800 LKR per dish). For Western food and air-conditioned comfort, visit The Heritage or Milano Restaurant.

Many guesthouses also offer home-cooked meals, which can be some of the most delicious and authentic food experiences in Anuradhapura. Don’t hesitate to ask your host if they provide meals.

Why Anuradhapura Should Be on Your Sri Lanka Itinerary

The magical sunset views of Anuradhapura’s ancient stupas create unforgettable memories

Anuradhapura offers a unique blend of living history, spiritual significance, and architectural wonder that few destinations can match. As you cycle through the vast archaeological park, you’ll witness structures that once rivaled the greatest monuments of the ancient world, all while experiencing the continuing spiritual practices that have animated these spaces for over two millennia.

Unlike many ancient sites that exist solely as tourist attractions, Anuradhapura remains a vibrant center of Buddhist worship, where you can observe devotees making offerings at the sacred Bodhi tree just as pilgrims have done for centuries. This living connection to the past creates an atmosphere that is both educational and deeply moving.

Whether you’re fascinated by ancient engineering feats, interested in Buddhist history, or simply seeking beautiful and peaceful surroundings, Anuradhapura rewards visitors with experiences that linger long after the journey ends. As the golden light of sunset bathes the massive white stupas, you’ll understand why this ancient capital has captivated visitors for generations.