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Anuradhapura is one of the most awe-inspiring places we visited during our Sri Lanka itinerary. This ancient royal city is steeped in history and a must-see for anyone who wants to truly connect with Sri Lanka’s cultural roots. As you ride through the sacred grounds by tuk-tuk, past towering stupas, pilgrims dressed in white, and centuries-old temples still in use, you quickly realize just how special this place is. Anuradhapura is not just a historical site, but a living city where the past blends seamlessly into daily life. Wondering what to do in Anuradhapura and which sights you shouldn’t miss? Keep reading for our top tips and highlights in this unforgettable city.
Why add Anuradhapura to your Sri Lanka itinerary
If during your travel through Sri Lanka and you really want to dive into the local culture, then Anuradhapura absolutely deserves a place in your Sri Lanka itinerary. Once the first capital of Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, this ancient city was a major center of politics and Buddhism for over a thousand years. Around the year 993, Anuradhapura was invaded, abandoned, and slowly reclaimed by the jungle.
What makes Anuradhapura so special is that you can still walk among the remains of its fascinating past. Scattered across an area of about 40 square kilometers, you'll find an incredible collection of historical sites, ranging from crumbling palace ruins and ancient rock temples to age-old bathing pools and massive stupas that are still used for worship today.
Buddhist pilgrims from all over Sri Lanka travel to Anuradhapura, often dressed in white robes, to pray, offer flowers, and take part in sacred ceremonies. This vibrant spiritual activity brings the city to life and offers travelers a rare and authentic glimpse into how Anuradhapura continues to play a vital role in the daily lives of its people.
Visiting Anuradhapura: the difference between the old and new city
What exactly is the difference between the old city and the new city of Anuradhapura? In fact, Anuradhapura is made up of two distinct parts, each with its own unique character. Let us explain:
1. The old city
The old city is the archaeological heart of Anuradhapura. Here, you’ll find famous ruins, temples, and stupas spread across a vast area. To visit this part, you need to purchase an entrance ticket, which costs around $30. Ticket checks are conducted at various points. During our visit, we were asked to show our tickets several times. However, if you’re simply passing through the area without stopping, for example when traveling to the new city, you’re usually allowed to drive through without any issues.
What stands out in the old city is that many stupas have preserved their original colors. Unlike in many other parts of Sri Lanka, they are not painted white. Since these structures are officially protected monuments, renovations are prohibited, allowing them to maintain their authentic, historic appearance.
2. The new city
The new city has a more modern vibe and is the hub of daily life in Anuradhapura. You'll find numerous accommodations, local restaurants, and many temples frequented by both pilgrims and tourists. Unlike the old city, many temples here have been restored and often feature the clean, white appearance typical of Sri Lanka. Most attractions in the new city are free to visit, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
Practical tips for your visit to Anuradhapura
Before exploring the highlights of Anuradhapura, it's helpful to make a few choices: will you go into the old city, the new city, or both? We chose to focus on the new city. There is plenty to see and experience there, and it was a logical choice, since we were only in Anuradhapura for part of the day. Even without a ticket, you can immerse yourself in local life here and visit impressive temples that are still in full use.
Anuradhapura is often recommended to explore by bicycle, but honestly, we wouldn’t advise it. The distances are vast, and the heat, especially around midday, is intense. For us, traveling by tuktuk was the best choice: comfortable, quick, and with a refreshing breeze that made the heat more bearable. Want a deeper experience during your visit? Then hiring a guide is a great option!
Things to do in Anuradhapura: discover the best sights
Below, we share the sights that impressed us the most.
1. Sri Maha Bodhi
One of the most remarkable places in Anuradhapura is the Sri Maha Bodhi. This sacred fig tree is believed to be a cutting from the very tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, making it the oldest human-planted tree in the world still cared for today. The atmosphere here is deeply spiritual. Pilgrims, dressed in white, gather here to offer flowers, pray, and reflect in silence. While it’s not a place to explore for hours, the Sri Maha Bodhi is a must-see for its profound cultural and spiritual significance.
It’s important to dress respectfully when visiting the Sri Maha Bodhi. For women, this means wearing clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Shoes are not allowed inside; you’ll need to leave them at the entrance, where you can also make a small donation. If you don’t have clothes covering your knees, don’t worry, you can borrow a wrap at the shoe drop-off point.
2. Ruwanweli Maha Seya
The gigantic white stupa, Ruwanwelisaya, towers over Anuradhapura and stands as a powerful symbol of the city. It’s not only impressive in size but also one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. What struck us most was the vibrant atmosphere. Locals, more than tourists, come here with deep respect. Visitors walk clockwise around the stupa, surrounded by prayers, flower offerings, and fragrant incense. Make sure to set aside time to fully absorb this unique spiritual experience.
3. Vessagiriya
Those looking for a quieter and cooler place should definitely visit Vessagiriya. These ruins are hidden among large boulders. It almost feels like discovering a hidden temple complex. You'll find remnants of monasteries dating back to the 3rd century B.C., and some of the rock walls still have ancient inscriptions. We were almost alone here, which makes the experience extra special. Be sure to put on sturdy shoes, as you will sometimes climb a bit between the rocks. Also enjoy the beautiful views of Anuradhapura. You will undoubtedly catch a glimpse of the impressive Ruwanweli Maha Seya.
4. Mihindu Aranya Senasanaya
This place is slightly outside the center making it a bit of a search, but what makes it so nice to visit this highlight is that you are likely to be one of the few tourists. The Mihindu Aranya Senasanaya is one of the most serene places we visited in Anuradhapura was Mihindu Aranya Senasanaya a Buddhist monastery in the middle of greenery. What makes this location extra special is the ancient tree with its impressive above-ground root system. It is a popular place among monks to meditate, and you can feel it in everything. The benches around the tree invite you to sit down and unwind. No crowds, just the sounds of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves.
On safari through Wilpattu from Anuradhapura
If you have extra time in Anuradhapura and want to explore beyond temples and stupas, a day trip to Wilpattu National Park is a must. As the largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is about a 1.5-hour drive from the city and is one of the best places to spot elusive leopards. Early mornings are essential, but the reward is high with excellent chances of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. Curious about what a safari in Wilpattu entails and what to expect? Check out our detailed article on Wilpattu National Park: safari in Sri Lanka's largest park.
Where to stay in Anuradhapura?
When you visit Anuradhapura, it’s ideal to stay in a peaceful accommodation. Perfect for relaxing after a day full of unforgettable experiences. We stayed in Hotel Heladiv, highly recommended if you are looking for relaxation and comfort. The hotel is just outside the hustle and bustle of the city, has a nice pool to cool off in, and the rooms are spacious, clean and modern. What we personally loved about the hotel was the friendly service and the delicious breakfast.
What is the best travel time for Anuradhapura?
The best travel time for Anuradhapura is between January and September, with the driest months from May through September. During this period there is the least chance of precipitation, temperatures are pleasant (around 30°C).
The months of July and August are ideal for combining Anuradhapura with Wilpattu National Park, as the dry season is also good for wildlife spotting.
In October, November and December, the northeast monsoon (Maha) begins, which can bring heavy rains to this region of Sri Lanka.
If you travel during a Buddhist holiday, such as Poson Poya (June), Anuradhapura is particularly lively and spiritual, but also busier than usual. A very unique experience!
A Sri Lanka trip tailored just for you
After reading this article, eager to explore Anuradhapura and the rest of Sri Lanka? We’d love to help you personally. In a free video consultation, we’ll listen to your wishes and share practical tips, like the best routes, unique accommodations, and special experiences along the way. As personal travel consultants, we’re passionate about creating a complete tailor-made trip just for you. So all that’s left is for you to enjoy a carefree and unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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