Anuradhapura is one of the most impressive destinations in Sri Lanka. During our first trip, we skipped this place, something we actually regretted immediately. In other words: this city should definitely not be missed in your itinerary through Sri Lanka. This ancient royal city was the heart of the Sinhalese empire for centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a place where culture, history and spirituality come together. Think giant stupas, ancient ruins, impressive temples and sacred trees that are still at the centre of Buddhist life.
In this blog, we share everything you need to know before visiting Anuradhapura: from transport and practical tips to the best sights, good restaurants and our favourite accommodations.
General information about Sri Lanka
Are you planning your trip to Sri Lanka? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and applying for a visa. Find all information on Sri Lanka here.
How do you travel to Anuradhapura?
Located in northern Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is easily accessible from several popular destinations. Together with Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, the city forms the famous ‘Cultural Triangle’, which is why many travellers include it in their tours. Most people travel to Anuradhapura from Negombo, Wilpattu or Sigiriya, and so did we!
From Negombo to Anuradhapura
Just arriving in Sri Lanka and departing from Negombo? Then count on a travel time of about 4.5 to 5 hours to Anuradhapura. By bus it will take you a bit longer, but this is without doubt the cheapest way to travel. If you want to travel faster and more comfortably, especially with lots of luggage, a taxi or private transfer is a fine option. You can easily arrange this via your accommodation or the app PickMe (Sri Lanka). Or, like us, opt for a tuktuk from tuktukrental.com, an adventurous and flexible way to explore the country.
From Wilpattu to Anuradhapura
Do you combine Anuradhapura, as we did, with a safari in Wilpattu National Park? Then the distance is very doable. In just one hour driving you are in the city, ideal for travelling on after a morning safari.
The most comfortable choice is a taxi from Wilpattu to Anuradhapura. You can easily arrange this through your accommodation or via the app PickMe (Sri Lanka). But do you really want to give your trip a local touch? Then also choose the option of renting a tuktuk via tuktukrental.com!
From Sigiriya to Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is also very easy to reach from Sigiriya. From the famous Lion Rock, you can reach Anuradhapura in about 1.5 to 2 hours in the city. The quickest way is to book a taxi. You can easily arrange this via your accommodation or the app PickMe (Sri Lanka). Or, like us, opt for a tuktuk from tuktukrental.com, an adventurous and flexible way to explore the country.
Travelling through Sri Lanka by tuktuk
We did our entire trip through Sri Lanka by tuktuk and it was, without a doubt, the most fun way to travel around. It is not only practical, but also an adventure in itself! We hired our tuktuk through tuktukrental.com, an absolute must that will make your trip really extra special. And with the discount code ‘THOUSANDTRAVELMILES‘ you also get a nice discount!
Tip: Click through the link in this blog to the website of Tuktukrental, then the discount will be applied automatically. Convenient, right?
Tips for transport in Anuradhapura
The most practical way to explore Anuradhapura is by tuktuk or guide. This is because the sights are spread over a large area, making everything on foot or by bike basically unfeasible (if you ask us).
- Tuktuk hire (with or without guide): This is without doubt the most fun and flexible way to explore Anuradhapura. You can hire a tuktuk for a day and drive around by yourself, or opt for a guide to take you around the most beautiful temples and stupas.
- Rent a bike: At many accommodations, it is possible to rent a bicycle. It's a great way to explore the city at your own pace, but keep in mind that distances can be longer than expected and it's very hot in Sri Lanka!
- PickMe app (Sri Lanka): Another option is the app PickMe (Sri Lanka), similar to Uber. Although the app is not yet hugely used in Anuradhapura, there are ‘drivers’ available. Through the app, you simply enter your destination and instantly see the price, eliminating the need to negotiate. Just be aware that there are not always ‘drivers’ around. So don't rely entirely on the app, but see it more as a handy extra option. Prefer without the app? No worries, just raise your hand and a tuktuk will always stop.
Tip: To use PickMe, you need internet. Therefore, arrange a local SIM card or opt for an e-sim, for example via Airalo.
What to do in Anuradhapura?
A visit to Anuradhapura is mostly about the ancient temples, stupas and sacred sites. However, there is a difference between the sights: one part is in the ‘old’ city, the other in the ‘new’ city. Just a brief explanation:
The Old City is the historic heart of Anuradhapura. For entry, you pay about $$30 (€25.59). Here, the structures are protected as monuments, so they have not been restored. As a result, you will see stupas and ruins in their original, authentic colours.
The New City is also ancient, but many temples here have been restored. Many attractions are free to enter, although you sometimes pay a small entrance fee for some temples. This part of the city gives a good idea of Buddhist life today.
Which part you choose depends mainly on your interests and time. We ourselves have focused on the New Town, and in the following paragraphs we will tell you about the best places not to miss there.
1. Explore the historic city with a guide
We'll start at the beginning because you can of course explore Anuradhapura on your own, but we recommend spending at least one day with a guide. This way, you will not only learn more about the impressive temples and stupas, but also about Buddhism and how it originated in Sri Lanka. Mega interesting and highly recommended!
Tip: Wear white clothes when visiting the temples. This is a sign of respect and is greatly appreciated. The white colour on the Buddha flag also symbolises purity.
We also booked the so-called free places tour and ended up spending almost all day on the road. The tour cost us $25 (about 7,500 LKR / €21.35), not including entrance fees you pay along the way and tips! In addition, keep in mind that at three temples you have to hand in your shoes at a shoe counter. It is customary to leave a small tip of LKR 100 (€0.28) there. The tour takes an average of 4 to 5 hours and we visited:
- Wessagiriy (Vessagiriya) Temple
- Isurumuniya Temple
- Royal garden - Ranmasu Uyana
- Sri maha bodhi temple
- Ruwanweliseya stupa
Tip: Bring socks! Entering temples and holy sites requires you to take off your shoes, and the stone floors get blood hot from the sun. Without socks, you sincerely run the risk of getting fire blisters under your feet.
The latter two are part of the Old City for which you actually pay an entrance fee of $$30 (€25.59). However, Leleth (our guide) took us through a different route, which meant we did not have to pay an entrance fee. Call it lucky, because this is not standard practice! So always ask carefully which places you are going to see, there might be a nice surprise in there.
Tip: We ended up with Leleth through Uncharted Road. He is a friendly guide with an awful lot of knowledge about Sri Lanka, Buddhism, the various temples and the city's history. You can reach him on WhatsApp: +94 777951719.
2. Visit the unique sites of Anuradhapura
1. Wessagiriy (Vessagiriya) Temple
Wessagiriy (Vessagiriya) Temple was our first stop and because of this, we knew for sure that having a guide is super valuable! Indeed, among the huge boulders here you will find the remains of an ancient cave monastery. As you walk through it, you will discover inscriptions and shapes carved in stone that recall the time when monks stayed here. It is where they retreated to meditate in silence.
2. Isurumuniya Temple
A small but atmospheric temple, especially famous for its ancient rock carvings and romantic “Lovers Rock carving”. To enter, you pay a small entrance fee of around LKR 500 (€1.45), which is usually not included in a booked tour. So bear this in mind.
3. Royal garden - Ranmasu Uyana
The Royal Park reveals how cleverly people in ancient Anuradhapura dealt with water management. Through a system of several layers, water flowed slowly downhill, purifying along the way. A clever design that still evokes admiration centuries later!
4. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bodhi Tree)
The Sri Maha Bodhi is considered one of Anuradhapura's holiest and most impressive sites. This sacred fig tree grew from a branch of the original Bodhi tree in India, the place where Buddha found enlightenment. For over two thousand years, the tree has stood here and to this day, countless visitors come to pay homage.
5. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
Right next to the Sri Maha Bodhi, you will find an imposing, bright white stupa considered one of Sri Lanka's holiest sites. At 103 metres tall, it is an impressive structure and an important centre for pilgrims. All around the stupa, you will see monks and devotees praying, laying down flowers and making offerings.
3. Watch the sunset at Mihintale
About a 30-minute drive from Anuradhapura is Mihintale, a sacred mountain regarded as the place where Buddhism originated in Sri Lanka. According to ancient texts, the meeting between the Indian monk Mahinda and King Devanampiya Tissa took place here, beginning the introduction of Buddhism. Besides its spiritual significance, Mihintale is also a beautiful place to visit. From the summit, which you reach via 1840 stone steps, you have an impressive view of the jungle. Especially during sunset, the view is spectacular!
However, we chose, due to the many other tourists, to go to Elephant Pagoda to go. From here, you have a stunning panorama of Mihintale itself and the surrounding nature! Want to visit this place too? Then, instead of taking the main stairs to Mihintale, walk up the stairs across the square opposite the ticket office.
- Entrance fee: LKR 1,000 (about €3).
- Parking: select in Maps.me in front of mihintale temple car park. From here, you only have to walk up a little bit.
4. Visit Wilpattu National Park from Anuradhapura
Another unforgettable experience from Anuradhapura is a safari in Wilpattu National Park. This park is known for its pristine nature and the chance to spot wildlife such as elephants, sloth bears and even leopards. The special thing is that despite being Sri Lanka's oldest national park, Wilpattu is much quieter than the popular Yala National Park. As a result, you can often admire the animals in complete silence, without large groups of jeeps surrounding you. The park is easily accessible from Anuradhapura, making it an ideal day trip during your stay. Read all tips for Wilpattu National Park here.
Read also: Udawalawe National Park: the place to spot elephants in Sri Lanka
Read also: The best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka
Good restaurants in Anuradhapura
If you're exploring, you need to eat well, and fortunately, you can do that very well in Sri Lanka. Although Anuradhapura is not Sri Lanka's culinary capital, there are some great places to eat:
- Little Paradise Restaurant (Anuradhapura): This cosy little restaurant is tucked away in a residential area, but as soon as you step inside you get a warm welcome. There is no set menu: you are simply served a range of home-made dishes, which makes it extra surprising and authentic.
- Golden Mango Indian Restaurant: The interior is simple and the atmosphere perhaps a little less special (read boring), but the food more than makes up for that. For those who like really tasty Indian food, this is highly recommended.
- Diyatha Restaurant & Bakers: A small bakery where you will find all kinds of delicious sandwiches. The filled sandwiches in particular are perfect for a quick lunch or to take as a snack on the go.
- Kafe: The place in Anuradhapura for those in the mood for something western. You can enjoy waffles, pancakes, burgers, smoothies and, of course, good coffee here.
- Hela Sathkaara Bojun Hala: Want a taste of a typical Sri Lankan buffet lunch? Then this is the right place. For just a few euros, you scoop your plate full of an unlimited variety of delicious local dishes.
Where to stay in Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a large area and the sights are spread out which also gives you a lot of choice in terms of accommodation. We often book our accommodation last minute and therefore always have a few favourites ready in our Booking.com lists. These were our favourites for Anuradhapura:
- Golden Ray Villa: This is where we slept and we can definitely recommend this place. The rooms are large and nicely cared for. The owner is nice and they have delicious Sri Lankan breakfasts there.
- Ceylonima Home Stay: A simple accommodation with basic rooms, but with incredibly positive reviews. Perfect for those on a tighter budget who still want to stay comfortably. During our visit to Anuradhapura, it was unfortunately already fully booked, so book in time!
- Hotel Heladiv: Looking for a place with a pool? Then this is the place to be! Here you can cool off after a day full of temple visits. Something we secretly missed.
Plan your trip with our Sri lanka map!
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Frequently asked questions about Anuradhapura
How much time do you need for Anuradhapura?
With one full day, you can see the main highlights of Anuradhapura. If you want to see everything at your leisure, take two days.
Can you combine Anuradhapura with Wilpattu or Sigiriya?
Yes, absolutely. From Wilpattu, you can get there in an hour and from Sigiriya in about two hours. This makes Anuradhapura ideal to combine with other highlights in the cultural triangle.
You could then opt for, say, a day trip to Anuradhapura. Check out GetYourGuide for the various options!
What do you wear while visiting the temples?
As with other religious sites in Sri Lanka, your knees and shoulders should be covered. Bring a scarf or sarong if necessary. Always remove shoes before entering a temple.
In addition, it is much appreciated if you wear white clothes! This is a sign of respect and is greatly appreciated. The white colour on the buddha flag represents purity - purity.
Is cycling in Anuradhapura a good idea?
If you ask us, the answer is no. This is because the distances are long and it is very hot. Should you still opt for this, go early in the morning! For a full day, a tuktuk is often more comfortable.
What is the best time to start a tour?
We recommend going between 6:00 and 7:00. Yes... this is early but we only went around 8:30 and by late afternoon it was actually too hot. This still makes you enjoy the cool spots less!
Should I eat breakfast before a tour?
Yes, there is no breakfast included in your tour so make sure you get sandwiches before you head out or have a good breakfast! Also, a big bottle of water is definitely not a luxury!
We hope these tips help you plan your trip. Do you still have questions? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram.
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