Places To Visit In Anuradhapura

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1. Sri Maha Bodhi

Sri Maha Bodhi
4.5 /5

4 km
from city center
1 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most ancient trees which are living even today standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The tree is believed to have sprouted from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya in India, where Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment. The tree is an authentic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is often respected as the oldest tree in history which has a recorded date of the plantation.

2. Lovamahapaya

Lovamahapaya
3.6 /5

4 km
from city center
2 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

The Brazen Palace or Lovamahapaya is a 2000-year-old palace constructed by King Dutugemunu in 2nd century B.C and had 1600 stone columns that supported nine stories reaching 150 feet and sides of 400 feet length with 1000 rooms. It is also known as the Brazen Place because of the bronze tiles that were used on its roof.

3. Ruwanweliseya

Ruwanweliseya
4.3 /5

4 km
from city center
3 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka.

4. Thuparamaya

Thuparamaya
4.2 /5

5 km
from city center
4 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Thuparamaya, also known as Thuparama, is the first stupa which was constructed in Sri Lanka after the introduction to Buddhism and is in the beautiful city of Anuradhapura. The ancient stupa of Thuparamaya was built during the reign of the King Devamnampiyatissa somewhere in the 3rd Century BCE and is said to enshrine the right collar bone of Gautama Buddha. The ruins of the complex today cover an area of approximately three and a half acres of land.

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5. Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura

Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura
3.7 /5

4 km
from city center
5 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

The archaeological museum or Puravidu Bhavana of Anuradhapura holds some exciting artefacts, carvings and ancient everyday items found after excavations in Anuradhapura and other historical sites around Sri Lanka. Both the interior and exterior parts of the museum display historical items.

6. Jetavanaramaya Monastery

Jetavanaramaya Monastery
3.8 /5

5 km
from city center
6 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Jetavanaramaya monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the heritage city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. This magnificent structure was the third-largest structure in the ancient world. Legend has it that a part of Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved here at the Jetavanaramaya monastery.

7. Ratnaprasada

Ratnaprasada
3.7 /5

7 km
from city center
7 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Famous for its beautifully carved stone structures, the Rathna Prasada is the Uposatha house (a place for the cleansing of the defiled mind) of the Abhayagiri Viharaya. It holds great importance to Buddhists and is a historical landmark in Anuradhapura. Built-in 192-194 AD by King Kanitta Tissa who ruled Ceylon, Rathna Prasada or Gem palace was originally a seven storeyed skyscraper with tiered roof, had beautiful guard stones (Mura Gal) and a statue of Buddha made of gold.

8. Abhayagiri Vihara

Abhayagiri Vihara
3.8 /5

7 km
from city center
8 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

The Abhayagiri Vihara is one of the most beautiful and exciting structures which is in the atmospheric setting of Anuradhapura. The grand scale of the monastery ruins is genuinely breathtaking and can be viewed at any time, be it the break of dawn or dusk. The Abhayagiri Vihara has a beautiful and shimmering glow.

9. Mihintale

Mihintale

0 km
from city center
9 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Situated near Anuradhapura, Mihintale is a sacred mountain and a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It's believed to be the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. The site is dotted with numerous religious and architectural landmarks, including ancient stupas, temples, caves, and statues. You need to climb the 1,840 steps to reach the summit, where you will be greeted by stunning panoramic views.

10. Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya

3 km
from city center
10 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka's ancient capital city, Anuradhapura is home to relics, stupas and rocky hills that bring an aura of serenity. Isurumuniya is one of the granite, marble and stone structures located near Tissa Wewa, and this Buddhist temple boasts of architecture and sculptures that showcase the emancipation of the artists.

11. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

56 km
from city center
11 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Sigiriya, often referred to as the "Lion Rock," is an ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central Matale District. It is often visited on a day trip from Anuradhapura. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, Sigiriya is a colossal rock formation standing around 200 meters tall. Its sheer vertical walls and flattened summit once served as a fortified royal citadel.

12. Samadhi Buddha Statue

Samadhi Buddha Statue

7 km
from city center
12 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

The Samadhi Buddha statue in Anuradhapura is an iconic and revered sculpture representing Lord Buddha in a state of deep meditation or samadhi. This statue holds significant religious and historical importance in Sri Lanka, situated within the Mahamevuna Park in Anuradhapura.

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Religious

Religious

Temples in Anuradhapura

13. Kadireshan Kovil

Kadireshan Kovil

0 km
from city center
13 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

The temple of Sri Kadhiresan, also known as Kadhiresan Kovil, is a Hindu temple close to the Jayanthi Viharaya Buddhist temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Kadireshan or Kathiravel, a popular deity among Tamil Hindus. Lord Murugan, often depicted as a youthful god riding a peacock and carrying a spear, is worshipped as the god of war, victory, wisdom, and compassion.

14. Anuradhapura Ruins

Anuradhapura Ruins

0 km
from city center
14 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura’s history and existence go back as early as the 4th century BC. Being that ancient and encountering over 2000 years of historic events, Anuradhapura is now home to ruins fortress, palaces, temples, stupas museums and everything one thinks of when they think of Royalty.

15. Ritigala

Ritigala

36 km
from city center
15 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Ritigala situated between Polonnaruwa and the old town of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is a hilly forest and a place of Buddhist worship. The monastery is named after the 40m tall Ritigala trees in the mid slopes of the hill; this Buddhist monastery has inscriptions that date back to 1st century BC.

16. wilpattu national park

wilpattu national park

0 km
from city center
16 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Wilpattu National Park is situated on the western coast of Sri Lanka, approximately an hour away from the ancient city of Anuradhapura. This national park has the enviable distinction of being the oldest and the largest national park in the country.

17. Ranmasu Uyana

Ranmasu Uyana

3 km
from city center
17 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

A park in the pre-Christian era of Sri Lanka, Ranmasu Uyana is a sculpted rock-carved for bathing purposes during the days’ monarchy. Anuradhapura is the heritage capital of Sri Lanka hosts structures with intricate stone carvings and excellent craftsmanship. The Ranmasu Uyana was one among them.

18. Jayanthi Viharaya

Jayanthi Viharaya

0 km
from city center
18 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Jayanthi Vihara is a temple in Anuradhapura, the ancient royal capital of Sri Lanka. As the structure functions as a Buddhist temple and school, it is also a great place to observe the daily life of monks and Buddhist teachings.

19. Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya

Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya

0 km
from city center
19 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

The Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya is an important maha viharaya (large Buddhist monastery) for Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

20. Lankarama Dagoba

Lankarama Dagoba

0 km
from city center
20 out of 20
Places To Visit in Anuradhapura

Lankarama Dagoba is a stupa built by King Vattagamini Abhaya around 1st century BC. One of the sacred Buddha sites in Anuradhapura, the dagoba(stupa) houses stone-pillar ruins around the main stupa.

FAQs on Anuradhapura

What are the top hotels in Anuradhapura?

There are 316 Hotels in Anuradhapura which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Anuradhapura are Niwahana Holiday Residence, Wenasa Hotel, Ceylonima Home Stay, Sidangana, Kulama, THE Lake Villa, Yaluwa Tourist Rest. You can see all the hotels in Anuradhapura here

What are the top activities in Anuradhapura?

The top activities in Anuradhapura are Dambulla, Pidurangala, and Sigiriya Day Trip from Anuradhapura, Minneriya National Park Safari Experience from Anuradhapura, Private Anuradhapura Buddhist Pilgrimage Half Day Tour , Private City Transfers between Anuradhapura and Colombo, Kandy, Trinco and More, Private Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) Transfers for Anuradhapura, Private Polonnaruwa Ancient Ruins and Pilgrimage Day Tour from Anuradhapura.

What are the top sightseeing places in Anuradhapura?

The top sightseeing places in Anuradhapura are Sri Maha Bodhi, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ruwanweliseya, Jetavanaramaya Monastery, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiri Vihara.

How can I commute within Anuradhapura?

Tuk Tuks, buses and walking are the favored means of commuting
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