30 Things to Do In Anuradhapura

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Historical Site (9)
Buddhist Temple (9)
Temple (4)
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1. Ruwanweli Maha Seya

4 km from city center

Historical Site

The Ruwanweliseya is the stupa at the centre of the sacred city, built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE and also known as the Maha Stupa. Unlike the bare-brick ruins elsewhere in Anuradhapura it is kept whitewashed and is still in daily use, so you will find white-clad pilgrims and offerings rather than an empty archaeological site.

4.9 /5

4 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

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.

Tours starting from
₹1,281

4.1 /5

4 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

Jetavanaramaya was raised by King Mahasena in the 3rd century CE and was among the tallest structures of the ancient world. Legend has it that a part of the Buddha's sash is enshrined here. It has never been whitewashed, so where Ruwanweliseya is a gleaming white dome this one stands as raw red brick, and the two are worth seeing together for that contrast.

4.8 /5

7 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

Abhayagiri was founded in the 2nd century BCE by King Valagamba to mark his victory over the Chola invaders, and it grew into a monastic city rather than a single shrine. What survives is the widest spread of ruins in Anuradhapura, so it takes longer to walk than the other sites and rewards an early start before the heat.

Anuradhapura Travel Packages

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4.8 /5

5 km from city center

Historical Site

Thuparamaya is the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after Buddhism arrived, raised by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE, and it is said to enshrine the Buddha's right collarbone. It is far smaller than the great dagobas nearby, and the ring of slender stone pillars around it, which once carried a roof, is what most people come to photograph.

4.7 /5

3 km from city center

Historical Site

Isurumuniya is a revered Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura. It is renowned for its impressive rock carvings, particularly the Isurumuniya Lovers, a famous bas-relief sculpture depicting a couple in a loving embrace. Isurumuniya also boasts other notable features such as a tranquil lotus pond, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.

7. Samadhi Buddha Statue

4.8 /5

7 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

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. The Samadhi Buddha is believed to be an embodiment of the serene and tranquil state attained by Buddha during meditation

4.7 /5

13 km from city center

Mountain

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.

Tours starting from
₹3,416

Top Attraction 4.8 /5

4 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

Mirisawetiya, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the ancient and sacred Buddhist stupas in the country. It was built during the reign of King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE and holds significant historical and religious value. The stupa is said to house a relic of the Buddha, making it an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

7 km from city center

Historical Site

Two bathing ponds on the eastern edge of the Abhayagiri complex, cut in dressed granite with flights of steps down at both ends. The name misleads: the smaller northern pond is the older of the two, and it carries the better carving, a five-hooded cobra under an arch of makaras beside the stone spout. Water was fed in through a silt trap and an underground channel.

Hidden Gem 4.6 /5

3 km from city center

Historical Site

Ranmasu Uyana is a royal pleasure garden of the pre-Christian era, laid out between Tissa Wewa and the Isurumuniya rock temple and fed by water from the tank. Its rock-cut bathing pools, sluices and carved reliefs show how far Anuradhapura had taken both hydraulic engineering and stone carving.

4.9 /5

4 km from city center

Historical Site

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 Palace because of the bronze tiles that were used on its roof.

13. Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura

4.3 /5

4 km from city center

Museum

Established in the year 1947 by the efforts of Dr Senarath Paranavithana, 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. It is a rich source of information on the heritage and culture of the place.

4.6 /5

3 km from city center

Lake

Built by the very King Devanampiyatissa, who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Tissa Wewa is an artificial reservoir with architecture ahead of its time. During the 3rd century BC, it was used to increase the water supply to the flourishing capital of Anuradhapura. Today, the 652-acre-large lake is flanked by dedicated walkways and swaying trees along the banks.

4.6 /5

4 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

The Maha Viharaya was the great monastery of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka, founded in the 3rd century BCE by King Devanampiya Tissa on land given to the monk Mahinda. For more than a thousand years it was the island's doctrinal centre, and the scholar Buddhaghosa worked here on the Pali commentaries that went on to shape Theravada practice across Asia.

4.1 /5

6 km from city center

Temple

Lankarama Dagoba is a stupa built by King Vattagamini Abhaya in about the 1st century BC. One of the sacred Buddhist sites of Anuradhapura, it is ringed by the ruins of concentric rows of stone pillars that once supported a roof over the stupa. Close by is the vast ancient reservoir known as Eth Pokuna, or 'elephant pond', cut to supply the surrounding monastery.

4.8 /5

7 km from city center

Historical Site

A moonstone, or sandakada pahana, is the carved semicircular step set at the entrance to an ancient temple, and Anuradhapura's are the finest that survive. The bands of elephants, lions, horses and bulls, with lotus and flame patterns between them, stand for the passage from the everyday world into the sacred one.

4.2 /5

7 km from city center

Historical Site

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. 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.

4.4 /5

4 km from city center

Museum

The Jetavanarama Museum is a museum dedicated to the historical and archaeological significance of the Jetavanarama Stupa, one of the largest and most important stupas in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The museum showcases artifacts, sculptures, and relics that have been discovered during the excavation and restoration work at the Jetavanarama site.

Day Trip 4.7 /5

56 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

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.

Tours starting from
₹6,596

Hidden Gem 4.7 /5

36 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

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.

Day Trip 4.5 /5

58 km from city center

Temple

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the best-preserved and most extensive cave temple complex in the country, comprising five main caves, each possessing numerous statues of Lord Buddha and some figures of kings and statues of Lord Vishnu.

Great For Family Outing 4.5 /5

60 km from city center

National Park

Wilpattu National Park is situated on the western coast of Sri Lanka, approximately an hour from the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It is the oldest and the largest national park in Sri Lanka. Apart from the leopards, one can spot many other mammals and reptiles at Wilpattu, such as the Sri Lankan elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, Indian python, and monitor lizards.

Tours starting from
₹2,704

Day Trip 4.8 /5

58 km from city center

National Park

Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a popular wildlife reserve known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. The park is famous for its large population of Asian elephants, particularly during the annual "Gathering" from July to October, when hundreds of elephants converge around the park's Minneriya Tank for water and grazing.

4.6 /5

12 km from city center

Historical Site

Kaludiya Pokuna is a forest archaeological site with remains of a monastery, monks' dwellings and a few inscriptions, the earliest going back to the 2nd century BCE. It doubles as a wildlife walk: purple-faced and tufted grey langurs, wild boar and spotted deer are all resident, and elephants pass through.

4.7 /5

34 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

Tantirimale Rajamaha Viharaya, is an ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance. The temple is believed to date back to the 3rd century BCE and is associated with the early spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The temple is home to several important historical and archaeological features, including ancient statues, inscriptions, and ruins.

Mahamevnawa Dhammachethiya Buddhist Monastery

4.7 /5

7 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

Mahamevnawa Dhammachethiya Buddhist Monastery, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is an important Buddhist site dedicated to promoting the teachings of the Buddha. The monastery is part of the Mahamevnawa tradition, which emphasizes meditation, study, and the practice of Dhamma.

Hidden Gem 4.5 /5

10 km from city center

Bridge

The Perimiyankulama Stone Bridge is part of the ancient irrigation network that fed Anuradhapura, built in stone by the early kings and still standing. It is a short stop rather than a destination, but it shows how the tank system that supported the city was engineered.

4.1 /5

0 km from city center

Temple

Jayanthi Viharaya in Anuradhapura is an ancient Buddhist temple believed to date from the reign of King Vasabha, who ruled in the 1st century AD. Its quiet grounds and weathered ruins draw far fewer visitors than the main sacred city, so it suits pilgrims and anyone who wants the atmosphere of Anuradhapura without the crowds.

4.5 /5

0 km from city center

Temple

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.

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Wilpattu National Park

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Minneriya National Park

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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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Places To Visit In Anuradhapura

"Sacred City with Ancient Ruins"

30 Things to Do In Anuradhapura

1. Ruwanweli Maha Seya

2. Sri Maha Bodhi

3. Jetavanaramaya Monastery

4. Abhayagiriya Vihara

Anuradhapura Travel Packages

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Magical Sri Lanka Monsoon Edition Tour Package

5. Thuparamaya

6. Isurumuniya Temple

Top Hotels In Anuradhapura

7. Samadhi Buddha Statue

8. Mihintale

9. Mirisawetiya Temple

10. Kuttam Pokuna

11. Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Park)

12. Lovamahapaya

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Anuradhapura

13. Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura

14. Thissa Wewa

15. Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya

16. Lankarama Dagoba

17. Anuradhapura Moonstone

18. Ratnaprasada Guard Stone

19. Jetavanarama Museum

20. Sigiriya

21. Ritigala Archaeological Site

22. Day Trip to Dambulla Cave Temple

23. Wilpattu National Park

24. Minneriya National Park

25. Kaludiya Pokuna Archaeological Site

26. Tantirimale Rajamaha Viharaya

27. Mahamevnawa Dhammachethiya Buddhist Monastery

28. Perimiyankulama Stone Bridge

29. Jayanthi Viharaya

30. Kadireshan Kovil

Places To Visit In Nearby Places

FAQs on Anuradhapura

What are the top hotels in Anuradhapura?

What are the top activities in Anuradhapura?

What are the top sightseeing places in Anuradhapura?

How can I commute within Anuradhapura?

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