Anuradhapura

Why visit Anuradhapura?

The scale is remarkable: huge brick stupas, monastery ruins, ancient reservoirs and moonstone thresholds spread across a wide area.

It is also deeply alive, with pilgrims in white bringing offerings to the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Top attractions and things to do

• Sri Maha Bodhi

  The sacred Bodhi tree, venerated by pilgrims from across the island.

• Ruwanwelisaya

  A vast white stupa, especially beautiful in the evening.

• Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri

  Monumental stupas and monastery complexes from the ancient city.

• Isurumuniya

  A rock temple known for its carved figures beside a pool.

• Mihintale

  A nearby hill monastery associated with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's first great capital

Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka's earliest kingdoms for well over a thousand years, from around the fourth century BC until the early eleventh century AD. It became one of the great centres of Theravada Buddhism, with monasteries housing thousands of monks.

The kings built enormous reservoirs, called tanks, to irrigate the dry plains. Several are still in use and reflect the great white stupas at sunset. The Sacred City of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key sites

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a fig tree grown from a cutting of the tree in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is considered one of the oldest trees in the world planted by people with a recorded history, and is the most sacred site in the city.

Ruwanwelisaya is a brilliant white stupa surrounded by a wall of carved elephants. The vast brick dome of Jetavanaramaya was once among the tallest structures in the ancient world. Also worth seeing are the Abhayagiri monastery complex, the Thuparamaya stupa, the rock temple of Isurumuniya with its carved lovers, and the twin ponds at Kuttam Pokuna.

How to explore

The ancient city is spread over a large area, so most visitors explore by car, by tuk-tuk or by bicycle. A licensed guide helps a great deal with the complex history.

Plan to start early, rest at midday and return in the late afternoon. White clothing is traditional for pilgrims, and covered shoulders and knees are required at the sacred sites. Shoes come off at temple precincts.

Nearby: Mihintale

About half an hour east, Mihintale is where Buddhism is said to have been introduced to Sri Lanka, in the third century BC. Steps climb a hill past ruins and stupas to a rock with sweeping views. It is especially busy at the Poson full moon in June.

Planning your visit

Suggested time

A full day covers the main sites; stay a night nearby to visit in the cooler morning and evening. (Guidance only.)

Best time to visit

It can be visited year-round. The dry zone is hot, so start early. The Poson full moon (usually June) brings large pilgrim crowds to Anuradhapura and Mihintale.

Getting there

Anuradhapura is in the north-central province, reached by road from Sigiriya, Dambulla or Kandy, and by rail on the northern line.

Check current details before travelling: prices, opening hours, access and seasonal conditions change.

How to get to Anuradhapura

Compare private car, bus and train options in our route guides:

Visitor tips

• Wear white or light clothing that covers shoulders and knees; remove shoes and hats at sacred sites.
• The site is spread out; a vehicle or bicycle makes it manageable.
• Sacred-area paving gets hot in the afternoon; socks help.

Experiences around Anuradhapura

Plan with our guides

Anuradhapura: frequently asked questions