North Central Province · Sri Lanka
The first great capital of Sri Lanka, with giant white stupas, a sacred fig tree grown from the Buddha's tree and 1,300 years of royal ruins.
Photo: Philip Nalangan · CC BY-SA 4.0
Anuradhapura was the capital of the first Sinhalese kingdom from the 4th century BCE, and for more than a thousand years a centre of Theravada Buddhism and of civilisation in the island. At its height, it was one of the largest cities in South Asia, with monasteries housing thousands of monks, giant reservoirs and palaces. Abandoned in the 11th century, it was rediscovered in the 19th, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unlike many ruins, Anuradhapura is still a place of living worship. The Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, is said to be the oldest historically documented tree in the world, planted in 288 BCE. Pilgrims in white bring flowers and lamps, and the giant white stupas, huge domed shrines, still dominate the skyline. The Ruwanwelisaya, from the 2nd century BCE, is the most revered.
The site is spread over several square kilometres, so bicycles or tuk-tuks are the best way to see it. Other highlights include the massive Jetavanaramaya, once the tallest brick structure in the world, the Abhayagiri monastery, the Twin Ponds and Isurumuniya Rock Temple. A day and a half is a good visit, combined with Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
Why visit
Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's oldest capital, and a place where ancient history is still practised.
A living link to the Buddha.
Vast white domes.
Devotees every day.
Scattered ruins.
Easy flat rides.
Main attractions
The sights are spread over a large area.
A gleaming white stupa about 100 metres tall, built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE.
Tip Go at dawn or dusk.
The sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree, planted in 288 BCE.
Tip Dress in white if possible.
A huge brick stupa, once one of the tallest structures in the ancient world.
Tip Cycle to it.
A monastery complex with a stupa, moonstones and ponds.
Tip Allow an hour.
A rock temple with carvings of lovers and horses.
Tip Visit in the evening.
Ancient bathing pools.
Tip Photogenic.
Things to do
Visit early and by bike.
Rent a bike.
Tip Go early.
At the Bodhi tree.
Tip Dress modestly.
A hill nearby.
Tip Climb the steps.
A full moon festival.
Tip Crowded and special.
Archaeological finds.
Tip Optional.
With a guide.
Tip Agree the price.
Local food
The food is simple.
Local.
Where to try it Guesthouses.
Local dessert.
Where to try it Shops.
Street food.
Where to try it Stalls.
King coconut.
Where to try it Roadside.
Local.
Where to try it Cafés.
Accommodation
Stay in the new town or near the ruins.
Transport
Anuradhapura is in the north-central plains.
Bicycles and tuk-tuks.
When to go
Anuradhapura is hot and dry from May to September.
Warm, dry.
Dry but hot.
Heavy rain.
Cooler, wetter.
Worth planning around: The October to November rains.
Itinerary
Stupas and the Bodhi tree.
Stupas.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
One to two days.
Yes.
A sacred fig grown from a cutting of the Buddha's tree.
Yes.
May to September.
Helpful but optional.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Anuradhapura, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Central Province, Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
The 5th-century rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with frescoes, water gardens and lion's paw gates, plus Pidurangala Rock and the cave temples of Dambulla.
Don't miss Reaching the summit of Sigiriya Rock, with the ruined palace beneath your feet and the jungle spread to the horizon.
Explore Destination — Sigiriya and DambullaNorth Central Province, Sri Lanka
A UNESCO-listed 11th to 13th century capital, with the Gal Vihara Buddhas, Vatadage, the Royal Palace and Parakrama Samudra lake, plus Minneriya elephant safaris nearby.
Don't miss Standing before the Gal Vihara, four colossal Buddha figures carved from a single granite rock face.
Explore Destination — PolonnaruwaCentral Province, hill country, Sri Lanka
A hill-country city with the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Kandyan dance, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the base for tea country trains.
Don't miss The evening puja at the Temple of the Tooth, with drummers, incense and pilgrims in white.
Explore Destination — KandyRead next
Heritage
A UNESCO listing tells you a place matters; it does not tell you whether it is worth two days and a detour. This is how to read the list usefully — and which sites reward building a trip around them.
Where to go
The most visited place in a country is rarely its best, and it is almost never its best value. This is a method for finding the destinations that do not make the postcards — and a set of examples from five of the 50 countries on this site.
Advertisement
