Anuradhapura

About

Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first great royal capital and remained an important centre of government and Buddhism for more than 1,000 years. Today, its UNESCO-listed Sacred City contains large stupas, monastery ruins, stone carvings, bathing ponds and ancient reservoirs spread across a wide archaeological area.

This is not only a collection of ruins. Anuradhapura remains an active place of worship, especially around the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya. Allow a full day to see the main sites without rushing. A bicycle can be enjoyable in cooler weather, but a tuk-tuk or private vehicle is more comfortable during the hottest hours.

Highlights

• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree traditionally grown from a branch of the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. It has been an important pilgrimage site for more than two millennia.

• Ruwanwelisaya is a large white stupa begun during the reign of King Dutugemunu and remains one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist monuments.

• Jetavanaramaya is an immense brick stupa and one of the tallest monuments built in the ancient world.

• The Abhayagiri complex includes a great stupa and the remains of an influential monastery that once welcomed Buddhist scholars from abroad.

• Kuttam Pokuna, or the Twin Ponds, shows the skill of ancient builders through its balanced design, carved stonework and water system.

• The Samadhi Buddha is a calm stone image known for its meditative expression and refined craftsmanship.

• Isurumuniya is a small rock temple known for its pond, cave shrine and carvings, including the famous Isurumuniya Lovers.

When to visit

January to March usually offers relatively dry weather and slightly more comfortable temperatures. May to September is also generally dry, but the afternoons can be very hot. The wettest period is often from October to December, although weather patterns can change.

Start early in the morning or visit again in the late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun. The Poson festival, usually held around June, brings large numbers of pilgrims to Anuradhapura and nearby Mihintale. It is a meaningful time to visit, but expect crowds, traffic and limited accommodation.

How to get there

Anuradhapura is about 205 kilometres north of Colombo. The drive normally takes around five hours, although traffic can make it longer. Trains run from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura, with many journeys taking about four to five hours. Check the current timetable and reserve a seat when possible.

Regular buses also connect Anuradhapura with Colombo and other major towns. By road, the city is roughly 1.5 hours from Dambulla and around two hours from Sigiriya. The archaeological sites are spread out, so arrange a tuk-tuk, bicycle or vehicle rather than trying to explore everything on foot.

Travel tips

• Cover your shoulders and knees when entering temples and sacred areas.

• Remove shoes and hats where required. The stone ground can become very hot, so carry socks if your feet are sensitive.

• Buy the appropriate archaeological-zone ticket and keep it with you for inspections at covered sites.

• Carry drinking water, sunscreen and a hat, but avoid eating inside worship areas.

• Do not pose with your back directly toward a Buddha image, climb on ruins or interrupt religious ceremonies for photographs.

• Keep food and loose belongings secure around monkeys, and never feed them.