Meditate at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Ancient City 1.5 hrs
Experience the spiritual serenity under the sacred fig tree, a direct descendant of the Bodhi tree.
Where to stay
Hotels in Anuradhapura
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At a glance
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Sinhala and Tamil and English
Local currency
LKR
(LKR)
Local time
(GMT+5)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
New Town
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Optional, appreciated
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
65 · Moderate
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Rice and Curry
Kottu Roti
Hoppers
Pol Sambol
When to visit Anuradhapura
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January
Busiest: Jul-Sep
-
Jan85
Dry, pleasant
-
Feb80
Dry, warm
-
Mar70
Hot, dry
-
Apr65
Hot, humid
-
May50
Monsoon starts
-
Jun45
Monsoon, wet
-
Jul75
Drier, warm
-
Aug80
Dry, pleasant
-
Sept75
Drier, warm
-
Oct55
Monsoon returns
-
Nov40
Monsoon, wet
-
Dec70
Drier, pleasant
Things to do in Anuradhapura
8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 8 of 8 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Wander Abhayagiri Monastery Complex
Ancient City 3 hrs
Explore the vast ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery and its colossal stupa.
Cycle the Ancient City
Ancient City 4 hrs
Rent a bicycle to leisurely explore the scattered ruins and lush landscapes.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Explore Isurumuniya Vihara
Ancient City 1.5 hrs
Discover the unique rock temple known for its ancient carvings and serene pond.
Climb Mihintale Rock
Mihintale 3 hrs
Ascend to the historic site where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka, offering panoramic views.
Any time of day
3 places
Visit Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
Ancient City 2 hrs
Marvel at the grandeur of one of the largest ancient stupas in Sri Lanka.
Admire Kuttam Pokuna
Ancient City 1 hr
Visit the beautifully preserved ancient twin bathing ponds, an engineering marvel.
Visit Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum
Ancient City 2 hrs
Learn about the rich history and artifacts unearthed from the ancient city.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Anuradhapura
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Wilpattu National Park Private Safari
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Wild Adventures Safari in Wilpattu
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Wilpattu National Park Entrance Ticket
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Wilpattu National Park 4-Hours Safari | with Naturalist
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Polonnaruwa Ancient Ruins & Pilgrimage Day Tour From Anuradhapura
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Minneriya National Park | Private Safari
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Minneriya National Park Half day Jeep Safari with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Anuradhapura
Straight-line distance from the centre of Anuradhapura.
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