Once the royal capital of 4th-century Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is one of the island’s most revered historic sites. Home to ancient temple ruins, enchanting palace grounds, and stories of a rich heritage, here’s everything you need to know about Sri Lanka’s oldest civilisations at Anuradhapura.
When to Visit
Whether you’re taking the highway or flying in on a domestic flight like Cinnamon Air, the dry season (May-September) is the best time to travel to the ancient city. However, try to avoid visiting during midday. A lot of the temple ruins require visitors to explore barefoot, so time your visit for early mornings or late afternoons.
Sri Maha Bodhi
Your Anuradhapura sightseeing adventure would not be complete without a visit to the iconic Sri Maha Bodhi. In addition to being one of the oldest human-planted trees in the world, it is believed to be a sapling of the tree Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under.
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
Commissioned by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is one of the grandest sites in Anuradhapura. This colossal stupa is a symbol of ancient Sri Lanka’s architectural prowess, dominating the city’s skyline.
Jetavanaramaya Monastery
Although no longer standing in its full glory, the Jetavanaramaya Monastery was once a sprawling monastery complex. At its heart lies a grand stupa weathered by time, once the third-tallest structure of the ancient world.
