Anuradhapura

Best things to do & Best Places to see in Anuradhapura Sri Lanka. 

Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich cultural, religious, and architectural heritage. Founded in the 4th century BCE, it served as the island’s political and spiritual center for over a millennium. The city is famous for its well-preserved ruins, including colossal dagobas (stupas), ancient royal palaces, monasteries, and intricate stone carvings. A major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, it houses the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree—believed to be a sapling from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri stupas dominate the landscape with their massive brick structures. Anuradhapura's ancient hydraulic engineering, including reservoirs and sophisticated irrigation systems, showcases its advanced urban planning. The city reflects the grandeur of Sinhalese civilization and its deep connection to Buddhism. Today, it is a peaceful yet vibrant destination blending spirituality, history, and archaeology. Visitors can walk or cycle through its expansive sacred precincts, connecting with centuries of devotion and legacy. 

1. Sri Maha Bodhi Tree – A sacred fig tree believed to be over 2,000 years old, grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
2. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa – A grand white-domed stupa built by King Dutugemunu, considered one of the most sacred Buddhist monuments in Sri Lanka.
3. Jetavanaramaya Stupa – Once among the tallest structures in the ancient world, this massive brick stupa demonstrates the engineering skill of ancient Sinhalese builders.
4. Abhayagiri Monastery Complex – A sprawling monastic site with ruins of stupas, meditation platforms, and ornately carved moonstones, reflecting ancient monastic life.
5. Isurumuniya Temple – Known for its exquisite rock carvings like the "Isurumuniya Lovers," this temple beautifully blends art, spirituality, and history.
6. Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna) – Two perfectly symmetrical bathing tanks, showcasing the advanced hydraulic engineering of the ancient Anuradhapura era.
7. Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu – The remnants of a majestic palace with stone foundations and pillars that once formed the heart of royal governance.
8. Thuparamaya Dagoba – Sri Lanka’s first stupa, believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha’s collarbone, built during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.
9. Mihintale (nearby) – A sacred mountain monastery and historic site where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka, offering panoramic views and spiritual significance.
10.  Archaeological Museum – A treasure trove of ancient artifacts including statues, tools, coins, and inscriptions that chronicle the glory of Anuradhapura.
11.  Isurumuniya Temple (duplicate) – A rock-cut shrine known for its intricate carvings and tranquil pond setting, offering insight into ancient Sinhalese religious art.
12.  Mihintale (duplicate) – Historic pilgrimage site and origin point of Buddhism in Sri Lanka; features rock staircases, stupas, and ancient inscriptions.
13.  Sunatha Pokuna – An ancient monastic pond near Abhayagiri, used by monks for ritual bathing, surrounded by forest and stone architecture.
14.  Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) (duplicate) – Ornately built twin bathing tanks used by monks, admired for their symmetrical design and engineering marvel.
15.  Samadhi Buddha Statue – A peaceful 4th-century granite statue of the Buddha in deep meditation, symbolizing serenity and enlightenment.
16.  Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) – Once a nine-story monastery with a bronze roof, now only its stone pillars remain, evoking its past architectural grandeur.
17.  Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Park) – An ancient royal garden with stone pools and terraces, also home to the mysterious "Star Gate" carving of unknown origin.
18.  Anuradhapura Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) – Semi-circular stone carvings at temple entrances, rich in Buddhist symbolism and artistic detail.

19.  Stone Bridge (Gal Palama) – An ancient bridge over the Malwathu Oya made of massive stone slabs, reflecting impressive early engineering skills.
20.  Vessagiriya – A rock forest monastery with cave dwellings and inscriptions, representing the simple, early lifestyle of Buddhist monks.
21.  Thanthirimale Raja Maha Viharaya – A serene temple complex with a sacred Bodhi tree, rock inscriptions, and a reclining Buddha carved in stone.
22.  Archaeological Museum (duplicate) – Exhibits ancient cultural relics from Anuradhapura including tools, coins, and Buddha statues.

23.   Anuradhapura Folk Museum – Showcases the rural lifestyle of the Nuwara-Kalaviya region through life-sized models, traditional tools, and folk artifacts.