Anuradhapura Hotels & Anuradhapura District Travel Guide

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Let’s see what we can do in Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is a major city in North Central Province. The Anuradhapura District is the only district in Sri Lanka with the most historical value. Anuradhapura’s postal code is 71000.

Anuradhapura has a variety of Anuradhapura hotels and accommodation options, from affordable guest houses to luxury resorts. You can book hotels in Anuradhapura from hotelexpress.lk, and also check out Anuradhapura tours. So let’s continue, best tour guide.

Weather in Anuradhapura. 

The Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka has a warm climate throughout the year, with average temperatures around 28°C (83°F). The sky is often covered with clouds mixed with sunshine, with moderate humidity (around 77%) and occasional winds (13 mph). Anuradhapura district has a typical tropical climate, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, especially during the warmer months.

The way from COLOMBO to ANURADHAPURA.

• The car or the Taxi takes around 3 to 3.5 hours.

• Sri Lanka Railways runs trains from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura railway station about 3 times daily. It takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours.

• Travel time will depend on about 3.5 hours to 6 hours, as per the bus service you choose.

The BEST Things to Do in ANURADHAPURA.

The Anuradhapura District is home to a wealth of historical relics left by ancient kings in Sri Lanka. Studying the Anuradhapura history is a beautiful thing. There are many Anuradhapura tourist places. Let’s take a look at the best things to do and see in Anuradhapura. 

1. Ruwanweli Maha Seya.

         Ruwanweli Maha Seya sacred Buddhist stupa located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Built in the 2nd century BC, it is believed to house the relics of the Buddha. It is one of the most revered places of worship for Buddhists. Pilgrims and tourists from all over the world come to visit this stupa to worship and experience its historical value. Ruwanweli Maha Seya is a masterpiece of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

2. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya. (Bodhi Tree)

         The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred Bodhi tree located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, and is considered one of the oldest living trees with a recorded history of over 2,000 years. It is said to have been brought to Sri Lanka by the Venerable Sangamiththa Thera. Due to the value of this plant, a separate group of workers has been appointed to ensure its safety and care. It is a symbol of peace, spirituality, and cultural heritage and is considered a sacred place for Buddhists around the world.

3. Isurumuniya Viharaya.

         Isurumuniya Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, built in the 3rd century BC. The temple is famous for stunning rock carvings and sculptures. Many tourists also come to see the Isurumuniya Pem Yuwala Rock Carving in this temple. With intricate rock carvings of elephants, horses, and other animals that showcase ancient Sri Lankan artistry, the Isurumuniya Temple is an important cultural and historical site that attracts tourists from all over the world.

4. Ranmasu Uyana. (Royal Park)

         Ranmasu Uyana is an ancient garden in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, built during the reign of King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD on an area of ​​40 acres. The garden has numerous ponds, fountains, and water gardens that demonstrate the advanced hydraulic engineering skills of the ancient Sri Lankans. According to an inscription at Vessagiriya, the garden is watered by the Tissa Wewa. Located near the Isurumuni Viharaya and the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura, this garden is a must-see.

5. Thissa Wewa.

         It is an ancient irrigation system built by King Devanampiyatissa during the Anuradhapura period. It is an important historical and cultural site that showcases the creativity of ancient irrigation systems in Sri Lanka. Almost everyone who comes to Anuradhapura comes to this place to have their meals. Different views of the Tissa Wewa can be seen from different places in Anuradhapura. The Tissa Wewa directly supports agricultural activities. It is a popular tourist destination and one of the most valuable historical places in the Anuradhapura district.

6. Kaludiya Pokuna.

         Kaludiya Pond, which is part of the Mahamevnawa Park, is located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is an ancient pond and is famous for its unique water-filling mechanism that uses a stone slab to control the flow of water. Kaludiya Pond, which showcases ancient Sri Lankan engineering skills, attracts many tourists.

7. Mihinthale.

         Mihintale is a sacred mountain peak located in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. It is believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism, where the Buddhist monk Mahinda Thera introduced Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE. Mihintale is a historical site with ancient temples, shrines, inscriptions, and Buddhist heritage sites.

8. Wilpaththu National Park.

         Wilpattu National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka, covering an area of ​​over 131,000 hectares and located in the Anuradhapura District. For ease of management, Wilpattu National Park is divided into five divisions. Spread across the Puttalam and Anuradhapura districts and bordering the Mannar and Vavuniya districts, it is home to leopards, elephants, and bears and consists of forests, grasslands, wetlands, and thorny bushes. It is known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. It is one of the oldest and largest national parks in the country. Safaris are available for close viewing of animals and plants. Wilpattu National Park contains several ancient ruins and artifacts from different periods of history.

9. Nachchaduwa Natural Park.

         Nachchaduwa Natural Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. It is home to a large number of deer, buffalo, and many species of birds, and is famous for its large gatherings of elephants during the dry season. Nachchaduwa Natural Park is a popular destination for wildlife viewing and bird watching. 

10. Horowpathana National Park.

         Horowpathana National Park was established in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka to conserve biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, deer, and various bird species, and is home to forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Horowpathana National Park has been established as a protected area for wildlife viewing, bird watching, and nature exploration.

11. Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum.

         The Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum is a must-see attraction in the city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts, including sculptures, coins, and pottery excavated from the city's many archaeological sites. These artifacts provide a good insight into the artistic, architectural history, and culture of the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom of Sri Lanka, as well as Buddhist etiquette.

12. Basawakkulama Lake.

        Basawakkulam Lake, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest and most historic reservoirs in the country, built in the 5th century BC. It is believed to be one of the first man-made lakes in Sri Lanka. Basawakkulam Lank contributes greatly to the city's agriculture and meets all the water needs of the residents.

13. Sanda Hiru Seya.

         After about 1700 years, the Great Sandahiru Seya was completed by Sri Lankan warriors and is a 282-foot-long (6 m) by 800-foot-long (28 m) [30 m] structure. An important Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, Sandahiru Seya is also known as the "Embrace of the Sun" or the "Golden Mountain". It is believed to house the relics of the Buddha and the great arahants. The value is further enhanced by the huge golden Buddha statue here.

14. Abayagiri Museum.

        The Abhayagiri Museum, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, was a major center of ancient Theravada Buddhism. The Abhayagiri Archaeological Museum houses a collection of sculptures, inscriptions, and other relics as artifacts. The museum contains items that highlight the artistic, architectural history and cultural history of ancient civilizations.

15. Samadhi Buddha Statue.

        The Samadhi Buddha statue, a Buddhist statue located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is made of limestone. It is said to have been created in the 4th and 6th centuries CE. The Buddha is depicted in a meditative posture, and many people come to see the serenity and peace of this statue. This statue is one of the finest statues of ancient Sri Lankan art. 

16. Kuttam Pokuna. (Twin Ponds)

        Kuttam Pokuna is an ancient twin pond complex in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, believed to have been built in the 8th century BC. The Kuttam Pokuna features intricate stone carvings and a sophisticated water management system, providing insight into ancient Sri Lankan engineering and carving techniques. 

Places to visit in Anuradhapura

• Lake and Rivers:

       Thissa Wewa, Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond), Nuwara Wewa, Basawakkulama Tank

• Museum: 

       Archaeological Museum, Jethawanarama Museum, Folk Museum, Abayagiri Museum

• Anuradhapura Historical Places:

      Manakanda Archaeological Site, Sri Maha Bodhi, Vijayaramaya Stupa, Mirisawatiya Stupa, Jethawanarama Stupa, Lovamahapaya, Pankuliya Ashokaramaya, Anuradhapura Daladha Maligaya, Sada Hiru Seya, Vessagiriya, Dakkihina Stupa, Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Thuparamaya Dagaba, Nakha Vehera, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Anuradhapura Moonstone, Rathna Prasadaya, Kuttam Pokuna, Abhayagiri Viharaya, Isurumuniya Raja Maha Viharaya

• Natural park:

      Nachchaduwa Natural Park, Jathika Namal Uyana, Perimiyankulama Stone Bridge, Gajaba Zoo, Horowpathana National Park, Anuradhapura stupas scenic point, Ranmasu Uyana,

• Other:

      Dighapashana Cave

Cities in the Anuradhapura District.

• Bulnewa

• Eppawala

• Galenbindunuwewa

• Galnewa

• Ganewalpola

• Habarana

• Horowpathana

• Kahatagasdigiliya

• Kebitigollawa

• Kekirawa

• Koapathirawa

• Konwewa

• Madatugama

• Mahailuppallama

• Maradankadawala

• Medawachchiya

• Mihinthale

• Nochchiyagama

• Nachchaduwa

• Padawiya

• Palugaswewa

• Rambewa

• Seeppukulama

• Talawa

• Tambuttegama

• Thirappane

• Yakalla

Habarana

        Habarana town is a popular tourist hub and serves as a gateway to many national parks, including Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Wasgamuwa. Habarana town offers opportunities for wildlife safaris and exploration. Habarana town is known as a great place for tourists as it has many cultural sites. 

Kebitigollawa

       Kebithigolleva, located in the Anuradhapura District, is home to some of Sri Lanka's most important ancient Buddhist ruins and artifacts. Tourists also came to see the damage caused to Kebithigollewa during the war in Sri Lanka at that time. It is known as a rather harsh city due to its hot weather throughout the year.

Mihinthale

         Mihintale is a sacred mountain peak located in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. It is believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism, where the Buddhist monk Mahinda Thera introduced Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE. Mihintale is a historical site with ancient temples, shrines, inscriptions, and Buddhist heritage sites.

Nachchaduwa

       Nachchaduwa town, located in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka, is famous for its ancient reservoir, the Nachchaduwa Lake. The town, which is in a relatively dry region, has some spectacular landscapes. The Nachchaduwa Lake also provides a home to a variety of wildlife and offers beautiful surroundings.

Are you ready to visit the Anuradhapura District ?

Although there are several things to do in the Anuradhapura District. Your involvement in such a thing during your visit to the Anuradhapura District will surely become an unforgettable experience for a lifetime.