Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura: Sri Lanka’s First Ancient Royal Capital

Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s capital for over 1,300 years, and its 2,500-year-old brick stupas — some among the tallest brick structures ever built in the ancient world — still rise above the surrounding forest today, alongside a fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree in India.

Quick Facts

• District: Anuradhapura
• Best time to visit: Year-round; visit early morning to beat the heat across the large, spread-out site
• Time needed: Half a day to a full day
• Getting there: ~4–4.5 hrs drive from Colombo
• Getting around the site: Bicycle or tuk-tuk recommended — ruins are spread across several kilometres

Top Things to Do

1. Venerate the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, one of the largest and most sacred ancient dagobas in the Buddhist world.
2. Pay homage at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the original tree the Buddha sat under, and one of the oldest documented trees in the world.
3. Explore the Abhayagiri Monastery ruins, once one of the largest monastic universities of the ancient world.

Why Visit Anuradhapura

This is where Sri Lankan Buddhism and its royal history begin. Unlike Sigiriya’s single climb, Anuradhapura is a sprawling sacred city — renting a bicycle to move between stupas at your own pace, stopping in the shade of ancient stone pillars, is the best way to take it in without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you get around the Anuradhapura site? A: The ruins are spread across several kilometres, so a bicycle rental or tuk-tuk with a driver is strongly recommended over walking.

Q: How much time do I need in Anuradhapura? A: A half day covers the main sites; a full day allows for a slower pace and a few of the further-out ruins.

Q: What should I wear to visit Anuradhapura’s sacred sites? A: White or light-coloured modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; shoes must be removed at stupas and temple entrances.

Q: Is Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa better to visit? A: Anuradhapura has more spiritually significant sites (the Bodhi tree, major stupas); Polonnaruwa has better-preserved stone carvings and is more compact. Many travellers visit both.