How to Visit Anuradhapura Sacred City, Sri Lanka

How to visit Anuradhapura Sacred City, Sri Lanka. The sacred city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Gleaming white stupas seem to rise out of nowhere in the large parkland area of the archaeological site, and are visible for miles around. Anuradhapura was the ancient Sinhalese capital of Sri Lanka for over a thousand years, from the 4th century BC until the 11th century AD. The city was later abandoned as the Sinhalese fled from invaders coming from south India. Part of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, Anuradhapura is a worthwhile addition to any Sri Lanka itinerary. Read on for how to visit Anuradhapura Sacred City, Sri Lanka.

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Why Visit Anuradhapura Sacred City?

Anuradhapura Sacred City is a true archaeological marvel. It’s amazing to see how incredibly advanced these ancient civilisations must have been. Spread out across a large parkland area, there’s not one but several amazing historical sites and temples to see. This sacred city remains truly significant to Sri Lankan culture, history and religion. Anuradhapura is slightly off the usual tourist trail, so it is a bit less busy than other areas, which makes it a fascinating place to experience authentic Sri Lankan culture.

What is there to see in Anuradhapura Sacred City?

You can visit the following sites in Anuradhapura Sacred City. This list covers the main attractions, but there’s loads to see.

• Ruwanwelisaya Stupa: One of the tallest ancient monuments in the world.
• Mirisawetiya stupa: The first of the great stupas to be built at Anuradhapura.
• Isurumuniya Rajamaha Viharaya: Known for its stone carvings of the Isurumuniya Lovers.
• Thuparamaya – The first Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Built in the shape of a bell.
• Jetavanaramaya Dagaba – When this stupa was built it was the third-tallest structure in the wold after two of the pyramids of Giza.
• Lovamahapaya – The remains of a building that used to be known as the Brazen Palace due to its bronze tiled roof.
• Abhayagiri Dagoba – The ruin of an ancient monastery.
• Kuttam Pokuna -Twin ponds, an example of ancient Sinhalese hydrological engineering.
• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – An ancient fig tree (the oldest authenticated tree on the planet). One of the holiest sites in Sri Lanka as this fig tree is said to be grown from a cutting of the tree under which Buddha attained Enlightenment.

What Else Will I See at Anuradhapura Sacred City?

The archaeological site is a massive parkland area so it is also full of wildlife. I saw hundreds of monkeys and lots of interesting-looking birds.

Do I Need a Ticket to Enter Anuradhapura Sacred City?

Although you can access some parts of the park without a ticket, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to see the main sights in Anuradhapura Sacred City. When I visited in January 2025, tickets were priced at LKR 9,030 (USD 30) per adult. The entrance fee for children was half the adult price.

How to Get Around Anuradhapura Sacred City?

The best way to get around Anuradhapura Sacred City is to hire a bicycle and cycle around the archaeological park. This gives you complete freedom to visit as many of the sites as you want at your own pace, and in whatever order you choose. It is possible to walk around the site, but the stupas are quite spread out so you’d be covering quite a large distance. Alternatively you can get a tuk tuk (either hire your own or get one with a driver for the day). If you’d like to learn the details of what you’re seeing, I can recommend getting a guide to show you around.

What Should I Wear to Visit Anuradhapura Sacred City?

Most of the stupas are still in use today as Buddhist temples, so you need to dress modestly. Legs need to be covered to below the knee. Make sure that your shoulders are covered or that you have something that you can put over them when you go into the temple areas. You’ll need to keep removing your shoes so I recommend sandals that are easy to take off (but that are also fine for cycling). The weather can be changeable to bring a light waterproof.

Where Should I Stay When Visiting Anuradhapura Sacred City?

There’s plenty of accommodation in the modern day town of Anuradhapura, which is located right next to the ancient archaeological park. Many accommodation providers will also offer bicycle hire. My hostel was USD 7 for 2 nights and bike hire was LKR 1000 (USD 3). Alternatively you can stay in another town and visit Anuradhapura as a day trip.

How do I Get to Anuradhapura?

You can get to Anuradhapura either by train or by bus. There are regular direct trains from the capital city Colombo. You can check timetables on the Sri Lanka Railways website. There’s also a bus station right in the centre of Anuradhapura. Travelling by bus in Sri Lanka is cheap and easy, and in my experience locals are always happy to point you in the right direction. It is also possible to visit Anuradhapura as part of a day trip from other parts of Sri Lanka, such as Dambulla, Sigiriya or Kandy.

Where Next? How to Get from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya.

After visiting Anuradhapura I made my way to Sigiriya. This was fairly easy (and cheap!) by bus. I first took the number 75 bus to Habarana for LKR 270, then changed bus to Inamaluwa for LKR 150 and then finally caught the bus to Sigiriya from there for LKR 80. It’s also possible to travel via Dambulla instead.

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