Things to do in Anuradhapura

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A large brick dome structure with a smaller brick building on top, set against a partly cloudy sky.
A large white dome with a golden spire, surrounded by a low wall with colorful stripes.
A large, white stupa with a golden spire, surrounded by stone steps and a cloudy sky.
A large, domed structure with a conical roof, surrounded by a fence and a small pond reflecting the building.
Two Buddha statues in meditation poses, one yellow and one orange, with a spiral design in the background and purple flowers in the foreground.

Things to do

Day Tour Anuradhapura from Kandy by Lux Tours Lanka

Day Tour Anuradhapura from Kandy by Lux Tours Lanka

￥17,062
per traveler
Day Tour Anuradhapura from Kandy by Lux Tours Lanka
Minneriya Wild Adventure with Expert Driver-Guide

Minneriya Elephant Safari with Expert Local Driver-Guide

￥3,868
per adult
Minneriya Elephant Safari with Expert Local Driver-Guide
Minneriya Safari from Sigiriya Eco Jeep Adventure

Minneriya Safari from Sigiriya Eco Jeep Adventure

￥6,632
per adult
Minneriya Safari from Sigiriya Eco Jeep Adventure
Jaya sri maha Bodhi tree

One Day Tour - Sacred city of Anuradhapura & Sacred city of Mihintale. (Sunset)

￥7,998
per adult
One Day Tour - Sacred city of Anuradhapura & Sacred city of Mihintale. (Sunset)
Anuradhapura Private Ancient City Day Tour

Anuradhapura Private Ancient City Day Tour

￥4,264
per adult
Anuradhapura Private Ancient City Day Tour
Elephant Corridor: Hurulu Eco Park Safari from Sigiriya

From Sigiriya: Hurulu Eco Park Wildlife Private Jeep Safari

￥7,252
per adult
From Sigiriya: Hurulu Eco Park Wildlife Private Jeep Safari
From Sigiriya: Minneriya National Park Private Jeep Safari

Sigiriya: Ethical Hurulu Elephant Safari With Guide

￥6,913
per adult
Sigiriya: Ethical Hurulu Elephant Safari With Guide
lunch time

Sri Lanka Culture Tour

￥71,978
per adult
Sri Lanka Culture Tour
Picture 6 for Activity Minneriya National Park Wild Elephant Safari - Private

From Sigiriya: Minneriya National Park Elephant Jeep Safari

￥3,868
per adult
From Sigiriya: Minneriya National Park Elephant Jeep Safari
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Most popular activities in Anuradhapura

Tours & day trips

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Sigiriya & Dambulla Day Trip with Lunch : Private & All-Inclusive

Sigiriya & Dambulla Day Trip with Lunch : Private & All-Inclusive

Activity duration is 14 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥35,759 per adult*
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Wildlife & nature

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Wilpattu Wild Safari Day Trip - Private & All Inclusive

Wilpattu Wild Safari Day Trip - Private & All Inclusive

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥26,006 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Hands-On Cooking Class in Anuradhapura: Cook Like a Local

Hands-On Cooking Class in Anuradhapura: Cook Like a Local

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥6,502 per adult
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Spa & wellness

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Sigiriya: Anuradhapura Guided Day Trip

Sigiriya: Anuradhapura Guided Day Trip

10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥21,130 per traveler*
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Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Hands-On Cooking Class in Anuradhapura: Cook Like a Local

Hands-On Cooking Class in Anuradhapura: Cook Like a Local

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥6,502 per adult
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What to do in Anuradhapura

Stay near popular Anuradhapura attractions

Ruwanwelisaya

9.4/10 (25 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Anuradhapura with a trip to Ruwanwelisaya. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.
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Where to stay in Anuradhapura

Find the best Anuradhapura areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Anuradhapura
Learn more about Anuradhapura
A rustic outdoor market stall with a corrugated metal roof, a wooden bench, and a woman standing behind a counter.
Photo by Minul Tennakoon
Open Photo by Minul Tennakoon

Wijayapura

While Wijayapura might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Nuwara Wewa and Mirisawetiya Stupa.

Frequently asked questions

Is Anuradhapura worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Anuradhapura is visit Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I. Check this leading sight off your agenda, then experience more of the area's walking trails and history.
How do I spend a day in Anuradhapura?
When you've checked off key attractions like Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I and Mahasena's Palace, spend some time enjoying Anuradhapura's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Anuradhapura?
The top tourist attraction in Anuradhapura is Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I, so make sure to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Anuradhapura?
Three days in Anuradhapura is more than enough to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I, Mahasena's Palace and Brazen Palace are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Habarana.
Is Anuradhapura a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Anuradhapura. Several top sights, like Brazen Palace and Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Anuradhapura's best neighborhoods, New Town is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Wijayapura is 2 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Anuradhapura with kids?
Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Anuradhapura with kids.

What to do in Anuradhapura for adults?
Mirisawetiya Stupa and Anuradhapura Folk Museum are just a few of the things to do in Anuradhapura. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Anuradhapura?
In Anuradhapura, Abhayagiri Dagoba is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Anuradhapura.