Things to do in Anuradhapura

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Photo by Koray Koymen
Photo by Koray Koymen
Photo by Eva Johnson
Photo by Eva Johnson
Photo by Ii Rosna
Photo by Ii Rosna
Photo by Botak Jon
Photo by Botak Jon
Photo by Koray Koymen
Photo by Koray Koymen
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Most popular activities in Anuradhapura

Tours & day trips

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Sigiriya & Dambulla Private Day Trip with Entry Fees & Lunch

Sigiriya & Dambulla Private Day Trip with Entry Fees & Lunch

Activity duration is 14 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥19,884 per adult*
Sigiriya & Dambulla Private Day Trip with Entry Fees & LunchOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

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Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour

Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥10,898 per adult*
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 3 activities
Sigiriya & Habarana: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience

Sigiriya & Habarana: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥42,061 per adult
Sigiriya & Habarana: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride ExperienceOpens in new tab

What to do in Anuradhapura

Discover the most popular places to visit in Anuradhapura

Thousands of people visit Ruwanweli Stupa a day. So, buckets full of lotus and many other flowers are collected in this way. Lotus seeds have become one of the most preferred food for the monkeys who live near the stupa. This monkey also ate lotus seeds for a long period and I took loads of photos.

Ruwanwelisaya

5/5(10 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.

Ruwanwelisaya
Offerings at the jaya sri maha bodhi or the temple of the sacred bodhi tree in anuradhapura, Sri Lanka #petersoeteweyphotography #wanderlust #srilanka #anuradhapura #jayasrimahabodi #sacredbodhithree

Sri Maha Bodhi

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Sri Maha Bodhi is just one of the places to see in Anuradhapura, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Sri Maha Bodhi
Stupa with exposed red bricks. #stupa #dagoba #Abhayagiri #Anuradhapura #SriLanka

Abhayagiri Dagoba

5/5(5 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura with a stop at Abhayagiri Dagoba. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Abhayagiri Dagoba
Ancient palace ruins

Kuttam Pokuna

4/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura when you take a trip to Kuttam Pokuna. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Kuttam Pokuna
Thuparamaya is a dagoba in Anuradhapura. It is a Buddhist sacred place of veneration. Mahinda Thera, an envoy sent by King Ashoka himself introduced Theravada Buddhism and also chetiya worship to Sri Lanka. At his request King Devanampiyatissa built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the collarbone of the Buddha. It is considered to be the first dagaba built in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism. This is considered the earliest monument, the construction of which was chronicled Sri Lanka. The name Thuparamaya comes from "stupa" and "aramaya" which is a residential complex for monks.

Thuparama Dagoba

5/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura when you spend time at Thuparama Dagoba. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Thuparama Dagoba

Nuwara Wewa

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura with a stop at Nuwara Wewa. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Nuwara Wewa

Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum

4/5(1 review)

You can study the exhibits at Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Anuradhapura. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum

Mirisawetiya Stupa

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura with a stop at Mirisawetiya Stupa. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Mirisawetiya Stupa

Thuparamaya

5/5(9 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Anuradhapura when you stop by Thuparamaya. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Thuparamaya

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Anuradhapura

At the end of our day at Anuradhapura, we kept walking to our hotel. On the way, we saw this monkey was eating some fruits. This creature is endemic to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it presents all over the Island. They live as groups and kind of the time they become too aggressive. So, if you capturing them when they are too close to you, keep it in your mind to switch off the flasher.

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.

Wijayapura

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.