Anuradhapura Holidays

Anuradhapura is the old capital of Sri Lanka, and today a holy city acknowledged as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1982.

Visit Anuradhapura

Lake
Essential
Art & Culture

Anuradhapura: How to get there?

5 hours by bus from Colombo

Anuradhapura: See when to go?

From January through April

Anuradhapura: For how long?

One day

Learn more about your destination

See travel guide

Anuradhapura: What to see nearby?

What our travellers think of their stay

Romain Beuvart

Travel writer

Anuradhapura is the old capital of Sri Lanka, and today a holy city acknowledged as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1982.

My suggestion

If you have already passed by Polonnaruwa and have had your fill of old stone, you can always avoid paying the high fee to visit the historic park. There are many free sites, you just have to find them

Emeline Mainy

Travel writer

In the countryside, around 200 kilometres north of Colombo, Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka until the eleventh century. The modern city faces the ancient city which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

My suggestion

Devote a whole day to visiting the archaeological site which will plunge you into the heart of the life of Sri Lanka. Set off early to take advantage of the morning 'coolness' (from 7 am). Watch out for the light-fingered monkeys!

David Debrincat

Travel writer

205km north of Colombo, Anuradhapura is the largest city of the beautiful Cultural Triangle. If the new town does not charm you, you should not miss the splendours of the ancient city.

My suggestion

The site is too spread out to cover it on foot and the placement of the ruins is too badly-signposted to go there by bike. I advise you therefore to visit on a tuk-tuk.

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