Visit Anuradhapura
- Lake
- Essential
- Art & Culture
Anuradhapura: How to get there?
5 hours by bus from Colombo
Anuradhapura: When to go?
From January through April
Anuradhapura: For how long?
One day
Learn more about your destination
Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura Vacations
3 reviews
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.
Anuradhapura: What to see in the surroundings?
What our travelers think about their stay
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
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!
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.
Sri Lanka: our articles for your vacation
Sri Lanka’s Natural Paradise
Fans of the outdoors and of walking will be enchanted by Sri Lanka which has one of the biggest diversities in the world in terms of preserved natural spaces. From the top of a mountain peak reaching over 2000 metres high to the wild plains covered in jungle, go off to explore in the heart of the country's national parks.
Continue reading
Ella’s Tea Plantations
Ella is one of the most charming mountain stopovers in Sri Lanka. Not so much the village itself as its surroundings. Ella has one main road where you find most of the village's activities. In less than 10 minutes you are in the heart of Sri Lanka's mountains, surrounded by nature and in the middle of the tea plantations.
Continue reading
Sigiriya’s Lion Rock
Whether you are passionate about history or nature you can't help but be charmed by Sigiriya and its surroundings. You'll climb back into time and history as you climb the steps of the Lion Rock. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset over the magnificent countryside of the plains.
Continue reading
Golden Sand Paradise: Uppuveli and Nilaveli
A lots less busy than the beaches in the south, the east coast of Sri Lanka guarantees you a stay off the beaten path. Long beaches that are almost empty most of the year, and an island where you can swim with sharks.
Continue reading
