Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka’s first ancient kingdom dating back to the 4th century BC, housing the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, colossal white stupas, ancient engineering reservoirs, and serene stone monasteries.
About Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka’s first ancient kingdom dating back to the 4th century BC, housing the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, colossal white stupas, ancient engineering reservoirs, and serene stone monasteries.
Whether you are exploring ancient heritage citadels, hiking scenic mountain gaps, unwinding on sun-drenched tropical sands, or tracking wildlife through national reserves, Anuradhapura delivers an enchanting quintessential Sri Lankan experience.
GoldenLine Local Travel Tips
- Wear modest white or light-colored attire covering shoulders and knees when visiting sacred temple compounds.
- Wear socks to protect feet from hot granite stones in open courtyards during sunny hours.
Top Attractions in Anuradhapura
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
The oldest historically documented tree planted by human hands (288 BC), grown from a cutting of the sacred Bodh Gaya tree.
Ruwanwelisaya Great White Stupa
A monumental dome stupa built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC, surrounded by a perimeter wall of 344 life-sized stone elephants.
Jetavanaramaya Stupa
Once the third tallest structure in the ancient world after the Great Pyramids of Giza, built with over 93 million baked clay bricks.
Mihintale Sacred Forested Mountain
The forested mountain peak regarded as the cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism where royal meetings introduced the Dhamma in 247 BC.
Signature Things to Do
Bicycle Pilgrimage across Sacred City
Cycle under shade trees between ancient monastery ruins, royal bathing pools (Kuttam Pokuna), and giant stupas.
Evening Chanting at Ruwanwelisaya
Join devotees offering white lotus flowers and oil lamps as the great stupa is illuminated at twilight.
Mihintale Sunset Stairway Ascent
Climb the 1,840 granite steps of Mihintale to watch the sunset over the surrounding jungle and ancient reservoirs.
Tours Visiting Anuradhapura
Serendib Summer Tour
Best taken during May to October for guaranteed sunshine. Begins in Galle and south coast, proceeds to Yala wildlife safari, Ella & Nuwara Eliya misty hills, royal Kandy, Pinnawala elephant sanctuary, cultural triangle in Habarana, Sigiriya rock climb, pristine beaches of Trincomalee / Passikudah, holy Anuradhapura kingdom, and Negombo.
Ancient Legacy Tour
Step back in time to explore 2,500 years of glorious civilization, sacred Buddhist shrines, royal monoliths, and ancient reservoir engineering across Sri Lanka’s UNESCO Cultural Triangle.
Resplendent Isle Tour
The ultimate deep-dive cultural pilgrimage discovering sacred relics, legendary chronicles, world heritage sites, northern Tamil culture, and living folk traditions across Sri Lanka.
Plan a Trip to Anuradhapura
Receive a customized private tour proposal with chauffeur vehicle and star hotels within 2 hours.
GoldenLine Guarantee
- 100% Private Transfers: Never shared with other tourists.
- Govt Licensed Guides: Courteous, English-speaking chauffeurs.
- Full Flexibility: Customize stops, departure times, and routes freely.
- Zero Hidden Costs: Transparent pricing inclusive of all expressway tolls and fuel.
More Iconic Destinations
Mirissa Beach
Stunning beaches, blue whale watching & vibrant marine life.
Ella
Scenic hills, tea plantations & the famous Nine Arches Bridge.
Sigiriya Rock
Ancient rock fortress, historical wonder & breathtaking views.
Kandy
Sacred Temple of the Tooth, culture & beautiful lake.