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The white dome of Ruwanwelisaya stupa in Anuradhapura

Cultural Triangle

Anuradhapura

The first great capital of Sri Lanka, with giant brick stupas, ancient reservoirs and the sacred Bodhi tree, still a living place of pilgrimage.

Plan a trip with Anuradhapura
Time to spend
1 to 2 nights
Best months
February to September. The heaviest rain falls from October to December.
Getting around
A tuk-tuk, bicycle or your own driver. The sites are several kilometres apart.
Good to know
Wear white or light, modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees, and take shoes and hats off at the sacred sites. The ground gets very hot by midday, so bring socks.

Anuradhapura was the capital of the island for well over a thousand years, from around the 4th century BC to the early 11th century AD. The Sacred City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its stupas are among the largest brick structures of the ancient world.

The heart of the visit is the Sri Maha Bodhi, a fig tree grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha is said to have reached enlightenment, and the white dome of Ruwanwelisaya nearby. Pilgrims dressed in white fill both, especially on full-moon (Poya) days.

The monastery ruins of Abhayagiri and Jetavanaramaya are spread over a wide area, so most people tour by car, tuk-tuk or bicycle. Mihintale, where Buddhism is said to have been brought to the island, is a short drive east.

What to see and do

  • Sri Maha Bodhi Must see

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    The sacred fig tree grown from a cutting brought from India in the 3rd century BC, among the oldest documented trees in the world, surrounded by terraces and offerings.

    45 min · MorningFree entryCover shoulders and knees

    An active place of worship; donations are welcome.

  • Abhayagiri and Jetavanaramaya monasteries

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    The ruins of two vast monastery complexes, with the huge brick domes of Abhayagiri and Jetavanaramaya, guardstones, moonstones and bathing ponds such as the Twin Ponds.

    3 hr · MorningUS$30 foreign adultofficial price

    US$30 for foreign adults for the Sacred City ticket, payable in rupees at the CCF rate (LKR 336 per US$ on 14 Oct 2026). The active temples are free.

  • Ruwanwelisaya stupa

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    A great white stupa built by King Dutugamunu in the 2nd century BC and ringed by a wall of carved elephants. Beautiful in the late afternoon light.

    45 min · SunsetFree entryCover shoulders and knees

  • Mihintale

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    The hill where the monk Mahinda is said to have met King Devanampiya Tissa and brought Buddhism to the island. A long stone stairway climbs to stupas and a rock with wide views.

    2 hr · MorningLKR 1,000to confirmCover shoulders and knees

    Reported at about LKR 1,000 for foreign visitors; confirm at the entrance.

  • Isurumuniya rock temple

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    A small rock temple beside a pond, known for its carvings of elephants bathing and the famous stone figures of the Isurumuniya Lovers in the museum.

    45 min · AfternoonFee chargedto confirmCover shoulders and knees

    A small fee is charged for foreign visitors; confirm at the gate.

Also consider

Worth the trip if you have time. The planner leaves these out unless you add them.

  • Avukana Buddha statue

    A standing Buddha about 12 metres tall, carved from a single granite rock face in the 5th century near the Kala Wewa reservoir.

    45 minAdd to a tripMaps

  • Ritigala forest monastery

    Ruins of a forest monastery on the slopes of an isolated mountain, with stone walkways and meditation platforms deep in the trees. Quiet and atmospheric.

    2 hrAdd to a tripMaps

Nearby places to stay

Photos

The brick dome of Jetavanaramaya stupa, Anuradhapura
The brick dome of Jetavanaramaya stupa, Anuradhapura
The Abhayagiri Dagoba in the ruins of the Abhayagiri monastery, Anuradhapura
The Abhayagiri Dagoba in the ruins of the Abhayagiri monastery, Anuradhapura
Aradhana Gala, the rock summit at Mihintale, above the forest
Aradhana Gala, the rock summit at Mihintale, above the forest

Ready-made trips that include Anuradhapura

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