ABOUT ANURADHAPURA
Where old meets new
Welcome to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital city. Anuradhapura is located Northern Central Province Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is a melting pot of Archaeological sites , culture, food and attractions set against an iconic heritage backdrop.
Anuradhapura is a sacred city established in 4th century B.C. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 under the name of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. the centre Theravada Buddhism for a number of centuries. Theravada Buddhism is a branch of Buddhism resting on the oldest recorded Buddhist text as its doctrine.
Anuradhapura was the capital city for the ethnic Sinhalese people from the 4th century B.C. until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this time, it remained one of the most stable centres of political power in South Asia.
This ancient city is considered sacred to the Buddhist world. The city plays religious importance because it holds a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment’, the Buddha’s fig tree which, was brought in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta – the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.
Marvels of Anuradhapura
Man made reservoirs expanding along the horizon, stupas that reached the sky and functioned as data transmitters, palaces atop rocks adorned with intricate sculpture, water gardens and futuristic landscaping technologies and star gates are just few of the engineering feasts of the ancient Sinhalese.
Enriched with Buddhism brought down from India nearly three thousand years ago Sri Lankan engineers and artisans created some of the most breath-taking structures in the old world. Built with bricks and carved with stones; these creations found in the ancient city of Anuradhapura continues to amaze the world.
Top Attractions in Anuradhapura
- Archaeological Museums
- Abhayagiri Dagoba
- Sri Maha Bodhi (The Sacred Bo Tree)
- Nuwarawewa Tank
- Isurumuniya Temple
- Vessagiriya Temple
- Sila Chethiya
- Haththikuchchi Temple
- Royal Garden
- Ruwanweliseya Dagaba
- Jetawana Dagaba
- Thuparama Dagaba
- Aukana Buddha Statue
- Sasseruwa Buddha Statue
- Mihinthale
- Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone)
- Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond)
- Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)
- Samadhi Buddha Statue
- Lankarama stupa
- Tantirimale
- Wilpattu National park
- kalawewa Natinal park
- Ancient model Village – Purana gama
- Rathna Prasada
- Lovamahapaya
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Getting to Anuradhapura
By Train
There are few trains operational on the Colombo-Anuradhapura Route and it is best to board the train from Colombo Fort Station. The first train out of Colombo Fort Station leaves at 5.45 am and arrives in Anuradhapura at 9.15 am. The approximate train fare is LKR 1000, which is ideally booked in advance, since it’s an air-conditioned train with comfortable seating, making it the fastest and best way to reach Anuradhapura.
If you’d like to experience the rail services as the locals do, then riding aboard a non -A/c train is wise, although these trains may run late at times. You will not only enjoy the scenic views along the route but also witness the local hawkers selling peanuts, corn on the cob, hot snacks and green mangoes through the journey. A 2nd class ticket to Anuradhapura would cost you about LKR 750.
Train schedule or other details about travel please visit Sri lanka Railways
By Bus
Getting to Anuradhapura is an easy from each city in Sri Lanka. may need few transit bus routes to reach anuarahdpura . further in also enjoy easy access to travel around Anuradhapura, including mihintale just 15Km away and wilpattu natinal park 60km away. Even from down south is within a day’s drive of Anuradhapura, just 200km away via the high ways.
Getting Around Anuradhapura
Getting around Anuradhapura you have few options. tour operators , Taxis, Tuk tuks , list available on our Getting Around page. always recomend to use registered transportation services to transport requirements .
Available transportation options list
- Day Tours
- Taxi
- Public Trasport
- Hire Professional guide
