North Central Province

Things to Do in Anuradhapura

Experience 1

Visit Sri Maha Bodhi

Visit one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and experience the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the ancient sacred Bodhi tree, an important centre of pilgrimage for centuries.

Experience 2

Explore Ruwanwelisaya

Admire one of Anuradhapura's most iconic white stupas and experience the calm spiritual atmosphere surrounding this important Buddhist monument.

Experience 3

Discover Abhayagiri Monastery

Explore the remains of the ancient Abhayagiri monastery complex and discover the impressive scale of one of the most important monastic centres of ancient Sri Lanka.

Experience 4

Visit Jetavanaramaya

See the enormous brick stupa of Jetavanaramaya and explore the surrounding archaeological remains that reveal the engineering and religious importance of ancient Anuradhapura.

Experience 5

See the Samadhi Buddha Statue

Spend a quiet moment beside the beautifully preserved Samadhi Buddha Statue, one of the most recognised examples of ancient Buddhist sculpture in Sri Lanka.

Experience 6

Explore Isurumuniya Temple

Discover this ancient rock temple surrounded by greenery and explore its historic carvings, peaceful setting and distinctive connection to Anuradhapura's early Buddhist heritage.

Experience 7

Discover Kuttam Pokuna

Visit the beautifully constructed Twin Ponds and appreciate the advanced water management and architectural skills developed during ancient Sri Lanka's monastic period.

Experience 8

Visit Thuparamaya

Explore one of the ancient city's important stupas and experience the peaceful surroundings of this historic Buddhist site.

Experience 9

Explore Mirisavetiya Stupa

Discover another historic stupa within the sacred city and enjoy the quieter atmosphere surrounding its ancient grounds.

Experience 10

Take a Cycling Tour of the Ancient City

Explore Anuradhapura's wide archaeological landscape by bicycle, travelling between ancient monuments, shaded paths, reservoirs and peaceful heritage sites at your own pace.

Experience 11

Visit Mihintale

Travel to nearby Mihintale, a sacred hill associated with the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, and explore its ancient religious sites while enjoying views across the surrounding landscape.

Experience 12

Discover Ancient Reservoirs & Landscapes

Explore the ancient reservoirs and surrounding landscapes that demonstrate the remarkable irrigation knowledge and relationship with water developed by Sri Lanka's early civilisation.

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