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Anuradhapura — Anuradhapura
Cover photo: amanderson2 (Flickr, CC BY)
- District
- Anuradhapura
- Province
- North Central
- Best for
- Sacred-city base: great stupas, Bodhi tree, Mihintale sunset, jungle monasteries
About this place
Two millennia of Buddhism in brick and stone: giant dagobas, the living Bodhi tree, a sunset rock 12 km out and jungle monasteries beyond. Two days covers the precinct and Mihintale; the train from Colombo makes arrival easy.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- Two days does it: the sacred precinct early on day one, Mihintale plus outer monasteries day two.
- Walk dagobas clockwise with pilgrims; full cover, shoes off, hats off.
- Stay in new town, tour the old city; bicycles for the precinct.
- Poya full-moon days multiply crowds; check the festival calendar first.
How to travel there
In Anuradhapura District, North Central Province. Trains from Colombo Fort (reserved seats sell out in season) and buses from Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna. Bicycles for the precinct, tuk-tuks for everything else.
Where to stay
Stay in Anuradhapura new town (guesthouses and mid-range hotels near the station and bus stand) for early precinct starts. Book ahead on Poya weekends.
Nearby places
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Mihintale Rock, Isurumuniya Temple
Scams to watch for
- 'Official' guides at the precinct gate selling mandatory tours that are not mandatory; the site is walkable.
- Tuk-tuks quoting per-stupa fares that exceed a full-day hire; agree the day rate first.
Related guides
Temple & Sacred
Thuparamaya Dagoba — Anuradhapura Travel Guide
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Temple & Sacred
Mihintale Rock and Temple Complex — Anuradhapura Travel Guide
View seekers and pilgrims; climb 1,840 steps to the cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism
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Heritage
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi — Anuradhapura Travel Guide
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