Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, founded over two thousand years ago, and remains one of the island's most important sacred sites. Its ruins are spread across a large area, best explored by bicycle or tuk-tuk, and include some of the oldest continuously venerated trees and stupas in the world.

Why visit Anuradhapura

• One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world
• Home to the Sri Maha Bodhi, grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree
• Massive ancient stupas including Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya

Things to do in Anuradhapura

• Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi sacred fig tree
• See the Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stupas
• Explore the ruins by bicycle, a common and practical way to cover the site
• Visit the Isurumuniya rock temple for its carvings

Where to stay

Guesthouses and a small number of hotels in the newer part of town, near the sacred sites.

Food to try

Standard Sri Lankan curries at local restaurants; options are simpler than in more touristed towns.

Travel tips

• Dress modestly and remove shoes and hats at sacred sites
• The site is large and spread out — cycling or hiring a tuk-tuk for the day is more practical than walking
• Often combined with Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya as part of a Cultural Triangle route

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