Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka — what to see, sights, how to get there

Anuradhapura is the most ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a center of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world. Many of its sights are located within the relatively small area of the historical park, within walking distance of one another.

What to see in Anuradhapura, sights

The first settlements on the site of the sacred city of Anuradhapura date back as far as the 10th century BC. By the year 100 AD the city's population was already over 100,000 people — a great many for those times — and the city was among the top ten most populous cities in the world. In ancient times about 5000 Buddhist monks lived and built up karma within the protected grounds of the city, and it was from here that Buddhism spread across the whole island. The kings of Sri Lanka supported the monks in every way, building dining halls, houses and relics for them. Until the 11th century Anuradhapura was the capital of Ceylon. After Indian invaders destroyed the city, the title of capital passed to Polonnaruwa.

Among the sights, it is worth seeing the oldest Bodhi tree, grown from a sapling brought from India. The Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura is considered a direct offshoot of the very tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. According to the chronicles, the tree was planted in ~250 BC.

And the 120-meter Jetavanaramaya stupa is the tallest brick structure ever built by man. It dates to around the 3rd century AD. The stupa is believed to have been built over the Buddha's footprints, with a particle of the Buddha himself sealed inside. In the 9th century AD the Jetavanaramaya stupa was the 3rd largest structure in the world, second only to the pyramids of Giza.

As everywhere in Sri Lanka, a white tourist has to pay to visit any place of interest. Here there is a single ticket for all the main sights: back then it cost $25, and as of October 2026 it costs $30. But we managed to see everything over 2 days absolutely free, using a motorbike and the loopholes we discovered.

Tickets are checked at booths at the entrances on most roads. But because there are so many of these roads, there are ways in that nobody controls. Of course, we had to turn back from checkpoints a few times, but saving $50 definitely outweighs these minor inconveniences.

On this map you can see our route through the Anuradhapura historical park and figure out where you can get into the grounds without a ticket:

How to get from Colombo to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura has an airport, but it is domestic, not international. Looking for an airline to fly 160 km makes no sense, in our view.

From Colombo to Anuradhapura you can get there in several ways:

• By scooter, as we did. The 200 km trip from Colombo to Anuradhapura will take you about 4 hours. From Negombo to Anuradhapura you can get there a bit faster — 170 km.
• By train from Colombo to Anuradhapura. The journey takes about 5 hours. Check fares and the schedule at the railway station.
• By bus. From Colombo it takes about 6 hours.

Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa?

Since the status of capital passed to Polonnaruwa after the city was destroyed, the two cities have some similarity in architecture and in their overall feel. And if you don't have time to visit both, you may be wondering which to choose: Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa? Although both cities have a unique atmosphere and charm, we recommend Anuradhapura as the place richer in sights and more interesting historically.