Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka
- Safety rating
- 7.5/10
- Best time to visit
- May to September brings the driest weather to this dry-zone city, ideal for exploring the ruins.
- Population
- 0.1M
Overview
Anuradhapura, an ancient capital of Sri Lanka, is a vast sacred city of towering stupas, monastic ruins, and reservoirs dating back over two millennia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains a living pilgrimage center for Buddhists. Its dagobas and the sacred Bodhi tree draw devotees and history lovers alike.
Top attractions
See the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stupas, and the Isurumuniya rock temple.
Getting around
Bicycles, tuk-tuks, and hired drivers are the best ways to traverse the sprawling ancient city.