Ruwanwelisaya Tours

Photo by Minul Tennakoon


Enjoy a slower pace of sightseeing — and perhaps even tap into your spiritual side — at Ruwanwelisaya. If you're able to venture inside, why not hang around for a moment or two of quiet reflection?

When you've spent some time at this Anuradhapura place of worship, why not make your way to Thuparamaya, Sri Maha Bodhi, and Abhayagiri Dagoba? They're not far from Ruwanwelisaya and also popular with tourists.

Plan a trip to see Ruwanwelisaya

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Mirage Colombo Hotel
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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Ruwanwelisaya

The Lake Forest Hotel

The Lake Forest Hotel

3 out of 5
103, Tissa Wewa Lane, Pothanegama, Anuradhapura, NC
The Lake Forest Hotel
Heritage Hotel

Heritage Hotel

3 out of 5
Galwala Road, Pothanegama, Anuradhapura
Heritage Hotel
Abhaya Mandapa Hotel

Abhaya Mandapa Hotel

3 out of 5
No.50, Abhaya wewa, Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura
Abhaya Mandapa Hotel
Avasta Resort

Avasta Resort

3 out of 5
No 92, Niwatthakachethiya Road, Anuradhapura, North Central
Avasta Resort
The Ivy Lake

The Ivy Lake

3 out of 5
115 Dharmapala Mawatha, Anuradhapura
The Ivy Lake
Rajarata Hotel

Rajarata Hotel

3.5 out of 5
77 Rowing Club Road, Anuradhapura
Rajarata Hotel
Kutumbaya

Kutumbaya

3 out of 5
803 Freeman Mawatha, Anuradhapura
Kutumbaya
Ismattha hotel

Ismattha hotel

2.5 out of 5
5th Canel, Srawasthipura, Anuradapura, Anuradhapura, North Central Province
Ismattha hotel
Miridiya Lake Resort

Miridiya Lake Resort

3.5 out of 5
Rowing club road, Stage 1, Anuradhapura, NCP
Miridiya Lake Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ruwanwelisaya

When visiting Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura, don't miss out on biking around the stunning ancient sites. Engage in local sightseeing to explore the rich history and culture, and consider taking cooking classes to savor authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. These activities provide a unique glimpse into the area while ensuring a memorable trip filled with highlights that showcase the beauty and heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Find the best attractions near Ruwanwelisaya

Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura is a must-visit for those seeking a rich cultural experience. The area boasts remarkable temples, archaeological sites, and museums that showcase the region's heritage. Nearby attractions include the iconic Ruwanweli Seya, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's ancient history. Whether you're exploring historical landmarks or immersing yourself in local culture, Ruwanwelisaya promises an unforgettable journey for every traveler.

  • Sri Maha Bodhi: This sacred temple, located 0.4 miles from Ruwanwelisaya, houses a revered fig tree, believed to be a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Its serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts alike.
  • Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum: Situated 0.3 miles away, this museum showcases a wealth of artifacts that narrate the ancient history of Anuradhapura. Its engaging exhibits provide insight into the region's archaeological significance and cultural evolution.
  • Anuradhapura Folk Museum: Just 0.2 miles from Ruwanwelisaya, this charming museum highlights the traditional lifestyles and customs of the local people, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant folk culture of Sri Lanka.

Best time to go to Ruwanwelisaya

Visitor numbers around Ruwanwelisaya is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Ruwanwelisaya is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March81.3°F (27.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
May82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June82.4°F (28.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
July82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October80.2°F (26.8°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November77.7°F (25.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
December76.5°F (24.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ruwanwelisaya

To save money on your trip to Ruwanwelisaya, plan your visit during the cheaper months of June or September to October. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and consider Sunday stays for lower prices. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and eco-friendly accommodations, sorting by price from low to high. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package deal can also lead to savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ruwanwelisaya are June and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January and April to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Ruwanwelisaya is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ruwanwelisaya is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Ruwanwelisaya is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Ruwanwelisaya with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.