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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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
Monaara Leisure - Anuradhapura

Monaara Leisure - Anuradhapura

3 out of 5
93/D Arippu Rd, Anuradhapura, NC
Monaara Leisure - Anuradhapura
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
Heritage Hotel

Heritage Hotel

3 out of 5
Galwala Road, Pothanegama, Anuradhapura
Heritage Hotel
Kutumbaya

Kutumbaya

3 out of 5
803 Freeman Mawatha, Anuradhapura
Kutumbaya
Rajarata Hotel

Rajarata Hotel

3.5 out of 5
77 Rowing Club Road, Anuradhapura
Rajarata Hotel
Nilketha Villa Eco Hotel

Nilketha Villa Eco Hotel

3 out of 5
139, Jethawanarama Road, Anuradhapura
Nilketha Villa Eco Hotel
City Center Lodge

City Center Lodge

3 out of 5
28, Wan Ela Place, New Town, Dharmapala Mawatha, Anuradhapura, North Central Province
City Center Lodge
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 in Ruwanwelisaya

During your visit to Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture by exploring the iconic stupa. Engage in biking around the serene surroundings, and consider joining local tours for a deeper understanding of this sacred site. Make your stay memorable by soaking in the spiritual ambiance and discovering nearby attractions that enhance your experience in this ancient city.

Shopping

While exploring Ruwanwelisaya, you can find local handicrafts and souvenirs at nearby markets. If you’re up for a drive, visit the beautiful shopping malls like Cargills Food City and Arpico Supercentre, both offering a variety of gifts, clothing, and local delicacies.

Recreation

At Ruwanwelisaya, indulge in wellness retreats that offer serene yoga sessions and meditation overlooking the sacred stupa. Enjoy traditional Ayurvedic treatments at local spas, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation amidst lush surroundings, perfect for unwinding after your explorations of ancient Anuradhapura.

Adventure

At Ruwanwelisaya, immerse yourself in Sri Lankan history by exploring the ancient stupa and its surrounding ruins. Engage in guided tours to uncover fascinating stories, or partake in meditation sessions for a peaceful experience. Capture stunning photographs of the magnificent architecture and surrounding landscapes.

Nightlife

While Ruwanwelisaya is known for its historical significance, nearby Anuradhapura offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Enjoy local flavors at the charming eateries, or sip on refreshing drinks at cozy bars that capture the essence of Sri Lankan culture. It's a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ruwanwelisaya

When visiting Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history by exploring nearby temples, archaeological sites, and historic palaces. Enhance your experience by finding comfortable hotels in the area and discovering nearby attractions, including the Mirisawetiya Stupa. This destination offers travelers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation.

  • Sri Maha Bodhi: A sacred temple located 0.4 miles from Ruwanwelisaya, Sri Maha Bodhi is home to a revered fig tree, believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. This serene site offers a profound cultural experience, attracting pilgrims and visitors alike.
  • Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum: Situated 0.3 miles from Ruwanwelisaya, this museum showcases the rich archaeological heritage of Anuradhapura, featuring artifacts that span centuries. The exhibits provide insight into the ancient civilization, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.
  • Anuradhapura Folk Museum: Just 0.2 miles away, this charming museum highlights the traditional lifestyles and customs of Sri Lankan folk culture. Visitors can enjoy displays of local crafts and artifacts that reflect the vibrant heritage of the region.

Best time to go to Ruwanwelisaya

The best time to visit Ruwanwelisaya can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Ruwanwelisaya falls in April, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Ruwanwelisaya falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 RainMostly 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, consider visiting in June or September to October when hotel prices drop. Booking a month in advance often yields the best rates, especially on Sundays, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Utilize Expedia for last-minute deals and packages that combine flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays. Explore the area on foot to enjoy free attractions and local culture without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Ruwanwelisaya about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. To discover the best prices and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Ruwanwelisaya hotel reservation with flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • 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.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia