Things to do in Anuradhapura

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Koray Koymen
Photo by Koray Koymen
Photo by Eva Johnson
Photo by Eva Johnson
Photo by Ii Rosna
Photo by Ii Rosna
Photo by Botak Jon
Photo by Botak Jon
Photo by Koray Koymen
Photo by Koray Koymen

Anuradhapura Attractions

It's hardly surprising that so many people head back to Anuradhapura year after year. This charming city is overflowing with wonderful things to do. Whether you're interested in visiting tourist attractions or having a go at more thrilling activities, you won't have a dull moment here.

If you're ready to hit the streets of Anuradhapura, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an experienced guide show you some of the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {62 fun activities in Anuradhapura fun activities in Anuradhapura} are also worth a look.

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What to do in Anuradhapura

Free Things to Do in Anuradhapura

There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Anuradhapura. The following won't even cost a dollar.

Abhayagiri Dagoba - Gain an understanding of local religious beliefs at this sacred place.

Things to Do in Anuradhapura with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you go in Anuradhapura. Here are some family friendly experiences you can try together that promise to make your escape unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Anuradhapura? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Anuradhapura

Thousands of people visit Ruwanweli Stupa a day. So, buckets full of lotus and many other flowers are collected in this way. Lotus seeds have become one of the most preferred food for the monkeys who live near the stupa. This monkey also ate lotus seeds for a long period and I took loads of photos.

Ruwanwelisaya

5/5(10 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Anuradhapura with a trip to Ruwanwelisaya. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Ruwanwelisaya
Offerings at the jaya sri maha bodhi or the temple of the sacred bodhi tree in anuradhapura, Sri Lanka #petersoeteweyphotography #wanderlust #srilanka #anuradhapura #jayasrimahabodi #sacredbodhithree

Sri Maha Bodhi

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Find out about the history of Anuradhapura with a stop at Sri Maha Bodhi. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Sri Maha Bodhi
Ancient palace ruins

Kuttam Pokuna

4/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura when you take a trip to Kuttam Pokuna. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Kuttam Pokuna
Stupa with exposed red bricks. #stupa #dagoba #Abhayagiri #Anuradhapura #SriLanka

Abhayagiri Dagoba

5/5(5 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura with a stop at Abhayagiri Dagoba. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Abhayagiri Dagoba
Thuparamaya is a dagoba in Anuradhapura. It is a Buddhist sacred place of veneration. Mahinda Thera, an envoy sent by King Ashoka himself introduced Theravada Buddhism and also chetiya worship to Sri Lanka. At his request King Devanampiyatissa built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the collarbone of the Buddha. It is considered to be the first dagaba built in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism. This is considered the earliest monument, the construction of which was chronicled Sri Lanka. The name Thuparamaya comes from "stupa" and "aramaya" which is a residential complex for monks.

Thuparama Dagoba

5/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura when you spend time at Thuparama Dagoba. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Thuparama Dagoba

Nuwara Wewa

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura with a stop at Nuwara Wewa. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Nuwara Wewa

Thuparamaya

5/5(9 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Anuradhapura when you stop by Thuparamaya. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Thuparamaya

Mirisawetiya Stupa

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura with a stop at Mirisawetiya Stupa. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Mirisawetiya Stupa

Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum

4/5(1 review)

You can study the exhibits at Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Anuradhapura. You can seek out the biking trails while in the area.

Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Anuradhapura

At the end of our day at Anuradhapura, we kept walking to our hotel. On the way, we saw this monkey was eating some fruits. This creature is endemic to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it presents all over the Island. They live as groups and kind of the time they become too aggressive. So, if you capturing them when they are too close to you, keep it in your mind to switch off the flasher.

Wijayapura

While Wijayapura might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Nuwara Wewa and Sri Maha Bodhi.

Wijayapura
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Anuradhapura worth visiting?
Famous for its walking trails and history, discovering cool things to do in Anuradhapura is easy. Be sure to add Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Anuradhapura?
Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I and Brazen Palace are two excellent places to start your adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Anuradhapura while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Anuradhapura?
Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I is one of the top tourist attractions in Anuradhapura and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Anuradhapura?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I, Brazen Palace and Mahasena's Palace with a three-day break in Anuradhapura. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Habarana.
Is Anuradhapura a walkable city?
Some top sights in Anuradhapura, including Brazen Palace and Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 miles from the city center of Anuradhapura is New Town and Wijayapura is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Anuradhapura with kids?
Deciding what to do in Anuradhapura with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Anuradhapura for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of Mother Nature, there are lots of things to do in Anuradhapura for adults including Mirisawetiya Stupa and Anuradhapura Folk Museum.
Are there free things to do in Anuradhapura?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Anuradhapura is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Abhayagiri Dagoba is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.