Find hotels in Anuradhapura from £12

Top reasons to visit Anuradhapura

• Ancient Ruins: Anuradhapura boasts remarkable ruins and sacred sites that reflect its rich history and traditional elegance.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Anuradhapura through its significant monuments and ancient temples.
• Outdoor Adventures: The city offers captivating outdoor activities, perfect for those seeking adventure amidst scenic beauty.
• Convenient Accommodation: A variety of lodging options, from guesthouses to hotels, cater to every traveller's needs.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Nearby regions provide excellent opportunities for family outings and recreational fun.

Find great hotels in and around Anuradhapura

Discover a variety of accommodation options in Anuradhapura, from charming guesthouses to well-equipped hotels. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly retreat, a pet-friendly stay, or a business-themed experience, Anuradhapura offers something for every traveller. Explore popular establishments like Rajarata Hotel and other resorts in the area, ensuring a comfortable base for your adventures in this historic city.

• Rajarata Hotel: Rajarata Hotel offers a refined experience for business travellers, with a 3.5-star rating that reflects its commitment to quality and service. Nestled in Anuradhapura, this hotel features essential business amenities, including a well-equipped Conference Centre and Meeting Rooms. Its professional atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for those seeking to blend work with travel. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and convenient location, which provides easy access to local attractions while ensuring a productive stay.
• Heritage Hotel: The Heritage Hotel, rated at 3 stars, is a welcoming retreat for both families and business travellers. Located in the heart of Anuradhapura, it combines comfort with family-friendly amenities. Families will delight in the designated children’s pool, arcade game room, and playground, ensuring that younger guests are entertained. The hotel also offers Meeting Room facilities, making it suitable for corporate gatherings. Visitors often praise the warm atmosphere and accessible services, making it a perfect choice for a balanced vacation experience.
• Uga Ulagalla - Anuradhapura: For those seeking a luxurious escape, Uga Ulagalla - Anuradhapura is a stunning 5-star resort located 7.5km from Anuradhapura. This property offers a unique blend of business amenities, family-friendly services, and indulgent spa facilities. Guests can enjoy a full spa experience with daily treatments and adult supervision required at the pool. Children are well catered for with supervised childcare and a shared playground, ensuring a relaxing experience for parents. The tranquil setting and exceptional service make Uga Ulagalla a top choice for an unforgettable getaway.

Where to stay in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, a city steeped in ancient history, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the remarkable ruins and sacred sites that reflect its traditional elegance. Nearby regions provide a perfect escape for family outings, while the town itself boasts a convenient location to experience both historical and recreational vibes. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Anuradhapura and its surroundings promise an unforgettable getaway.

• New Town: Nestled in the heart of Anuradhapura, New Town offers a vibrant village atmosphere characterised by its seasonal influx of visitors. The peak tourist months, January to February and August, bring a lively ambience perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its proximity to stunning natural landmarks such as beaches, national parks, and mountains, New Town serves as an ideal base for exploration. Additionally, the local shopping centre and mall provide ample opportunities for retail therapy, making it a delightful spot for both relaxation and adventure.
• Attikulama: A charming village located near Anuradhapura, Attikulama is known for its family-friendly environment and urban appeal. Visitors flock here in January and during the July to August period, drawn by the area's outdoor activities and city-themed experiences. The nearby national park and urban park offer serene landscapes, perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics with loved ones. Attikulama's proximity to the beach also makes it a great spot for those looking to unwind and enjoy some sun and sand.
• Nuwarawewa: Another picturesque village in the vicinity of Anuradhapura, Nuwarawewa is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. The village sees a moderate number of travellers, especially from January and July to August. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby national and urban parks, which provide breathtaking views and opportunities for exploration. Nuwarawewa is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of Sri Lanka's natural landscape while enjoying a variety of adventurous activities.

Things to do in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for a city break. Explore local shopping centres and malls, or unwind in recreational areas. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, there's plenty to engage the curious traveller and create unforgettable memories.

Shopping

Anuradhapura offers a delightful shopping experience with local markets like the Anuradhapura Central Market, where you can find traditional handicrafts and fresh produce. If you're up for a drive, head to the more extensive shopping options at the Abhayagiri Shopping Complex, around 7.5km away, for a wider selection.

Recreation

Experience the tranquil ambiance at the Anuradhapura Meditation Centre, where you can engage in guided meditation sessions amidst serene surroundings. For rejuvenation, the Eco Wellness Retreat offers Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes, allowing you to unwind and connect with nature in a peaceful setting.

Adventure

Anuradhapura offers an exhilarating experience with its ancient ruins and sacred sites. Explore the breathtaking Sri Maha Bodhi tree, trek through the ancient city’s pathways, and discover the majestic stupas. Don't miss the opportunity for cycling tours around the historic sites, immersing yourself in the rich culture and history.

Nightlife

Anuradhapura's nightlife is tranquil yet vibrant, perfect for a relaxed evening. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants like the Mango Tree, or sip a drink at the Heritage Bar. For a cultural experience, catch a traditional dance performance nearby.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Anuradhapura

To save money during your trip to Anuradhapura, consider visiting between May to June or October, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a hotel about a month in advance typically yields the best rates, and you might find last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Anuradhapura are May to June and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January to February and April, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Anuradhapura is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Anuradhapura is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Anuradhapura is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Anuradhapura with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura offers a captivating blend of outdoor adventure, historical exploration, and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking cultural experiences. You can visit remarkable temples, significant monuments, and historic sites that showcase the rich heritage of the region. Be sure to immerse yourself in the heart of Anuradhapura, where the essence of its vibrant culture comes alive, ensuring an unforgettable holiday in this ancient city.

• Ruwanwelisaya: This magnificent stupa, one of the largest in Sri Lanka, stands as a symbol of the rich Buddhist heritage of Anuradhapura. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a serene atmosphere for reflection and meditation, showcasing intricate carvings and a golden pinnacle that glistens in the sun.
• Kuttam Pokuna: Known as the Twin Ponds, Kuttam Pokuna is an exquisite example of ancient hydraulic engineering. These beautifully constructed ponds, used for ritual bathing, are adorned with terraced steps and stunning stonework, inviting visitors to appreciate the artistry and tranquillity of the site.
• Mirisawetiya Stupa: This ancient stupa, steeped in history, is believed to house sacred relics. Its impressive structure and peaceful surroundings make it a wonderful place to explore the spiritual significance of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich past.

Best time to go to Anuradhapura

The best time to visit Anuradhapura is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average 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 Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	75.7°F (24.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
February	77.5°F (25.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	82.9°F (28.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	82.4°F (28.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
June	82.4°F (28.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	81.7°F (27.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average