What to do in Anuradhapura

Activities, attractions and tours

Stupa with exposed red bricks. #stupa #dagoba #Abhayagiri #Anuradhapura #SriLanka
Jaw dropping ... how they built this almost perfect half sphere one brick at a time? #stupa #Ruwanwelisaya #Anuradhapura #SriLanka
A city full of ancient Buddhist ruins
One of the stupas in Anuradhapura
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Anuradhapura Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Anuradhapura has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Anuradhapura, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Anuradhapura with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Anuradhapura, and make it a breeze to explore Anuradhapura and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Anuradhapura to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Anuradhapura, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura attractions

Anuradhapura has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Anuradhapura to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Anuradhapura.

Looking for things to do in Anuradhapura can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Anuradhapura or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Anuradhapura attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Anuradhapura

Number of things to do
99
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Hurulu Eco Park Safari: £15
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Anuradhapura

Popular places to visit

Jaw dropping ... how they built this almost perfect half sphere one brick at a time? #stupa #Ruwanwelisaya #Anuradhapura #SriLanka

Ruwanwelisaya

4/5(3 reviews)

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

Ruwanwelisaya

Sri Maha Bodhi

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Sri Maha Bodhi is just one of the places to see in Anuradhapura, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can seek out the cycling trails while in the area.

Sri Maha Bodhi

Nuwara Wewa

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura when you take a trip to Nuwara Wewa. You can seek out the cycling trails while in the area.

Nuwara Wewa

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 cycling trails while in the area.

Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum

Thuparamaya

4/5(2 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Anuradhapura with a stop at Thuparamaya. You can seek out the cycling trails while in the area.

Thuparamaya

Mirisawetiya Stupa

4/5(4 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura when you take a trip to Mirisawetiya Stupa. You can seek out the cycling trails while in the area.

Mirisawetiya Stupa

Abhayagiri Dagoba

4/5(2 reviews)

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

Abhayagiri Dagoba

Isurumuniya Vihara

Learn about the local history of Anuradhapura with a stop at Isurumuniya Vihara. You can seek out the cycling trails while in the area.

Isurumuniya Vihara

Basawakkulama

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

Basawakkulama

Explore areas of Anuradhapura

As we walked 12km along the roads of Anuradhapura, we felt too tired. Fortunately, this poor looking shop was there. Though the appearance is so, Orange juice made by this lady is delicious. It completely reduced our thirst and tiresome nature. People in these poor villages prefer to do these kind of shops in order to earn something more. Their principal way of earning is agriculture. But it's really difficult to overcome the battle of living as they don't have enough money even to buy primary necessities.

Wijayapura

While there might not be top attractions in Wijayapura, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Nuwara Wewa and Mirisawetiya Stupa.

Wijayapura

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Anuradhapura worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Anuradhapura is visit Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I. Check this leading sight off your agenda, then experience more of the area's walking trails and history.
How do I spend a day in Anuradhapura?
When you've checked off key attractions like Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I and Mahasena's Palace, spend some time enjoying Anuradhapura's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Anuradhapura?
The top tourist attraction in Anuradhapura is Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I, so make sure to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Anuradhapura?
Three days in Anuradhapura is more than enough to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I, Mahasena's Palace and Brazen Palace are among the top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Habarana.
Is Anuradhapura a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Anuradhapura. Several top sights, like Brazen Palace and Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Anuradhapura's best neighbourhoods, New Town is 3 kms (2 miles) away from downtown, while Wijayapura is 2 kms (1 mile) away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Anuradhapura with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Anuradhapura with kids.

What to do in Anuradhapura for adults?
Mirisawetiya Stupa and Anuradhapura Folk Museum are just a few of the things to do in Anuradhapura. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Anuradhapura?
In Anuradhapura, Abhayagiri Dagoba is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Anuradhapura.

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