What to do and see in Anuradhapura, North Central Province: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

October 26, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

Anuradhapura (Sinhalese: අනුරාධපුරය; Tamil: அனுராதபுரம்) is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka and the capital of Anuradhapura District. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was the third capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata, following the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara.
Restaurants in Anuradhapura

1. Isinbassagala

Medawachchiya, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Isinbassagala

2. Ruwanwelisaya

Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka +94 25 2 222120 http://amazinglanka.com/wp/ruwanveli-maha-seya
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 988 reviews

Ruwanwelisaya

At 300 feet, it is the third biggest stupa in Anuradhapura.

Reviewed By Mithila_kumarasinghe - Doha, Qatar

Ruwanwalisaya is a stupa sacrad to many Buddhist all over the world, It was built by King Dutugamunu, It is believed that the relics of the Buddha are enshrined with the stupa, which is the largest collection of his relics anywhere. Additional tips: * The Stupa quite busy during the poya days, * Men are required to wear long pants and women must cover their shoulders and were lose pants or skirts. * Parking available in walking distance. * Area quite hot during day time * Please protect the site.

3. Ritigala Forest Monastery

Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 305 reviews

Ritigala Forest Monastery

Reviewed By Sambomb - Colombo, Sri Lanka

it has the largest man made pond, build exclusively for buddhist monk, exceptional architectural design, view from the library was amazing, the rationale to build the library at such a location was outstanding, the toilets, ruins of loo, the technology used back in the day is amazing to learn, it has some of the rarest / tallest trees in the country, the hike was amazing, much better than a usual botanical garden walk, Tip: Take a guide who is from that area, it will be rather boring experience without the guide, it's interesting to learn the history as you explore this monastery.

4. Mihintale

Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,383 reviews

Mihintale

Reviewed By malithadissa - Negombo, Sri Lanka

According to legend, it was at Mihintale – literally “Mahinda’s Hill” – that the Indian missionary Mahinda, met and converted King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BC, establishing Buddhism as the island’s state religion. Mahinda was the son of the great Mauryan emperor Asoka, sent by his father to bring word of the Buddha’s teachings to Sri Lanka. Buddhism was immediately embraced with fervour by the Sinhalese people and soon became firmly established in the island – unlike in India, its birthplace, where it would subsequently fall into terminal decline. Mihintale, on a higher plane All over the world, high places are given religious significance, with the result that devotees are always climbing steps. Sometimes on their knees. Mihintale is one such place, its various shrines connected by a total of some 1,840 steps that ultimately lead to the summit – steep enough to require deep breaths and a meditative pace. They were built in the reign of Bhathika Abhaya (22 BC–AD 7), although a later paved road provides a short cut up to the first level.there have so many histrionically place in here

5. Jethawanaramaya Stupa

Watawandana Road B341, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 471 reviews

Jethawanaramaya Stupa

Reviewed By filmg

This stupa left the strongest impression. Hidden by forest overgrowth and abandoned for centuries, the plants enveloping it have been cut away and what you see is what was left. Rustic in appearance and only slightly restored, this stupa also has a small shrine to the Buddha, with a large reclining Buddha statue with offerings laid before it. It has a curious authenticity, and you can best view what these stupas are made of: Millions of handmade bricks. This was once the largest brick structure in the world.

6. Sri Maha Boodhi Temple

Anuradhapura Sri Lanka +94 77 783 5266 http://srimahabodhi.lk
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 536 reviews

Sri Maha Boodhi Temple

Reviewed By 7SE3 - London, United Kingdom

This is a very sacred place for Buddhist all over.The Bo tree is venerated by all Buddhist. You need about half an hour here.

7. Abhayagiri Dagaba

Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

Abhayagiri Dagaba

Reviewed By Ishan1995 - Tangalle, Sri Lanka

it was one of best evening in my life.i was very peceful site i ever visited and also very beautiful place situated in Anuradhapura puja nagaraya.highly recommended place to visit ❤️.

8. Ranmasu Uyana

Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Ranmasu Uyana

Reviewed By isurupremaratne - Gampaha, Sri Lanka

This place is found as the only royal garden in the history of Anuradhapura era. The garden was full of water pools and rock garden huts. The technology used to bring water from Tissa wewa (the tank just few 100-200 m away) to the pools is still undiscovered. There was mechanism to decrease the water pressure and distribute water all over the garden. It is a must visit place to have a look on how the Sri Lankan royals spent their leisure time 1500-2000 year ago. According to legends a famous love story (between Saliya - son of Kind Dutugemnunu - and Asokamala - a low cast girl) took place here. Since the place is not a religious place, you can wear any type of clothing. No need to remove shoes or caps. Reaching Ranmasu Uyana can be done by two ways. One is from the Isurumuniya temple side. Just a 5 minutes walk. Other was is from the Tissa wewa bund road.

9. Nellikulama Temple

Nellikulama, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka +94 25 4 920025
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Nellikulama Temple

10. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Anuradhapura Sri Lanka +94 77 077 6952 http://srimahabodhi.org
Excellent
47%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 635 reviews

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

This city is known as the home of an offspring of the Bo tree where the Buddha found enlightenment.

Reviewed By 307kamalp - Byron Bay, Australia

It is the totally relaxed feeling that one enjoys at this sacred place of worship venerated by the Buddhists from all over the world. Early in the morning surroundings were very tranquil and comfortable, before the area got warmer with the days hot sun and before the premise got filled with larger numbers of devotees. Environment was very calm and conducive for a moment in silent meditation. Entire precinct has so many Bodhi trees escorting the sacred Bodhi tree which is at the highest terrace. It is known to be the oldest surviving planted tree in the world with a recorded history. The granite balustrades are very attractive with beautiful motifs engraved in to them.

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