Anuradhapura Ancient City
Anuradhapura dates from the sixth century BC and is one of Buddhism's holiest sites, containing the 2,200 year old Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the Indian tree beneath which Buddha found Enlightenment.
Area
Ancient Cities
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
1-2 Hours
Dating back from the sixth century BC, the ancient city of Anuradhapura is one of Buddhism’s holiest sites. It was Sri Lanka’s first Planned City and the First Historical Capital of Sri Lanka, and gives a fascinating glimpse of a stately, well laid-out pre-Christian metropolis of massive Buddhist shrines and monasteries. Anuradhapura offers marvelous views of stepped pools and bell-shaped stups, or dagobas, which can be as much as 340 metres wide and 60 metres high. Its Archaelogical Musuem also contains a number of superb artifacts, which gives a wonderful insight into the beautiful history of this ancient city.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourThe Best of Sri Lanka: Culture, Wildlife & Coast
This carefully curated journey takes you through Sri Lanka’s most enchanting landscapes and experiences, staying at the country’s finest properties. From the ancient wonders of the Cultural Triangle to the serene tea plantations of the Hill Country, the wildlife of Yala, and the pristine beaches of Weligama, this itinerary promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and indulgence.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationUga Ulagalla
Set in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Uga Ulagalla blends restored heritage with contemporary and sweeping reservoir views, a serene sanctuary where culture, nature, and authentic experiences unfold at your pace.
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View AccommodationAliya Resort & Spa
Aliya Resort and Spa is a modern property with stunning views of the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the most important landmarks in the Cultural Triangle. Aliya is surrounded by greenery and the design is inspired by the Asian elephant.
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View AccommodationWater Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya is an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of The Cultural Triangle, inspired by the ancient water gardens of Sigiriya. Expect luxury in a very open and natural setting with the mountainous Sigiriya Rock Fortress as your backdrop.
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View AccommodationCinnamon Lodge
Cinnamon Lodge is a series of small chalet-style buildings dotted around a 27-acre wooded area and next to a lake. The two-storey chalets have recently been refurbished and the property is well-located for exploring the Cultural Triangle.
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View AccommodationAdigar's Manor
Adigar's Manor is a restored ancestral home set in the hills on the edge on the historical city. Spend the days sightseeing in and around Kandy, or simply lazing in the tropical gardens by the infinity pool.
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View AccommodationVil Uyana
Vil Uyana offers spacious luxury dwellings, built over a wetlands area just a few kilometres from Sigiriya. The perfect destination as part of a wider Sri Lankan itinerary, this is a place to relax, unwind, pamper yourself and get back to nature.
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View AccommodationThe Wallawwa
An airport hotel with a difference, this boutique gem is a destination in itself with stylish rooms, mouth watering food and an exquisite atmosphere.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceMinneriya National Park
The amazing Minneriya National Park is renowned for its elephant populations and beautiful scenery. Enjoy a safari drive in search of the Asian elephant, a highlight for many during their tour through this fascinating teardrop isle.
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View ExperienceDambulla Buddhist Caves
Dambulla is an ancient historical site set on a large granite outcrop. The caves at Dambulla are famous for their temples and have been repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries with secular and Buddhist scenes.
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View ExperienceSpiritual journey with Hermit Monks
Enjoy an insider's tour of the birthplace of Buddhism and engage in meaningful interactions with a resident monk, and conclude with experiencing herbal tea and traditional snacks.
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View ExperienceSigiriya Rock
The Sigiriya rock rises majestically from the jungle floor. It is famous for its ‘mirror wall’, so called because of its highly polished surface. Half-way up there are galleries with frescoes in brilliant tempera. Sigirya dates from the 5th century AD.
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View ExperiencePolonnaruwa Ancient City
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa dates from the 10th century AD. Originally planned as an expression and statement of imperial power, the city was eventually abandoned in 1288. Many of the remains are still in excellent condition.
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View ExperienceSafari Jeep to Minneriya National Park
Enjoy a jeep safari to Minneriya Nataional Park , famous for its wild elephants.
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View ExperiencePolonnaruwa - Meet the Monkeys
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the monkeys that occupy the area. These impressive ruins have been carefully preserved and have attracted groups of three diurnal primates. Get up close with these cheeky animals and learn about their behaviour.
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View ExperienceAnuradhapura Cycling Tour
This bicycle tour of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings you to the stupas of Ruwanweliseya, Abayagirl, Jethavana and Samadhi Buddha statue.
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View ExperienceUlagalla - Organic Garden Tour & Cookery Demonstration
Enjoy a guided tour of the organic herb and vegetable garden during your stay at Ulagalla. Here you can pick ingredients for lunch, and then help prepare a traditional Sri Lankan lunch using this fresh produce and an array of spices.
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