Anuradhapura is one of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka. The place is admired a lot and is of the areas that are highly explored. Anuradhapura can be called as a representation of Sri Lanka’s early civilization.
Anuradhapura was once the capital of the island. It was during the ancient days. All the major rulers of Sri Lanka used to live by this place. The city was celebrated as the capital for about six hundred years.
To protect the wilderness and the prosperity of the city, the title was taken away. The town was later abandoned due to the internecine struggles as a result of the growth of royal succession. The city was more vulnerable during those days.
This place is also a pilgrimage for Buddhists, and the location is visited by a large number of people who follows the religion.
Anuradhapura is also one of the sacred heritage sites. This place show-off the pride through sites like Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Jetavanaramaya, Kuttam Pokuna, and more.
Since the place carries a lot of significance in Sri Lankan history, the tourism industry is well developed here.
The city is said to be settled by Anuradha, who was a follower of Prince Vijaya, the founder of Sinhala Race. King Pandukanhaya made the city capital in 380 BC.
The city was celebrated as a model of planning. The place was protected from huntsmen, scavengers, and even foreigners. The city was vibrant with its facilities like hospitals, stays, pilgrimage centers and was quite developed in case of water supply too.
There is an artificial reservoir that still exists, which was named after the king himself. It was later renamed to Baswakkulam.
Anuradhapura is not like any other cities in Sri Lanka. The place holds a significant place in the history and is still treated with all respects.
A trip to Anuradhapura is going to be one of the best you have ever experienced. It provides you everything you need and will make you feel comfortable once you reach here.
The place is quite a royalty and expects to be surprised by Anuradhapura’s grace and elegance.
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How to Reach Anuradhapura
You can use many ways to reach Anuradhapura from the capital city, Colombo. You can either board a bus or use train services. Board a bus from Colombo which has a stop at Putlam.
From there you can easily find buses to Anuradhapura. The travel expenses through buses are of low cost. If you are using the train service, you will need only three and a half hours to reach Anuradhapura.
Train service is one of the quickest and cheapest ways of transport. You can even hire a taxi (Uber) from Colombo to Anuradhapura.
The journey will take at least 4 hours to reach the destination. For a four people trip, Uber is an excellent choice. Or you can go with the option of hiring a tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuk is more flexible, and the journey is fantastic. It takes almost 5 hours for a tuk-tuk to take you to the destination.
Things to do in Anuradhapura
1. Hot Balloon Ride
Hot Balloon Ride is one of the exciting activity in the whole world which do not need words to support it. Humans love to fly. Then why not miss an opportunity to make that dream come true.
The balloon ride is entirely different from the traditional serial traveling. The ride does not need any specialized training or any physical stress. The ride is meant to be enjoyed the whole without worrying about other things.
The best season considered for balloon traveling is from November to April. The ride is completely safe, are you are provided with licensed pilots.
Along the ride, you will get to enjoy the complete tropical paradise of Sri Lanka. The rugged mountains, lakes, rivers, the green trees, and the city altogether offer you a great view. One suggestion would be to take the ride during the mornings since you will be getting the best of the views.
2. Wildlife Safari
Anuradhapura is home for Wilpattu National Park. The park is worth visiting, and it will make your trip the most interesting. When you are in Anuradhapura, one of the best things to do is go for a jeep safari along the park.
There are modern jeeps available, which are safe and secure, all ready to take you through a fascinating tour. The park safely nurtures almost 30 about species of different mammals.
Some include Spotted Deer, Sambar, Buffalo, Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri, Elephant, and Mongoose. There are park houses here which is also known as Natural Lakes, which are just like dots covering the landscape that offers a great view.
3. Trekking
Anuradhapura is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for trekking. The location is the favorite spot for a lot of backpackers and hitchhikers.
The journey along the city is grueling and adventurous. All trek lovers are welcome to Anuradhapura as it speaks for herself. You will fall in love with her.
4. Camping
One of the adventurous things to do in Anuradhapura is to go for a nature camping. Exploring by camping right in the heart of the nature is the thrilling, and the excitement is the one you never want to miss.
Wilpattu National Park offers everything you need for the perfect camping experience. The park allows you to camp within 7 km from the park’s entrance and 500 meters around the boundary of the park.
There are tents and accommodations available with all facilities and food options. You are also given the choice of visiting the Habarana Camping Site in which you can go for elephant corridor camping.
5. Jungle Kayaking
Another thrilling experience in Anuradhapura is Jungle Kayaking. A tour along the wildlife forest gives you the chills for a lifetime. The golden sunlight, the dragonflies, and a close look at the wildlife make the visit an incredible one.
There will be a guide with you, who narrates the story of the jungle along the way. You will also be provided with lifejackets and binoculars for safe and secure kayaking.
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6. Bicycle Excursion
A bicycle ride along the city is the best way to discover the simplicity of Anuradhapura. The rides are so calming and exciting as you may get to see some exotic birds and some glimpse of the wildlife too.
The bicycles can be rented for a reasonable price and make sure you ride along with your safety gears.
7. Boat Trip
If there is one thing in Anuradhapura that you should never miss by any cost, it will be the boat trip along the coastline. The beauty of Anuradhapura cannot be expressed through words.
It is soothing to eyes, and the experience will remain in your memories for a long time. Thousands get attracted to this place every season. The rain forest along the beaches, the graceful views of the rivers and the mesmerizing boat experience will make you feel heavenly.
The boat tours are one of the most tourist-attracting activities in Anuradhapura. Here you are left with the option of choosing a cruise or a private boat for the trip. Make this boat trip one of the tops in you Anuradhapura’s bucket list.
Where to Eat in Anuradhapura
1. Seedevi Family Restaurant
Seedevi Family Restaurant is one of the restaurants in Anuradhapura, which offers both Asian and Sri Lankan menu. They prepare food with modern cooking methods combined with traditional techniques and advanced equipment.
The ambiance and the hospitality here makes the visitors comfortable, which makes them come back whenever they are in Anuradhapura. The restaurant uses locally grown ingredients; the food is quite delicious too. A recommendation would be Chinese style meats, Indian and Sri Lankan style meats.
The location is No 562/B/1, Jayanthi, Mawatha, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka.
2. Mango Mango
Mango Mango in Anuradhapura serves Sri Lankan, Indian, Asian cuisines. The restaurant is known to be a great place for Indian food.
The place uses Indian herbs and spices, which gives the food authentic Indian taste. You can enjoy most of the North Indian foods here.
Some of the must-try dishes of this restaurant will be Kadisa Panner, Mutton biriyani, and Panner Ka Tikka. The hospitality is impressive, and the restaurant is quite famous in Anuradhapura.
The location of this restaurant is Jayanthi Mawatha Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura 50000, Sri Lanka.
3. Little Paradise
Little Paradise is the place you should visit if you would like to try local dishes. The restaurant is famous for the dishes, and the visitors admire the hospitality here.
The place is located near to the airport, and the guests are offered a stay in the restaurant too. The guests are provided with free Wi-Fi connectivity and free parking slots.
The menu is mostly Asian, and Sri Lankan and some of the recommended dishes are buffalo Curd, Chicken, Veg Curries and Rice with Mutton.
The restaurant’s location is 622/18, Godage Mawatha, Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura 50000, Sri Lanka.
Where to Stay in Anuradhapura
1. Swasthi Holiday Resort
The swasthi holiday resort is one of the most loved cottages in Anuradhapura. The place is well maintained and clean and tidy.
The cottage has a beautiful garden, a great terrace view, and the place ambiance for a relaxing vacation. The resort is located 6km away from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
Here you can enjoy free Wi-Fi and offers complimentary toiletries for their guests, delicious Asian dishes, and great hospitality. You can rent bicycles from the place and enjoy a ride bike ride.
The location of the cottage is Sri Maha Bodhi Mawatha, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
2. King City Resort
Located 7km away from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, King City Resort is the next in our list. The resort is also 8 km away from the famous Twin Ponds of Kuttam Pokuna in Anuradhapura.
The cottage offers luxurious facilities and spacious room. The facilities include a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi connectivity, kettle, a flat-screen TV, and cable channels.
The place provides delicious continental food, and there is a 24-hour help desk facility for the comfort of the guests. The hospitality here is appreciable, and you will feel comfortable with the stay.
The location is 335/17, Bandaranaike Mawatha, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
3. Diamond Lake Tourist Rest
Another best suggestion for cottages in Anuradhapura is Diamond Lake Tourist Rest. This resort is also 6km away from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. The cottage offers modern facilities to the guests.
The rooms are spacious and clean. The place offers free Wi-Fi connectivity, a lounge area, airport transfer services, rented bicycles, and there is also a 24-hour help desk for assistance. The menu here includes English, Asian, and Irish.
The location is 522/5, Kumbichchan Kulama Wewa Road, Agbo 16th, Anuradhapura 50000, Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura is a place with a lot of places to explore. Your trip to Anuradhapura will give you experiences for a lifetime. The place is so attractive and is loved by everyone who happens to reach this part of Sri Lanka.
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Some of the historical places in Anuradhapura are Abhauagiri Monastery, The Thuparama Dagoba, Brazen, Ruwanweliseya, Smashi Buddha, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Kuttam Pokuna, Isurumuniya, and Mirisawati Dagoba. The places will be one of the most beautiful places you have ever visited.
Sri Lanka as a lot to offer considering its history and legacy. The place is close to perfection when it comes to tourism. The above-mentioned tourist spots are overwhelmed with myths and stories.
Exploring these places leaves you with a great impression of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is a place for both entertainment and enrichment.
You will be enjoying and learning Anuradhapura at the same time. The place leaves you such an impression that there is a lot more to explore.
Hence you keep coming back. The place is loved and admired for what it offers. You never get tired of Anuradhapura.
