Places to Visit in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, Asia

Places to Visit in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, Asia

Anuradhapura is one of the major cities of Sri Lanka and the capital city of North Central Province, located at a coordinates 8°21′ N 80°23′ E. The city of Anuradhapura is spread over an area of 14 sq. km. and is located about 196 kms from the national capital Colombo. The Postal Code of Anuradhapura begins from 50000.

Anuradhapura is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the country known for its well-protected spoils of traditional Sri Lankan culture. Also it is considered as one of the sacred places of Buddhists.

History of Anuradhapura:

Anuradhapura is one of the continuously colonized regions in the globe and it is believed that, the city was founded between 4^th and 5^th century BC. After Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara, it served as the centre of Rajarata Kingdom.

How to reach Anuradhapura?

Anuradhapura has good connectivity with both road and railway and well connected with Colombo, Jaffna, and Kankesanthurai through Northern railway line. Tourists can board trains at Anuradhapura Railway Station located 4 kms away from the city. It takes nearly 4 hours to reach capital city of the country Colombo by bus from Anuradhapura and most of the major cities buses departs from Anuradhapura New Town Bus Stand.

Anuradhapura Airport is located 2.5 kms away from the heart of the city with daily flights to Colombo.

Cuisine, Culture and Shopping in Anuradhapura:

The higher percentage Anuradhapura population covers local Sinhalese (91.42), followed by Sri Lankan Moors (6.75), Sri Lankan Tamils (1.50), Indian Tamils (0.08) and Burgher, Malay (0.24). Sinhala is a widely spoken language in Anuradhapura and some natives speak Tamil as well.

Anuradhapura is one of the cultural hubs of the country, well known for its historical places of Rajarata Kingdom period. Also the city famous for the handicraft product shops with variety of items like replica relics, carved wooden figures, earrings, masks and pillows. Tourists can pick musical DVDs, sari, photos of gods and colorful ornaments at the shops located in the centre of the city.

Nuwara Wewa Guesthouse and Wewa guesthouse offers Sri Lankan, Indian and Western countries cuisine. Cargills Food City is a small departmental store contains different Western products and fresh meat as well. Anuradhapura houses only 2 alcohol shops and drinking in public places is prohibited.

Tourist Attractions in Anuradhapura:

Bodhi Tree Temple:

After the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Bodhi Tree Temple is considered as the 2^nd most holy place of Sri Lanka. It is visited by higher majority of Buddhists devotees.

Ruwanwelisaya:

Ruwanwelisaya is a historical stupa and a major worship centre of Anuradhapura with four small stupas.

The Archaeology Museum:

The Archaeology Museum exhibits religious and cultural relics of country located in the centre of Anuradhapura City.

Other tourist attractions near Anuradhapura include:

The Folk Museum
Jetavana
The Citadel
The Moonstone
The Western Monasteries
Lovamahapaya
Abhayagiri Dagaba
Moonstone
The Ruwanweli Saya Stupa

Best time to visit Anuradhapura:

The ideal months to holiday Anuradhapura are from April to September.

Accommodation Options in Anuradhapura:

The major hotels of Anuradhapura offers the facilities of restaurant, bar, swimming pool, doctor on call, dry cleaning, laundry, 24 hour electricity and internet connectivity and meditation facility. The best hotels in Anuradhapura are: