Anuradhapura: The Ancient Soul of Sri Lanka

“Where history whispers from every stone, and time pauses to pray.”

In the northern plains of Sri Lanka lies Anuradhapura — a city where spirituality breathes through centuries-old ruins, and every brick tells a sacred story. More than just a collection of temples and stupas, Anuradhapura is a journey through time. Once the thriving capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,300 years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Here, lotus ponds mirror cloudless skies, ancient carvings peek from overgrown roots, and saffron-robed monks walk paths once taken by kings and philosophers. The past isn’t behind you in Anuradhapura — it walks beside you.

Where is Anuradhapura & How to Get There?

Anuradhapura is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 200 km from Colombo and 130 km from Kandy.

By Train – Sacred Tracks Through Time

• Route: Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura Railway Station
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Experience: A scenic journey through paddy fields, quiet villages, and forested countryside.
• Pro Tip: Choose early morning or intercity trains with reserved seats for comfort.

By Car or Taxi

• From Colombo: 4.5 to 5 hours via A9 highway
• From Kandy: ~3.5 hours
• Good To Know: Having a car allows for flexible exploration of the vast archaeological zone.

Why Visit Anuradhapura?

“In Anuradhapura, you don’t just see history — you feel it in the wind and hear it in the temple bells.”

Despite being ancient, Anuradhapura is not frozen in time. It’s still a place of living faith and active worship. Locals visit these sacred sites daily — lighting oil lamps, offering lotus flowers, and praying under trees older than most civilizations.

Here are the places that make this city unforgettable:

Sri Maha Bodhi – A Tree That Touched Enlightenment

Planted over 2,000 years ago, this is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. It was grown from a cutting of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. Pilgrims from across Sri Lanka and beyond gather here, their hands joined in prayer beneath the fluttering prayer flags and golden breeze.

Don’t Miss:

• Offer flowers at the base
• Witness evening rituals with candles and chants

Ruwanwelisaya Stupa – A Dome of Devotion

This massive white stupa gleams in the sunlight, surrounded by hundreds of elephant sculptures that seem to guard the structure in silent reverence. Built in the 2nd century BCE, it remains a central place of worship and one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the country.

Note: Visit at dusk — when the stupa glows softly, and monks begin their chants.

Jetavanaramaya – The Towering Brick Wonder

Once the third tallest structure in the ancient world (after the pyramids of Egypt), Jetavanaramaya is a marvel of ancient engineering. Built with over 90 million bricks, it was the tallest stupa in the world at the time and remains an awe-inspiring sight today.

Isurumuniya Temple – Carvings of Love and Legend

Tucked beside a lotus pond, this rock temple is quieter than the grand stupas but just as enchanting. The stone carvings — especially the famous “Isurumuniya Lovers” — are delicate, emotional, and deeply human.

Other Highlights:

• Elephant bathing pond
• Peaceful surroundings ideal for meditation or quiet reflection

Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna) & Samadhi Buddha

• The Twin Ponds, marvels of ancient hydraulic engineering, were once used by monks for bathing.
• The Samadhi Buddha, a serene stone statue in meditation posture, radiates an aura of deep calm.

Where to Eat in Anuradhapura

Though more modest than Ella’s café culture, Anuradhapura has plenty of local restaurants serving authentic Sri Lankan fare.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Rice & curry platter with jackfruit or chicken
• String hoppers with kiri hodi (coconut milk gravy)
• Local sweets like kokis and mung kavum

Popular Spots:

• Mango Mango – Popular with tourists for its tasty rice dishes and fruit shakes
• Casserole Restaurant – Buffet-style Sri Lankan meals
• Walkers Café – Modern fusion and great ambiance

Where to Stay in Anuradhapura

From budget homestays to comfortable heritage-style resorts, you’ll find plenty of places to relax after a day of temple-hopping.

Top Picks:

• Uga Ulagalla – Luxury eco-retreat outside the city with villa-style accommodations
• Rajarata Hotel – Mid-range with a pool and easy access to sites
• Nilketha Villa Eco Hotel – Affordable and close to the archaeological park

What to Buy

While shopping is minimal, you can find:

• Clay Buddha statues
• Wooden masks and handicrafts
• Handwoven fabrics and batik sarongs
• Mini stupas and souvenir prayer beads

Best Time to Visit Anuradhapura

Ideal Season:

• January to May and July to September – Dry weather, perfect for walking and exploring

Avoid:

• October to December due to monsoon rains

Tips for Visiting

• Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) at sacred sites
• Remove shoes and hats before entering temple grounds
• Carry socks — the stone gets hot underfoot in the midday sun
• Hire a local guide or use an app-based audio tour for historical context
• Rent a bicycle or tuk-tuk for easier access around the sprawling site

Final Thoughts: Let the Past Guide Your Present

“You don’t just visit Anuradhapura — you rediscover something sacred in yourself.”

From the rustle of bo leaves at Sri Maha Bodhi to the hum of monks at Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura is not just a place to tick off on your itinerary. It’s a place to pause, breathe, and reconnect — with history, with faith, and with stillness.

If Ella is the dreamer’s escape, Anuradhapura is the soul’s anchor.