Visit Anuradhapura
- Lake
- Essential
- Unesco World Heritage
Anuradhapura: How to get there?
5 hours by bus from Colombo
Anuradhapura: See when to go?
From January through April
Anuradhapura: For how long?
One day
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Anuradhapura Holidays
205km north of Colombo, Anuradhapura is the largest city of the beautiful Cultural Triangle. If the new town does not charm you, you should not miss the splendours of the ancient city.
Anuradhapura: What to see nearby?
What our travellers think of their stay
Anuradhapura is the old capital of Sri Lanka, and today a holy city acknowledged as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1982.
My suggestion
If you have already passed by Polonnaruwa and have had your fill of old stone, you can always avoid paying the high fee to visit the historic park. There are many free sites, you just have to find them
In the countryside, around 200 kilometres north of Colombo, Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka until the eleventh century. The modern city faces the ancient city which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
My suggestion
Devote a whole day to visiting the archaeological site which will plunge you into the heart of the life of Sri Lanka. Set off early to take advantage of the morning 'coolness' (from 7 am). Watch out for the light-fingered monkeys!
205km north of Colombo, Anuradhapura is the largest city of the beautiful Cultural Triangle. If the new town does not charm you, you should not miss the splendours of the ancient city.
My suggestion
The site is too spread out to cover it on foot and the placement of the ruins is too badly-signposted to go there by bike. I advise you therefore to visit on a tuk-tuk.
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Sigiriya’s Lion Rock
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Modern Wonder of the World: Galle Fort
if you're interested in the history of Sri-Lanka you mustn't miss the old city of Galle. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely the most beautiful legacy of the colonial period. You'll love wandering around the cobbled streets of this city which is unique in Sri Lanka.
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