Top Historical Places in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka | SoulTrek Travel

This blog is a detailed map about the most important historical places in Anuradhapura, covering ancient sites, sacred landmarks, and how they fit into cultural and heritage tours in Sri Lanka.

Quick Facts About Anuradhapura

• UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site

• Historical Role: First ancient capital of Sri Lanka

• Founded: 4th century BC

• Famous For: Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and ancient irrigation systems

• Best Time to Visit: May to September

• Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days

• Location: North Central Province, Sri Lanka

The Significance of Anuradhapura in Sri Lankan History

If you check out travel blogs in Sri Lanka, there are a few cities and locations that are almost always popping up. One of these will be Anuradhapura. 

Anuradhapura was the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka. It has been a political and religious center for over 1,300 years. This historical city started out in the 4th century BC. This also makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. 

Anuradhapura is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is because of the historical and cultural value it brings to the world. There are many ancient sites in Anuradhapura that were built by Sri Lankan kings. They invested heavily in religion and irrigation. 

This city was the heart of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This was after the arrival of Arahant Mahinda. Even today, Anuradhapura is considered one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists. There are thousands of Buddhists visiting the city annually. If you are a Buddhist living in Sri Lanka, you are guaranteed to have visited Anuradhapura at least once in your lifetime. 

The ancient kings built monasteries and stupas throughout the city. It is also very famous for its advanced irrigation systems. These systems and the water reservoirs helped to sustain agriculture and daily life.

Even today, the remains of those irrigation systems are surprising modern engineers. Many ancient places in Anuradhapura are still active religious sites. Anuradhapura played a central role in preserving Buddhist teachings, traditions, and architectural heritage across centuries. 

The city also produced remarkable craftsmanship, evident in its stone carvings, moonstones, and guardstones. There were also educational centers for monks and scholars. It is a city full of religious devotion, not to mention the advanced urban planning. 

Today, it is one of the most sacred destinations for heritage tours.

Read More: Top 8 Anuradhapura Visiting Places | A Blog by SoulTrek Travel

Must-Visit Historical Places in Anuradhapura

There are many impressive ancient sites in Anuradhapura. Some of them are monasteries, reservoirs, and sacred Buddhist sites. 

1. Mihintale

Mihintale is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. 

Back in the day, Arahant Mahinda arrived at Mihintale on a Poson Poya day. On this day, King Devanampiyatissa was out hunting for deer. This exchange between the monk and the king is one of the most told stories in Buddhist history. 

In fact, during the Poson season, you will often see homes and temples build a structure of the Mihintale to signify Buddhism arriving in Sri Lanka. 

1. Kuttam Pokuna (The Twin Ponds)

Kuttampokuna are two beautifully preserved bathing ponds. These ponds were used by monks back in the day. Nowadays, people are not allowed to bathe in the ponds. However, monks are still allowed to dip their feet in the water, just like the ancestors did in the old days. 

The twin ponds show advanced hydraulic engineering. As we mentioned earlier, Anuradhapura has always been very advanced in their urban planning and engineering. 

1. Ratnaprasadaya

Ratnaprasadaya is mainly known for its guard stone carvings. They are made so intricately that it makes us wonder how they were carved without any technology. These carvings represent protection and prosperity. In Buddhist architecture, the Ratnaprasadaaya is one of the most talked-about sites. 

1. Tissaweva

Tissaweva is one of the oldest reservoirs in Sri Lanka. It was built by King Devanampiyatissa. It was constructed in the 3rd century BC. Even now, it supports irrigation and local agriculture. 

The sunset views near the Tissaweva are gorgeous. 

These historical places in Anuradhapura mostly show how advanced the city’s planning was. Each location shows a different part of Sri Lankan life back then. Many cultural tours in Sri Lanka highlight these lesser-known but important historical landmarks.

The Great Stupas and Monastic Complexes of Anuradhapura

1. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is considered the oldest recorded tree planted by humans in the world. 

The tree was planted in 288 BC during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.

It was grown from a sapling of the sacred Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka. The tree is considered sacred by Buddhists around the world.

Pilgrims visit daily to worship here. There are protective walls and golden fences surrounding the tree. The site has been protected continuously for over 2,000 years.

The tree has survived natural disasters, invasions, and weather changes. It is one of the most sacred Anuradhapura attractions.

1. Ruwanwelisaya

Ruwanwelisaya was built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC. It is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa is famous for the elephant wall surrounding the base. These elephants symbolically “support” the structure.

Ruwanwelisaya originally stood at 103 meters tall. It houses sacred Buddhist relics. The stupa is painted white, symbolising purity. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

The stupa has been restored several times throughout history. It is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic Anuradhapura historical sites.

1. Jetavanaramaya

Jetavanaramaya was built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD. It was once one of the tallest buildings in the world. The stupa originally reached around 122 meters in height.

It is one of the largest brick structures ever built. Millions of bricks were used in construction. 

The site was part of the Jetavana Monastery complex. Thousands of monks once lived in the surrounding monastery. The stupa reflects advanced ancient engineering. Archaeological excavations continue around the site. It remains one of the most impressive Anuradhapura attractions.

1. Abhayagiri Dagoba

Abhayagiri Dagoba was built by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC. It was part of a large monastic complex. The monastery once housed around 5,000 monks.

Abhayagiri became a major Buddhist learning centre. The stupa originally stood around 75 meters tall. The complex included libraries, meditation areas, and living quarters.

Foreign monks also visited the monastery. The site includes ruins of ancient buildings and statues. Abhayagiri was one of the largest monasteries in Sri Lanka.

1. Thuparamaya

Thuparamaya is the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka. It was built by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC. The stupa houses the right collarbone relic of the Buddha.

The stupa has a unique bell-shaped structure. Stone pillars surround the stupa. These pillars once supported a protective roof. Thuparamaya was among the first monuments after Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka. The site attracts pilgrims from across the country.

1. Isurumuniya Temple

Isurumuniya Temple was built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The temple is carved into natural rock formations. It is famous for the Isurumuniya Lovers stone carving. This carving is believed to represent a royal love story.

The temple also features ancient rock sculptures. A small pond lies beside the temple. The temple setting is peaceful and scenic. The site includes ancient carvings of elephants. It remains an active Buddhist temple even today.

1. Lovamahapaya

Lovamahapaya is also known as the Brazen Palace. It was built by King Dutugemunu. The building once had nine floors. The structure was supported by 1,600 stone pillars. It was used as a monastery for monks.

The roof was covered with bronze tiles. This gave the structure its name “Brazen Palace.” The building was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Today, only the stone pillars remain.

1. Mirisaveti Stupa

Mirisaveti Stupa was built by King Dutugemunu. It dates back to the 2nd century BC. The king built the stupa after forgetting to share a meal with monks. It was a daily ritual of the king.

The stupa houses sacred relics. It is located close to the Anuradhapura city area. The stupa has been restored several times. It is surrounded by a peaceful temple complex.

1. Lankarama

Lankarama was built by King Valagamba. It dates back to the 1st century BC. The stupa is smaller compared to others in Anuradhapura.

Stone pillars surround the stupa. These pillars once supported a roof structure. The stupa has a circular design. The site is located within the ancient ruins area.

Exploring the Ancient Ruins and Archaeological Sites of Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was a very large city. Historical ruins are spread across a very large area. In fact, Anuradhapura was one of Asia’s biggest ancient cities. 

Many of these structures were built using brick and stone. Some were even made of limestone. Ancient monasteries were built to house thousands of monks. You can imagine how vast this city was. 

There are stone pathways that actually connect these historical sites. There are archaeological excavations even happening today. There is still so much that we are left to discover. 

Many of these ruins show the remains of palaces and administrative buildings. Stone pillars and foundations are still preserved in a lot of areas. There are ancient hospitals and bathing areas. It is also a well-organised city layout. The sacred areas and residential areas were carefully separated. The residential areas are where the Anuradhapura town sits now. 

Many of these places are about Buddhism, but there are also certain places revealing Hinduism and Tamil heritage. These sites make Anuradhapura one of the top heritage tours in Sri Lanka. It is easier to visit these ruins by bicycle or a tuk. Some ruins are even located within forested areas. 

Planning a heritage tour in Sri Lanka?

SoulTrek Travel offers curated cultural experiences across Anuradhapura and the full Cultural Triangle, guided by knowledgeable local experts who bring the history to life.

Anuradhapura and Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Anuradhapura is part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. This means that this city, combined with Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, make up one of the most common cultural tours in Sri Lanka. 

The area is very easy to explore within a couple of days. There are guided tours to explain the stories behind the ruins. Visiting in the early morning is advised. Firstly, to avoid the heat, and secondly, to beat the morning crowds. 

Sunsets give you beautiful views of the stupas. It is better to wear comfortable footwear because you will have to do a lot of walking and remove your shoes a lot. 

You can bring an umbrella or shawl to protect yourself from the heat, but keep in mind that they will not be allowed inside temples.

The Central Cultural Fund, Sri Lanka is the primary government body that manages and preserves these heritage sites. Reach out to them for more information!

Travel Tips for Visiting Anuradhapura

Visiting these historical places will require some planning. These sites are sacred places, so you must be very respectful to the culture and people. 

Here are some travel tips for your next heritage tour;

• Wear modest clothing when visiting temples.
• Shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Remove shoes before entering temples.
• Carry water due to warm weather.
• Start early in the morning. Bring sunscreen and hats.
• Respect religious customs.
• Avoid loud behaviour at sacred sites.
• Photography may be restricted in some areas.
• Hire local guides for better understanding.
• Stay hydrated throughout the visit. Rent bicycles for easy movement.
• Plan rest stops during tours.

Read our complete guide to Heritage Tours in Sri Lanka.

Plan Your Heritage Tour with SoulTrek Travel

At SoulTrek Travel, we are constantly on the lookout to see how we can improve our tours and to make them ethical.

We promote responsible tourism practices. We also support local communities and businesses. Our tours do not overcrowd sensitive heritage sites. We are very mindful about hiring local guides from nearby communities. 

Our guides are knowledgeable on culture and religion. They will also give you the most authentic local experiences for reasonable prices. We are very focused on using sustainable travel methods too.

Read more about our sustainable touring practices here!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the most famous sacred sites in Anuradhapura?

Some of the most famous historical places in Anuradhapura include Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiri Dagoba, and Thuparamaya. Other notable ancient places in Anuradhapura include Isurumuniya Temple, Mihintale, and Kuttam Pokuna.

• How much time is needed to explore the places in Anuradhapura?

Most travellers spend one to two days exploring the sacred sites in Anuradhapura. Since the ancient places in Anuradhapura are spread across a large area, taking your time allows you to visit the major stupas, monasteries, and reservoirs comfortably.

• Are there guided cultural tours in Sri Lanka covering Anuradhapura?

Yes, many guided heritage experiences in Sri Lanka include Anuradhapura as part of the Cultural Triangle. Guided tours help travellers understand the history, architecture, and religious importance of these heritage sites. Tour operators like SoulTrek also offer curated heritage tours in Sri Lanka that include Anuradhapura.

• What should I wear when visiting historical places in Anuradhapura?

When visiting archaeological sites in Anuradhapura, it is best to wear modest clothing. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and you will need to remove shoes when entering temples and sacred areas. Light and comfortable clothing is recommended due to the warm weather.

• Why is Anuradhapura a vital stop on heritage tours in Sri Lanka?

Anuradhapura is one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka and home to some of the most important Buddhist landmarks. The archaeological sites in Anuradhapura reflect over 2,000 years of culture, religion, and architecture, making it a key destination on heritage tours in Sri Lanka.

We pride ourselves in helping you explore Sri Lanka in an ethical and meaningful way. 

If this is something that you’re interested in, reach out to our team and plan your next heritage tour in Sri Lanka.