Anuradhapura District

The heartland of Sri Lanka's ancient kingdom, where thousand-year-old stupas face the sacred Bodhi tree, alongside wildlife parks.

Anuradhapura District is located in the dry plains of north-central Sri Lanka, once the capital of the island's ancient kingdoms. The ancient city is a World Heritage Site and a Buddhist sanctuary. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri Vihara form the core of the ancient city, while the Samadhi Buddha Statue, Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna), and Isurumuniya Rock Temple are also worth a close look; nearby Mihintale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and the Aukana Buddha statue is majestic and exquisite. Wilpattu National Park offers wildlife viewing. October to December sees more rain, while the rest of the year is more suitable. It can be reached by train or bus from Colombo.

Destinations

• Anuradhapura
• Sigiriya & Dambulla

Itineraries

• Sri Lanka Classic Loop – From ancient cities, the Temple of the Tooth, and tea country to Yala and the southern coast, cover the island's top hi…
• Island-Wide National Park Wildlife Safari – A wildlife-focused route linking Wilpattu, Minneriya, Sinharaja, Yala, and Mirissa.
• Sri Lanka Highlights – Connect Sigiriya, Kandy, the scenic tea country train, Ella, and Galle in one week.
• Deep Dive into the Northern Peninsula & Islands – Travel from Anuradhapura to Jaffna, then return via Mannar and Wilpattu.
• East Coast Monsoon Beach Route – From May to September, travel from north to south visiting Trincomalee, Pasikudah, and Arugam Bay.
• Sri Lanka & Maldives Twin-Destination Tour – Spend the first 8 days exploring the Cultural Triangle and tea country, followed by 6 days of relaxation in the Male At…