Anuradhapura  is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka and the capital of Anuradhapura District. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilization. It was the third capital of the kingdom of Rajarata, following the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara.

The city, now a World Heritage Site, was the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. The city lies 205 km (127 mi) north of the current capital of Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu River. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura city area spreads about 7,179 km².  Anuradhapuara population 50,595 (2012)

Climates of  Anuradhapura

In Anuradhapura, the dry season is windy and it is hot, oppressive, and overcast year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 72°F to 94°F and is rarely below 68°F or above 98°F.

The best time of year to visit Anuradhapura for hot-weather activities is from late December to mid-march.

Traveling from Colombo to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura has many tourism places and beautiful, Eye-pleasing views, places to visit.  If you come for the vacation there are many hotels, Resorts and so many Historical places and so many outdoor activities to do for your enjoying. 

If you are planning a vacation in Anurdhapura. You want to reach Anuradhapura from Colombo, the best way is by Bus or Train. Then you will be able to experience the beauty of the surroundings. Or you can use private vehicles. Add it to your list of places to visit if you're looking for a chilled out, relaxing few days in Sri Lanka.

If you are travelling from Anurdhapura to Colombo you can see temples, Eight Wold heitges and many more places.

Top Attractions in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura has so many places to visit.

• Jayanthi vihraya (3.1km)
• Kadireshan Kovil (3.1km)
• Isurumuniya (4.5km)
• Thisa Wewa (5.1km)
• Brazen place (5.1km)
• Lowamahapaya (5.1km)
• Sri Maha Bodhi (5.3km)
• Ranmasu Uyana (5.3km)
• Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura (5.5km)
• Ruwanweliseya (6.2km)
• Thuparamaya (6.6km)
• Jetavanaramaya Monastery (6.7km)
• Anuradhapura Ruins (7.7km)
• Lankarama dagoba (8.1km)
• Smadhi Budda Statue (8.7km)
• Abhayagiri viharaya (9.1km)
• Ratnaprasadaya (9.6km)
• Mihintale (23.4km)
• Wilpattu National Park (38.6km)

Other Attractions little far from Anuradhapura

• Ritigala (53.6km)
• Kala wewa (55.3km)
• Aukana (55.6km)

Sri Maha Bodhi

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most ancient trees which are living even today standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The tree is believed to have sprouted from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya in India, where Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment. The tree is an authentic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is often respected as the oldest tree in history which has a recorded date of the plantation.

Ruwanweli Mahaseya

The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka.

Outdoor Activities in Anurdhapura

Historical & Wildlife Safari

You can visit The Eight World Heritages and willpttu Nationl park.. you can get this experience going ina Jeep. It’s wonderful experience. You must not miss this experience. It is possible tp experience the historical beuty of Srilanka.

Anuradhapura History & Kingdom

Anuradhapura was founded by a minister of King Vijaya whose name was Anuradha. King Vijaya of an Indo Aryan origin arrived in Sri Lanka on the latter part of the 6th Century BC and started the settlement by the side of Malwathu Oya (River Malwatu) . Anuradhapura remained as a Kingdom for almost 15 centuries and was a prominent political and trade center in South Asia during this period.

It is said that the Sinhala nation has originated from the natives of the island and the Indo aryans like Vijaya and followers, who came and settled in the island from around 6th Century BC and there onwards. The native clans were called as Yakshas and Nagas.

In the 4th century BC, King Pandukabhaya made Anuradhapura the capital of his Kingdom.

Around 250 BC , King Asoka became the Emperor of India and became a Buddhist. His son and the daughter were ordained as a Bhikku and a Bhikkuni (Buddhist priest and a nun named Mahinda and Sangamitta) and became Arhat.[Mahinda is called Mihindu in Sinhalese]

Emperor Asoka sent nine Buddhist delegations to nine countries and due to the close links with the King of Anuradhapura, Devanampiya Tissa , Emperor Asoka sent one of the deligations comprising Arhat Mahinda to Sri Lanka.

Arahath Mihidu met the King Devanampiyatissa at a place called Mihintale Rock about 12 kM from Anuradhapura on a Poson (June) Full Moon day and embraced Buddhism after a dialogue among the two.

Arahath Mahinda spent rest of his life in Sri Lanka and with the patronage of the King, started the Gauthama Buddha Sasanaya ( Buddhist order of the Lord Gauthama Buddha ) in Sri Lanka.

Then started an era of culture interwoven with Buddhist philosophy that created an agricultural based society.

Later Anuradhapura became a ruined city and the architectural remains can still be seen and gives a glimpse of what had been the country at that time.

Anuradhapura Hotels

Anuradhapura hotels are reasonably priced though a popular tourist’s destination. There are with all modern amenities and wonderful view.