Sri Lanka travel guide
What to see in Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka’s first capital, with giant stupas and a sacred tree.
Updated 18 October 2026 · How we make our guides
- 5 must-see places
- Best time: from October to May
Anuradhapura highlights
The places you can’t miss. In the app we sort them by day and close to each other.
- Sri Maha Bodhi
A tree said to come from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
- Ruwanwelisaya
A huge white stupa.
- Jetavanaramaya
One of the largest stupas of the ancient world.
- Isurumuniya
A rock temple with the carved lovers.
- Mihintale
Where Buddhism arrived on the island.
Day trips from Anuradhapura
We take you straight to the best-rated tour on GetYourGuide, with its reviews and dates.
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When to travel to Anuradhapura
The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Anuradhapura are from October to May. If you can, avoid July, August (monsoon).
- Jan no warnings
- Feb no warnings
- Mar no warnings
- Apr no warnings
- May no warnings
- Jun with warnings
- Jul with strong warnings
- Aug with strong warnings
- Sep with warnings
- Oct no warnings
- Nov no warnings
- Dec no warnings
- from June to September
Monsoon
From June to September it rains heavily, especially in Kerala, Goa and Mumbai; roads get cut off and trains run late.
What to do: If you travel then, Rajasthan gets less rain, and Ladakh is at its best.
Where and what to eat
To eat like a local: a rice & curry place. The dishes you can’t miss are in the Sri Lanka guide.
Frequently asked questions about Anuradhapura
What to see in Anuradhapura?
Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Isurumuniya and Mihintale.
What to see in Anuradhapura in one day?
Don’t miss Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Isurumuniya and Mihintale. To split it into days and areas without crossing the city back and forth, the Bagintravel app plans your trip in a minute.
What’s the best time to travel to Anuradhapura?
The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Anuradhapura are from October to May. If you can, avoid July, August (monsoon).
What day trips can you take from Anuradhapura?
Anuradhapura.
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More in Sri Lanka
Guide reviewed 18 October 2026. Places, areas and seasons: the same data the Bagintravel app uses. Sources and method.