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Top reasons to visit Anuradhapura

• Historic Temples and Monuments: Anuradhapura is renowned for its ancient temples and impressive monuments, providing a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.
• Outdoor Activities: The region offers various outdoor adventures, including guided tours, meditation sessions, and sunset picnics, perfect for nature lovers.
• Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking landscapes and stunning stupa views create a picturesque backdrop for visitors to enjoy.
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with local traditions and customs, enhancing your understanding of Sri Lankan culture.
• Diverse Accommodation: Anuradhapura boasts a range of lodging options, catering to all types of travellers.

Find great hotels in and around Anuradhapura

Discover a range of delightful accommodation options in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, perfect for every type of traveller. Whether you seek a family-friendly guesthouse, a pet-friendly hotel, or facilities tailored for business trips, Anuradhapura has something for you. Explore the best hotels and lodgings in the area, ensuring a memorable stay while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city.

• Rajarata Hotel: Situated in the heart of Anuradhapura, Rajarata Hotel boasts a guest rating of 8.0 and is an ideal choice for travellers seeking adventure or business travel experiences. This hotel features a range of exciting adventure sports and recreational activities available both onsite and nearby, such as bicycle rentals, hiking, and fishing opportunities. The property offers comfortable lodging amidst a vibrant atmosphere, catering to those who wish to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka whilst enjoying modern amenities and services.
• Heritage Hotel: Heritage Hotel exudes a warm family-friendly charm, making it a suitable lodging option for those seeking a relaxing spa-themed getaway or a business trip. Located in Anuradhapura, this hotel offers a variety of amenities designed for families, including a children’s pool, arcade game room, and first aid facilities. Guests can unwind at the onsite spa or enjoy the outdoor pool, complete with sun loungers and a poolside bar. The property’s focus on family-friendly services creates a welcoming environment for guests of all ages.
• Uga Ulagalla - Anuradhapura: With an impressive guest rating of 9.6, Uga Ulagalla is a luxurious resort located merely 19km from Anuradhapura, perfect for those seeking an adventurous family holiday. This exquisite property offers a range of activities such as onsite horse riding, hiking, and mountain biking, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature. Families will appreciate the amenities catered to children, including a playground and supervised childcare services. The combination of luxury and adventure makes Uga Ulagalla a standout choice for discerning travellers.

Where to stay in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a remarkable destination for those seeking adventure and scenic beauty. With its rich historical significance, the city offers warm hospitality and tranquil stays at places like Uga Ulagalla. Explore stunning stupa views and immerse yourself in the local culture, making it an ideal spot for family outings and outdoor activities. The combination of budget-friendly options and breathtaking landscapes ensures a memorable holiday experience in this enchanting region of Sri Lanka.

• New Town: Nestled in the heart of Anuradhapura, New Town is a charming village that invites travellers seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. The area experiences moderate seasonal visitor traffic, with peaks in July and the festive period from December to January. Here, you can explore recreational spaces, vibrant shopping centres, and a delightful shopping mall. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the close proximity to a national park and a serene beach, making it an excellent spot for both relaxation and exploration.
• Attikulama: Also situated in Anuradhapura, Attikulama is a quaint village renowned for its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities. Similar to New Town, visitor numbers peak during July and from December to January, with a slight dip in May to June and October. The area is perfect for adventure seekers, offering access to various national parks and an urban park that showcases the region's natural beauty. Attikulama's tranquil environment makes it an ideal location for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
• Wijayapura: Located around Anuradhapura, Wijayapura is a vibrant neighbourhood that caters to families and those looking for city-themed experiences. The area sees a moderate influx of visitors throughout the year, with peak times in July and December to January. Wijayapura boasts access to a delightful beach, an urban park, and a nearby national park, providing a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Families can enjoy various recreational activities, making it a lovely spot for a memorable holiday.

Things to do in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. Visitors can explore shopping centres and recreational areas while enjoying day trips and tour packages. Activities such as guided tours, meditation sessions, and sunset picnics add to the charm of this historical city, making it a perfect spot for a well-rounded holiday experience.

Shopping

In Anuradhapura, explore local markets like the Anuradhapura Central Market for fresh produce and handicrafts. If you're up for a drive, the nearest shopping mall is the Mahindapura Shopping Complex, featuring various retail outlets and eateries to enhance your shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience tranquillity at the Kandy Samadhi Centre, where you can partake in yoga sessions amidst serene surroundings and enjoy holistic treatments that rejuvenate the mind and body. For outdoor relaxation, explore the stunning ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, immersing yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

Adventure

In Anuradhapura, explore the ancient ruins by bike, traversing the vast sacred city with its impressive dagobas and temples. For a more immersive experience, hike through the nearby Mihintale, an iconic site with stunning views and rich history, ideal for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Nightlife

Anuradhapura's nightlife offers a blend of culture and relaxation. Enjoy a serene evening at the historic Abhayagiri Monastery, or unwind at local restaurants serving traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. For a lively atmosphere, visit nearby cafés where you can savour delicious sweets and engage with friendly locals.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Anuradhapura

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Anuradhapura are May to June and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January to March, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Anuradhapura is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Anuradhapura is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Anuradhapura is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You may find it more economical to combine your hotel reservation in Anuradhapura with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, located in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. The area boasts a rich array of temples, historic monuments, and ancient palaces, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the region's fascinating history and scenic beauty. Whether you're interested in adventure or exploring cultural heritage, Anuradhapura promises a memorable holiday experience.

• Ruwanwelisaya: This magnificent stupa, one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka, showcases stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. Its serene atmosphere invites reflection and reverence, making it a must-visit for those interested in Buddhism.
• Nuwara Wewa: A picturesque reservoir, Nuwara Wewa offers a tranquil escape with its scenic surroundings. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the water's edge, taking in the beauty of nature while immersing themselves in the local culture.
• Sri Maha Bodhi: Home to a sacred fig tree, said to be a descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, this temple is a spiritual focal point. The serene environment and intricate architecture make it a profound experience for visitors.

Best time to go to Anuradhapura

The best time to visit Anuradhapura is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	75.7°F (24.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
February	77.5°F (25.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	82.9°F (28.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	82.4°F (28.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	82.4°F (28.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
September	81.7°F (27.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Anuradhapura

Flying into Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, typically involves arriving at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is situated 138km away. Convenient accommodation options near the airport include Sentido Heritance Negombo, located 8km away, and Jetwing Beach, 10km away, both offering airport shuttle services. Additionally, Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, a luxury adults-only resort, is 6km from the airport and also provides easy access. These hotels ensure a comfortable stay with convenient transportation options to Colombo (CMB) for your journey to Anuradhapura.