Anuradhapura Ancient City
Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved ruins of temples, stupas, and palaces. It was the center of Sinhalese civilization for over a millennium and remains a sacred city of deep historical and spiritual significance.
Province
North Central Province
District
Anuradhapura
How to get to Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is located about 205 km north of Colombo and can be reached by train, bus, or car.
The train journey from Colombo Fort takes around 4–5 hours and offers a comfortable and scenic ride through the countryside.
Express buses also run frequently from Colombo, Kandy, and Dambulla, taking roughly the same time.
For the most convenience, travelers can hire a private car or taxi, which allows for flexible stops along the way and takes about 4 hours from Colombo.
Anuradhapura, the first great capital of Sri Lanka, is a mesmerizing window into the island’s ancient past. Once a thriving center of politics, religion, and culture, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with majestic stupas, ancient monasteries, and sacred Bodhi trees that have stood for over two millennia. Walking through its vast ruins feels like stepping back in time, where history and spirituality intertwine making Anuradhapura a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to uncover the soul of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization.
