Anuradhapura: How to Go, Where to Stay, and What to Do

Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and fascinating ancient cities. Known for its impressive ruins, giant stupas, and deep Buddhist heritage, it’s a must-visit destination if you’re exploring the Cultural Triangle.

In this post, I’ll share how to get to Anuradhapura without passing through Colombo, where to stay, what to do, and practical tips to make the most of your visit.

Where to stay in Negombo close to Colombo Airport.

If you’re landing at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport and want to skip the hustle of Colombo city, the best option is to head straight to Negombo.
From the airport: Take a short taxi ride or tuk-tuk to Negombo town (around 20 minutes).

If you arrive late at night, you can find a good hostel close to the rmain road where the bus stops

If you are looking for a one night hostel, nice, cheap and well located to go to Anuradhapura early the next day, take a look at the Wattle Inn. It was really a total win. Close to the airport (not in Colombo city) and next to the main road where you can take the bus to Anuradhapura. This way you can avoid the transport from the airport to Colombo city centre (35km).

Check availability and Special deals.

From Colombo to Anuradhapura

From Negombo you can catch a local bus on Route 4, which connects Negombo directly with the north and the ride takes about 5–6 hours.
Buses are frequent, cheap, and much more fun that the typical luxury, sleeper buses. Local people is so kind and funny,
This way, you save time, avoid Colombo traffic, and start your journey north smoothly.

I was coming directly from Philippines, and as I am not used to that kind of beach life for so long, I was really feeling the need of returning to more spiritual and sacred experiences.
Even thought I have to admit that the islands I was coming from were a pleasant and an unexpected surprise, as I discovered many off the beaten path places and friendly people in the Philippines (from Siquijor to Port Barton and Coron, and even in the “most touristic” village of El Nido).

But you only need a few hours in the country to realize that its people are super nice and friendly and they want to talk to you and know your history behind the backpack. Happiness again.

Where to Stay in Anuradhapura

After 5/6 hours your bus should arrive at Anuradhapura, and you can walk near the New Town to find a place to sleep.
Looking for a good budget-friendly option? I highly recommend staying at Hotel Shalini.

Why stay there:
✔ Affordable and comfortable rooms
✔ Centrally located near New Town
✔ Great local tour guide (Rameez) who offers authentic and insightful tours of Anuradhapura and Mihintale

👉 Check availability at Hotel Shalini here

What to Do in Anuradhapura

1. Visit Mihintale

Just 13 km east of Anuradhapura, Mihintale is located in a beautiful hill and it’s where the presence of Buddhism was started in Sri Lanka. Caves, stupas, monasteries, a buddha statue, monkeys everywhere,…You can do the visit in a couple of hours.

Climb the steps to the hilltop for panoramic views.
Explore ancient stupas, caves, statues, and monasteries.
Watch playful monkeys roaming freely around the sacred sites.

👉 (Tip: Visit Mihintale in the evening you arrive — it’s less crowded and cooler.)

2. Explore the Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Spend at least half a day exploring the ancient ruins, stupas, and temples scattered across a vast area. Major highlights include:

Ruwanwelisaya Stupa – a massive, sacred stupa.
Sri Maha Bodhi Tree – believed to be the world’s oldest tree planted by humans.
Jetavanaramaya – once the tallest stupa in the ancient world.
Isurumuniya Temple – known for its beautiful carvings.

👉 (Tip: Start your visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.)

Practical Tips for Visiting Anuradhapura

Entrance Fee: There’s a ticket fee for the Sacred City (around $25 USD).
Transport: Renting a bicycle or tuk-tuk for the day is the easiest way to get around the sprawling sites.
Clothing: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting religious sites.
Local Guides: Hiring a knowledgeable guide (like Rameez at Hotel Shalini) will give much deeper meaning to your visit.
Next Destination: After Anuradhapura, you can easily catch a bus to Polonnaruwa, another ancient city worth visiting.

Traveling to Anuradhapura is about more than just sightseeing — it’s about immersing yourself in the deep spiritual roots of Sri Lanka. Slow down, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy this unforgettable experience.

One of the most meaningful moments of my time in Anuradhapura was thanks to Rameez, who took me to visit what will become the largest Buddhist pagoda in Sri Lanka—currently under construction. I had the rare opportunity to step inside the structure, witness the incredible scale of the project, and even take part in the building process.

In Buddhist tradition, contributing to the construction of a sacred site earns spiritual merit, believed to improve one’s karma and future rebirths—or perhaps even bring one closer to enlightenment. It was a humbling and unforgettable experience, deeply rooted in the values that make this city so special.

After 2 intense first days in Sri Lanka, I was already totally immersed in the flow of their hospitable people. I was feeling alive and truly connected with humanity and the universe again.
Yes, that’s why we travel! It’s not only about visiting monuments and taking pictures.

Next stage: Polonnaruwa.

TIP: If you took my advice of getting up early and visit Anuradhapura in the morning, you will be able to take a bus the same day to Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient city in Sri Lanka. I will tell you more useful tips about this beautiful place in my next post.

👉 Next: Check out my guide to Polonnaruwa here!