City or town ·

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, was a centre of power and religion for around 1,300 years. Its ancient city brings together monasteries, shrines and waterworks; explore it in sections, allowing time for pauses.

White Ruwanweliseya stupa in Anuradhapura in morning light.
Photo by Roshan Kumara Source: Pexels Licence: Pexels License
The place

What makes it special

  • Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya and Lovamahapaya form a focal area of pilgrimage and monumental architecture.
  • Abhayagiri, Jetavanaramaya and Kuttam Pokuna reveal monastic complexes and their pools.
  • Reservoirs and channels show how water shaped the urban landscape.
Travel atlas

Articles in Anuradhapura

Guides to this place

1 article
journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 02/10/2026