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Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka · City · LKR · 8.355000, 80.390000
Family friendly 6.7/10 · Rank 1024 of 2 709
Best season: January-September

Best for

Anuradhapura is an ideal place for pilgrims, history and archaeology lovers. Recommended for those who want to touch ancient Buddhist culture. Least suitable for beach and nightlife lovers.

Best season

January-September

Daily budget
$61.00 (≈ 5 119 ₽ · ≈ 18 910 LKR)
For 7 days
$427.00 (≈ 35 834 ₽ · ≈ 132 370 LKR)
Anuradhapura is the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, one of the sacred cities of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its ancient stupas, monasteries, and the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be the oldest in the world. It is an important pilgrimage site and historical centre.
Summer
34.0°C
Winter
22.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Anuradhapurans are deeply religious people, proud of their ancient history. They are friendly and hospitable, but reserved. The atmosphere is imbued with the spirit of Buddhism.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Ancient Buddhist shrines
  • Stupas and the Bodhi tree
  • Rich history
  • Peaceful atmosphere
  • Inexpensive
  • Fewer tourists than on the coast

Cons

  • Very hot
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few entertainment options
  • No beach
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.7°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
34.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
34.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
25.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
29.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
22.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
October-December
Attractions

Ruwanwelisaya (Ruwanweli Maha Seya)

A huge white stupa, one of the most sacred in Sri Lanka. Built in the 2nd century BC.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

A sacred Bodhi tree grown from a shoot of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The oldest documented living tree in the world.

Jetavanaramaya

A huge stupa that was once the tallest brick structure in the world. A UNESCO site.

Abhayagiri

A monastic complex with ruins, stupas and reservoirs. One of the largest ancient monasteries.

Thuparamaya

The first stupa built in Sri Lanka, dating to the 3rd century BC.

Isurumuniya

An ancient temple with rock-cut figures and a pond. Known for the 'Lovers' relief.

Best areas

Sacred City

The heart of Anuradhapura with temples, stupas and the Bodhi tree. Ideal for pilgrimage.

New Town

A modern area with hotels, markets and restaurants.

Must-try food

Kiribath

Rice porridge with coconut milk, cut into diamonds. A traditional dish for special occasions.

Kottu roti

Chopped roti with vegetables, egg and meat. Popular street food.

Young jackfruit curry

Vegetarian curry of unripe jackfruit with coconut milk.

Fish curry

Spicy fish curry with coconut milk and spices.

Coconut sambal

A spicy condiment of grated coconut, onion and chilli pepper.

Ceylon tea

The famous Ceylon tea.

Where to go next

Mihintale

A sacred mountain where Buddhism first came to Sri Lanka. 12 km away.

Wilpattu

A national park with wildlife. 2 hours away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт имени Бандаранаике (CMB).
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Visa
Visa requirements
ETA required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
January-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 3 100 LKR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 13 950 LKR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 24 800 LKR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$140.00
≈ 11 749 ₽ · ≈ 43 400 LKR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 31 000 LKR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 15 500 LKR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 1 240 LKR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 3 100 LKR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 620 LKR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 930 LKR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.40
≈ 34 ₽ · ≈ 124 LKR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 1 550 LKR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 1 240 LKR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 775 LKR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 1 240 LKR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 12 400 LKR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 310 LKR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 620 LKR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 9 300 LKR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 2 170 LKR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 3 720 LKR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 10 850 LKR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 7 750 LKR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 2 480 LKR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 2 480 LKR
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Frequently asked questions
Anuradhapura: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is January-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Anuradhapura: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +34.0°C, during the day — up to +34.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Anuradhapura: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +22.0°C, during the day — up to +29.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Anuradhapura: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on October-December. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Anuradhapura: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $61.00 (≈ 5 119 ₽ · ≈ 18 910 LKR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Anuradhapura: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $10.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $45.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $140.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $100.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Anuradhapura: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $4.00, dinner at a restaurant — $10.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.40. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Anuradhapura: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $2.00, car rental — $30.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Anuradhapura: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Ruwanwelisaya (Ruwanweli Maha Seya) — A huge white stupa, one of the most sacred in Sri Lanka. Built in the 2nd century BC.; Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi — A sacred Bodhi tree grown from a shoot of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The oldest documented living tree in the world.; Jetavanaramaya — A huge stupa that was once the tallest brick structure in the world. A UNESCO site.; Abhayagiri — A monastic complex with ruins, stupas and reservoirs. One of the largest ancient monasteries.; Thuparamaya — The first stupa built in Sri Lanka, dating to the 3rd century BC.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Anuradhapura: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Kiribath — Rice porridge with coconut milk, cut into diamonds. A traditional dish for special occasions.; Kottu roti — Chopped roti with vegetables, egg and meat. Popular street food.; Young jackfruit curry — Vegetarian curry of unripe jackfruit with coconut milk.; Fish curry — Spicy fish curry with coconut milk and spices.; Coconut sambal — A spicy condiment of grated coconut, onion and chilli pepper.; Ceylon tea — The famous Ceylon tea.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Anuradhapura: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Sacred City — The heart of Anuradhapura with temples, stupas and the Bodhi tree. Ideal for pilgrimage.; New Town — A modern area with hotels, markets and restaurants.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Anuradhapura: is a visa required?
Visa: ETA required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Anuradhapura: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт имени Бандаранаике (code CMB). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Anuradhapura: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — LKR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $61.00 (≈ 5 119 ₽ · ≈ 18 910 LKR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Anuradhapura: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Anuradhapura: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Anuradhapura: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Mihintale — A sacred mountain where Buddhism first came to Sri Lanka. 12 km away.; Wilpattu — A national park with wildlife. 2 hours away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.7/10
Overall rank: 1024 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 317

Best season

January-September

Useful information

Currency: LKR
Coordinates: 8.355000, 80.390000