One of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to sacred Buddhist ruins, massive dagobas, and the oldest historically documented tree in the world.
Anuradhapura is in Anuradhapura District, in Sri Lanka's North Central Province. It is 206 km by road from Colombo Fort, about 4 hours 30 minutes by car without traffic. From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) it is 174 km, about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Distances and drive times from Google Maps, checked 2 November 2026.Anuradhapura is in the dry zone, so it can be visited most of the year. February to September is mostly dry, with March and April the hottest months. Most rain falls from October to January, during the October and November inter-monsoon and the northeast monsoon. Go early in the morning in any season, before the heat.
Seasons as set by the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka. What the weather is like right nowRatings and review counts from Google Maps, checked 26 October 2026. Only open places with many reviews are listed.
Little Paradise Restaurant Anuradhapura
4.8★ from 1,016 reviews · Sri Lankan Restaurant
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Sri Maha Bodhi
Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
Jetavanaramaya
Abhayagiri Monastery
The Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree, believed to be grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. At over 2,300 years old, it is the oldest historically documented tree in the world.
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