Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and a sprawling UNESCO sacred city of colossal brick stupas, monastic ruins and the world's oldest documented tree.
Anuradhapura was the island's political and religious capital for more than a thousand years and is one of Asia's greatest ancient cities. Its vast Sacred City spreads over many square kilometres of dagobas (stupas), monastery ruins, bathing ponds and reservoirs, all still living places of Buddhist pilgrimage. Highlights include the towering Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stupas and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the Buddha's Bodhi tree. The modern town sits just east of the ruins and makes a convenient base for exploring on bicycle or by tuk-tuk.
Founded in the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura became the capital of Sri Lanka around 380 BCE and reigned for some 1,400 years until it was abandoned in the late 10th century after invasions from South India. It was the centre from which Theravada Buddhism spread across the island following the missionary visit of Mahinda in the 3rd century BCE. The ruins lay overgrown in jungle until rediscovered and excavated under British rule, and the Sacred City was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
The sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the Buddha's own Bodhi tree, said to be the oldest historically documented tree in the world.
A gleaming white dome-shaped stupa and one of the most sacred and revered monuments in the Buddhist world.
A huge brick stupa at the centre of the ancient Abhayagiri monastic city, once a great international seat of Buddhist learning.
A rock-cut cave temple beside a lotus pond, famous for its exquisite ancient stone carvings including the 'Isurumuniya Lovers'.
A colossal red-brick stupa, once among the tallest structures in the ancient world, at the ruins of the Jetavana monastery.
The oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka, a small bell-shaped stupa ringed by slender ancient stone pillars.
Halal and Vegetarian-friendly options are tagged below. Kosher food is not commercially available here; observant travellers usually self-cater or contact a Chabad house.
Sri Lankan · Budget
Garden restaurant with one of the highest ratings in Anuradhapura, serving home-style Sri Lankan rice and curry spreads cooked to order. Small, personal and worth the wait.
Sri Lankan, Western · Mid
Hugely popular family restaurant known for enormous portions — one plate can easily feed two — and consistently friendly service. A favourite with both locals and travellers visiting the sacred city.
Sri Lankan · Mid
Rustic village-style restaurant on Freeman Road serving traditional Sri Lankan curries cooked over wood fires in clay pots. A memorable authentic-cuisine stop near the ancient city.
Sri Lankan · Budget
Budget-friendly local favourite serving authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry and kottu on Maithripala Senanayake Mawatha. Simple setting, big flavours.
Sri Lankan · Budget
Cheerful budget eatery near the new bus stand dishing out traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry with village-style trimmings. Great value for a quick authentic meal.
Indian, Sri Lankan, International · Mid
Anuradhapura's best-known dining landmark on the A12, serving Indian, Sri Lankan and international dishes in generous portions. Draws thousands of reviews for its consistency and value.
Chinese, Sri Lankan, Indian · Mid
Long-established air-conditioned restaurant in the new town serving Chinese, Sri Lankan and Indian dishes. A dependable sit-down choice after a day among the ruins.
Sri Lankan, Indian · Mid
One of Anuradhapura's busiest family restaurants, famed for its lunchtime rice and curry buffet and Indian-style dishes. Popular with tour groups and locals alike.
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