Anuradhapura, North Central Province

Popular Places in Anuradhapura

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Ruwanweli Maha Seya

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Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Great Stupa, is a sacred Buddhist monument located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Built in the 2nd century BCE by King Dutugemunu, it enshrines the largest known collection of the Buddha’s relics and stands as one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world. The gleaming white dome, rising to over 100 meters, is surrounded by elephant walls and prayer flags, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts visitors seeking ancient architecture, religious history, and a deeply meaningful cultural experience.

Popular Places among Travellers

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Ruwanweli Maha Seya

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Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Great Stupa, is a sacred Buddhist monument located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Built in the 2nd century BCE by King Dutugemunu, it enshrines the largest known collection of the Buddha’s relics and stands as one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world. The gleaming white dome, rising to over 100 meters, is surrounded by elephant walls and prayer flags, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts visitors seeking ancient architecture, religious history, and a deeply meaningful cultural experience.

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Sri Pada Peak / Samanala Kandha

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Sri Pada Peak, also known as Sri Pada Footprint, is a sacred mountain pilgrimage site located in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands. Rising to an elevation of 2,243 meters, the mountain is revered by Buddhists as the site of the Buddha’s footprint, etched in stone at the summit. Pilgrims from across the country ascend the peak during the December to May season, often beginning their journey at night to witness the breathtaking sunrise. The trail offers a spiritually enriching experience combined with lush nature, misty forests, and cultural rituals that have been preserved for centuries

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Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relics

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The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy houses a revered canine tooth relic of the Buddha, making it one of the world's most sacred Buddhist shrine. Constructed in the 17th century within the former royal palace complex, it features classic Kandyan architecture, golden canopy, and intricate carvings. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws pilgrims for daily pujas and the spectacular annual Esala Perahera procession, blending spiritual devotion, centuries of history, and stunning artistry in one iconic cultural landmark.

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Sigiriya / Lion Rock

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Sigiriya, a 5th‑century CE rock fortress in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, soars nearly 200 m above the plains. Built by King Kashyapa I on a granite monolith, it features royal palace ruins, 1,200 stone steps, ancient frescoes of celestial maidens, the iconic Lion’s Gate, mirror wall graffiti, and meticulously landscaped gardens using advanced hydraulic systems. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and often dubbed the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', Sigiriya remains a marvel of architecture, art, and urban planning, enticing history lovers, hikers, and cultural travelers alike.

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Yala National Park

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Yala National Park, spanning approximately 979 km² in southeast Sri Lanka, is the country’s second-largest and most visited wildlife sanctuary. Renowned for hosting the **highest leopard density in the world**, it also shelters elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 215 bird species across diverse ecosystems—from monsoon forests and grasslands to coastal lagoons. Divided into five blocks (two open to visitors), Yala combines thrilling jeep safaris, ancient Buddhist ruins, birdwatching, and occasional coastal wildlife encounters in one unforgettable wilderness experience.

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Galle Fort

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Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is a living colonial masterpiece built first by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch. Enclosed by thick ramparts facing the Indian Ocean, the fort city is home to charming cobblestone streets, Dutch colonial architecture, museums, art galleries, and iconic landmarks like the Galle Lighthouse and Clock Tower. As you stroll past heritage buildings, seaside cafes, and boutique stores, you’ll experience a rich blend of Sri Lankan culture and European legacy. Ideal for sunset walks, cultural tours, and historical immersion

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Mirissa Beach

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Mirissa Beach, located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is one of the island’s most iconic beach destinations, renowned for its golden sands, vibrant surf scene, and laid-back atmosphere. It's a hotspot for whale watching, where travelers can spot blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life during season. The beach is flanked by palm trees and dotted with beachfront cafes, making it ideal for sunrise yoga, surfing, or sipping cocktails by sunset. Nearby, the Instagram-famous Coconut Tree Hill offers a panoramic view of the coastline. Whether you’re a surfer, solo traveler, or honeymooner, Mirissa delivers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

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Nine Arches Bridge

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Located in the charming hill town of Ella, the Nine Arches Bridge is one of Sri Lanka’s most photographed landmarks. This colonial-era viaduct, built entirely of stone and brick, spans across lush jungle and tea fields, making it a favorite for photographers and train spotters. It’s especially magical when a train curves across the arches at sunrise or sunset. The hike to the bridge from Ella town or through surrounding tea plantations offers a peaceful, scenic experience. Whether you’re exploring solo or with family, the bridge’s history, engineering, and natural surroundings make it a must-see in Ella’s hill country.

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Horton Plains & World's End

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Horton Plains National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most dramatic highland landscapes, home to cloud forests, grasslands, and rare wildlife. Located near Nuwara Eliya, it offers the famed 9.5 km loop trail to World's End — a sheer cliff with a 4,000-foot drop offering breathtaking panoramic views on clear mornings. Along the way, you'll encounter Baker’s Falls, herds of sambar deer, and diverse flora and birdlife. With crisp air and surreal natural beauty, Horton Plains is ideal for hikers, nature lovers, and eco-tourists seeking a quiet, unspoiled corner of the Central Highlands.

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Pidurangala Rock

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Pidurangala Rock is a stunning natural viewpoint located just north of Sigiriya, offering panoramic sunrise views of the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock and the surrounding jungle. This moderately challenging hike rewards travelers with one of the best vistas in Sri Lanka. On the way up, you’ll pass through a historic cave temple with reclining Buddha statues and ancient ruins. Often less crowded and more budget-friendly than Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala is ideal for sunrise lovers, photographers, and hikers seeking raw beauty and spiritual calm. It's a perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure just minutes from Sigiriya.

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