Plan 01
1 day in Anuradhapura
- 01
Day 1: Stupas in the morning, a long break, ponds at dusk
Buy your ticket early and start at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya while the ground is still cool, with shoes off and shoulders covered. Add the Thuparamaya and, if you wish, the Samadhi Buddha statue. Take lunch and a rest through the hot hours. In the afternoon drive to Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri, then finish at Kuttam Pokuna. Check closing times for the main archaeological area, which has been reported as 5 pm, before you plan the last stop.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi About 45 minutes to 1 hour Easy Early morning, or dusk for the lamp-lit atmosphere; poya days are very busy Ruwanwelisaya About 45 minutes Easy Early morning or dusk; poya evenings are crowded Thuparamaya About 30 minutes Easy Early morning or late afternoon Samadhi Buddha Statue About 20 minutes Easy Morning light Jetavanaramaya About 40 minutes Easy Morning or late afternoon Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) About 20 to 30 minutes Easy Morning, when the ponds are best lit Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
Plan 02
2 days in Anuradhapura
- 01
Day 1: The sacred core
Begin at the Sri Maha Bodhi, then walk to Ruwanwelisaya and look at the ruins of the Lovamahapaya between them. Visit the Archaeological Museum before lunch, as its rooms are shaded. After a rest, see Thuparamaya and Mirisawetiya in the late afternoon light.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Ruwanwelisaya About 45 minutes Easy Early morning or dusk; poya evenings are crowded Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) About 20 to 30 minutes Easy Morning Thuparamaya About 30 minutes Easy Early morning or late afternoon Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Hill and monastery
Go to Mihintale first thing and climb its steps while the granite is still cool. Return for lunch, rest, then visit Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiri and Kuttam Pokuna. If you have energy, end at Isurumuniya, near Tissa Wewa, for the evening light on its pond and carved elephants.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Mihintale Half a day Demanding Early morning; Poson is very busy Jetavanaramaya About 40 minutes Easy Morning or late afternoon Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) About 20 to 30 minutes Easy Morning, when the ponds are best lit Pace: Mihintale involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.
With parents at Mihintale: The staircase is long and bare-foot, with limited shade. Older visitors can stop at the lower terraces and the ruins at the foot, which are easier. Heat and hot stone are the main hazards, so go early.
Plan 03
3 days in Anuradhapura
- 01
Day 1: Bodhi tree and great stupas
Spend the morning at Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya and Lovamahapaya. Visit the Archaeological Museum after lunch and see Thuparamaya at dusk.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Ruwanwelisaya About 45 minutes Easy Early morning or dusk; poya evenings are crowded Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) About 20 to 30 minutes Easy Morning Thuparamaya About 30 minutes Easy Early morning or late afternoon Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Monasteries and ponds
Visit Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri in the morning, then Kuttam Pokuna. After a rest, see the Samadhi Buddha statue and Mirisawetiya.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Jetavanaramaya About 40 minutes Easy Morning or late afternoon Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) About 20 to 30 minutes Easy Morning, when the ponds are best lit Samadhi Buddha Statue About 20 minutes Easy Morning light Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 03
Day 3: Mihintale and Isurumuniya
Climb Mihintale early, take your time at the Ambasthala dagoba and Aradhana Gala, and return for lunch. Spend a calm afternoon at Isurumuniya and Tissa Wewa, or use the day to continue to Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa or Dambulla, each of which has its own Raahzo guide.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Mihintale Half a day Demanding Early morning; Poson is very busy Pace: Mihintale involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.
With parents at Mihintale: The staircase is long and bare-foot, with limited shade. Older visitors can stop at the lower terraces and the ruins at the foot, which are easier. Heat and hot stone are the main hazards, so go early.
Read before you go
Guides for the stops on these routes
Pacing
Pacing a Anuradhapura trip for parents and children
- Start at opening time. The ancient city has little shade and the ground is hot from mid-morning; shoes must come off at every sacred precinct, so carry socks or wear thin ones if the venue allows them.
- Hire a tuk-tuk or car with a driver for the day. The monuments are spread over several kilometres and walking between them in the sun is tiring.
- Wear white or light, modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees. White is the usual colour for worship at the Sri Maha Bodhi and the Ruwanwelisaya.
- Mihintale has about 1,840 steps. Climb in the early morning, stop at the landings, or visit only the lower terraces if you have knee or heart concerns.
- Pack water, a hat and sunscreen, and plan a rest at midday. Poson, usually in June, and full-moon (poya) days bring large crowds.
- Take travel insurance with medical cover. Carry regular medicines, and check where the nearest hospital is before you travel.
Book the pieces
Stay close to the route
Pick a base near the first day's sights. Our guide to where to stay in Anuradhapura compares the areas.
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