Anuradhapura, dating back to the 5th century BC, was once the capital of the Sinhala Kingdom of Rajarata and a pivotal center of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Today, it offers a captivating opportunity to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s vibrant Buddhist culture.

When we talk about visiting Anuradhapura, we especially want you to experience the impressive Ruwanwelisaya Stupa. Standing at approximately 92 meters tall with a circumference of around 290 meters, this sacred stupa was built in the 2nd century BCE to enshrine a relic of the Buddha's collarbone, making it an important religious site for Buddhists worldwide. However, it’s not just the monument itself that leaves an impression—it’s the deeply spiritual atmosphere surrounding it.

The air is buzzing with devotion, creating a welcoming embrace that invites participation or, at the very least, makes it easy to observe the pilgrims’ individual rites.

From the moment you arrive at the parking lot, where vendors sell coconut oil lamps, lotus flowers, and other offerings, you’ll feel a genuine warmth. It's a heartening gesture when a vendor, after selling a few oil lamps, offers a handful of lotus flowers free of charge:
"So you can offer them to Buddha."

There is no barrier between visitors and religious devotees—you are more than welcome to light a candle or simply observe and take photos. As you wander around the vast stupa, you'll witness monks fulfilling their duties, couples praying for blessings, and families uniting in their hopes for a brighter future. The melodies of Buddhist chants, chiming bells, and chirping birds fill the evening air, occasionally accompanied by the rhythmic beats of a Buddhist "band" fervently drumming and blowing horns in prayer. Time seems to slow down as you absorb the mesmerizing scene.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is after 5 PM, when the holy site comes alive with pilgrims from across Sri Lanka and the Buddhist world. As the sun sets behind the stupa, the flickering oil lamps cast a mesmerizing glow, making for an unforgettable experience. Allocate 1–2 hours to fully soak in the atmosphere.

DO take a moment to sit on the ground and immerse yourself in the ambiance—it's truly magical.

DON'T wear shorts or skirts that do not cover your knees, and be prepared to walk barefoot, as shoes are not allowed inside.

Ride2xplore extra tip: Make sure you take the time to walk a bit further and visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, another sacred site well worth exploring.