How To Reach Ruwanwelisaya

Reaching Ruwanwelisaya Stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilization. The Ruwanwelisaya, also known as the Great Stupa, is one of the city's most venerable and iconic Buddhist structures. Here's how you can reach this sacred site:

By Air

If you're coming from far away, the closest international airport to Anuradhapura is the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. From the airport, the following are your options:

• Domestic Flight: You can book a domestic flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Anuradhapura Airport, which is the nearest airstrip to the city.
• Hire a Taxi: You can directly hire a taxi from the airport to Anuradhapura. It's a journey of about 180 km and can take approximately 3-4 hours depending on the traffic conditions.

By Road

Ruwanwelisaya is accessible via a network of major roads from almost any part of Sri Lanka by car, bus, or taxi:

• Bus: Public buses run regularly from Colombo to Anuradhapura. This is a cost-effective option though travel times can be longer due to stops along the way.
• Private Vehicle or Taxi: Hiring a private taxi or driving a rental car will provide a more comfortable and quicker journey, often taking about 4 hours.

By Train

Taking the train is a scenic and affordable option:

• Train Service: There are daily train services from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura. The journey may take approximately 4-5 hours. Once you reach Anuradhapura train station, you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to reach Ruwanwelisaya.

Local Transport

Upon arriving in Anuradhapura, you can use local transport to reach Ruwanwelisaya:

• Tuk-Tuk: This is a common and inexpensive method to reach the site.
• Bicycle: Many tourists rent bicycles to explore the ancient city and its historic sites, including Ruwanwelisaya.

Remember that Ruwanwelisaya is a revered Buddhist monument, so please dress modestly and respectfully when visiting.