Amazing Accommodation In Anuradhapura: Our Top 12 Choices [WITH PICS]

Cazzy Magennis
Written By:
Cazzy Magennis
Last Updated:
April 27, 2020
Anuradhapura is bursting with great places to stay, but to help you out, I've listed my top 12 picks of accommodation in Anuradhapura and where we stayed!
accommodation in Anuradhapura

If you're backpacking around Sri Lanka for at least a week or more, then you need to visit Anuradhapura.

You also need to make sure you're staying in some amazing accommodation in Anuradhapura!

Well, thankfully I’ve done my research when looking for my own accommodation, and I’ve put together 10 hotels and guest houses that are perfect for your trip!

All the accommodation in Anuradhapura that I mention will have a rating from booking.com because it’s the booking site that Brad and I always use to book Anuradhapura hotels.

The choice of hotels and guesthouses in Anuradhapura is a real treat and there is truly something to suit everyone from budget backpacker to mid-range seekers and those who enjoy a touch of luxury.

Each selection of that I’ve listed will have a little £ sign located to it, and that will indicate the budget range as follows:

  • £: Budget delight [anything under £10 each a night based on two people sharing]
  • ££: Mid-range special [anything between £10 to 30 each]
  • £££: Luxury choice [anything above £30 each]

So sit back and start getting excited about where to stay in Anuradhapura.

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1. Rajarata Hotel ££

This 4-star hotel is a perfect touch of luxury for a stay in Anuradhapura.

It boasts an outdoor swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring, bbq facilities and offers stylish rooms.

 Rajarata Hotel in Anuradhapadura

Special features:

  • In-house restaurant
  • Free WiFiCar rental available
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast included

Card payments are possible

Cost: Prices start at £51 per night for a double room based on two people sharing

Rating: 8.0

Book your stay here.

2. Kubura Resort ££

Another 4-star piece of accommodation in Anuradhapura that offers fantastic services, stylish rooms, and an outdoor pool in beautiful surroundings overlooking rice paddies.

There is also a garden for relaxing and all rooms come with air conditioning. This truly looks like a beautiful place.

Kubura Resort in Anuradhapura

Special features:

  • Free WifI
  • In-house restaurant
  • Breakfast included
  • Cash payments only
  • Half board and full board available (at minimal extra cost!)

This is a fantastic choice of accommodation in Anuradhapura simply because of its great value.

Cost: prices begin at £47 per night per double room based on two people sharing.

Rating: 8.1

Book your stay here

3. Lion rest  £

Looking for budget accommodation in Anuradhapura? Then this is a great choice.

This simple, yet stylish accommodation offers double, triple and family rooms with private bathrooms. Rental bikes are also possible.

Lion rest hotel in Anuradhapura

Special features:

  • Free WifI
  • Close to railway station
  • Breakfast is available
  • Cash only payments
  • Good location

Cost: Prices start at £9 a night per double room based on two people sharing.

Rating: 8.3

Book your stay here

4. Heritage Hotel ££

Located in the cultural centre of the UNESCO heritage site that is Anuradhapura, you can’t get closer to the action than with this accommodation in Anuradhapura.

A 4-star hotel boasting luxury and an outdoor swimming pool.

heritage hotel in Anuradhapura

Special features:

  • Free Wifi
  • Breakfast possible
  • Half board option possible
  • Balcony rooms
  • Good location
  • On-site restaurant
  • Card payments accepted

Cost? Prices begin at £54 per night per double room based on two people sharing.

Rating: 7.1

Book your stay here

5. Villu Villa £

Another great budget accommodation in Anuradhapura.

This is an authentic family run homestay which offers simple and comfortable rooms and an outdoor pool perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Air-conditioning in rooms is offered and there is free breakfast for genius members of booking.com (to become a genius, you need to book three times!)

Special features:

  • Free Wifi
  • On-site restaurant
  • Laundry services available
  • Air conditioning as standard
  • Cash payments only

Cost? Price begins at £15 per night for a family room based on two people sharing. (Price drops to £13 for genius members)

Rating: 7.8

Book your stay here

6. The Lakeside at Nuwarawewa £££

With beautiful rooms, stunning views and a fabulous outdoor swimming pool, this accommodation in Anuradhapura is perfect for those seeking relaxation.

It’s located on the lake so naturally in a beautiful setting, and all rooms come with a minibar, private bathroom and aircon.

the lakeside in Anuradhapura

Special features:

  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor garden for relaxing
  • BBQ facilities
  • Bike rental available
  • In-house restaurant
  • Breakfast included

Cost? Prices begin at £61 per twin room based on two people sharing

Rating: 7.9

Book your stay here

7. Umaya Holiday Home £

This is another brilliant choice of accommodation in Anuradhapura for budget backpackers, and it’s where Bradley and I stayed. I wanted somewhere cheap, clean, good air con and rated highly for WiFi and that’s what I got.

This is a guest house that offers simply stylish rooms, and breakfast is available.

The staff are the highlight of the property and every evening they would make us a pot of local tea (which was the best I’ve had in Sri Lanka- I still think about it today!)

umaya holiday home in Anuradhapura

Special features:

  • Free WiFi
  • Close to the centre
  • Dinner available
  • Clean
  • Laundry available
  • Cash payments only

Cost? Rooms start at £8 per night based on a double room with two people sharing

Rating: 8.9

Book your stay here

8. The Sanctuary At Tissawewa £££

Offering beautiful rooms and comfortable amenities, this hotel in Anuradhapura is perfect for those seeking a comfortable stay in a beautiful hotel.

Bathtubs are available too which is also a bonus.

the sanctuary in Anuradhapura

Special features:

  • Free Wifi
  • On-site restaurant
  • Free bike rental possible
  • Breakfast included
  • Massage available
  • Card payments accepted

Cost? Prices begin at £67 per night per double room based on two people sharing.

Rating: 8.2

Book your stay here

9. Waasala Leisure  £££/££

When it comes to 5-star hotels in Anuradhapura, there isn’t the biggest level of choice, but this one ticks all the right boxes and it’s fantastic value too.

The hotel features a gym, swimming pool and stylish rooms. There is even a hot tub available.

Special features:

  • Free Wifi
  • Free use of the hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • On-site restaurant
  • Free airport shuttle available

Cost? Prices begin at around £75 per double room on two people sharing. However, genius members get the room for £43 a night. (Surely by now you can realise the benefits of joining booking.com right!?)

Rating: 8.2

Book your stay here

10. Hotel Heladiv ££

Located in a serene and lush environment, this is the perfect hotel in Anuradhapura for relaxation and tranquility.

A swimming pool is provided, alongside a garden to relax in and bbq facilities. All rooms are comfortable and stylish and come with air conditioning and views. The rooms are modern and beautifully decorated.

hotel heladily Anuradhapura

Special features:

  • Free WiFi
  • Cycling and fishing on-site
  • Laundry facilities
  • Breakfast possible
  • Family rooms available
  • Card payments accepted
  • Pets allowed at no extra cost

Cost? Prices begin at £36 per night per double room based on two people sharing

Rating: 9.0

Book your stay here

11. Rajarata Lodge £

Located in luscious green surroundings, if you’re looking for accommodation in Anuradhapura to relax in nature, then this is the perfect choice for you.

Featuring clean and comfortable rooms with balcony garden views, the accommodation is in a a great location to explore local ruins.

rajarata lodge in Anuradhapura

Special features:

  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast included
  • Family rooms available
  • Airport shuttle possible
  • Bike rental possible

Cost? Prices start at  £19 per night per double room sharing.

Rating: 8.6

Book your stay now

12.City Resort £/££

Last but not least, my last pick of accommodation in Anuradhapura is the City Resort.

It offers stylish rooms with comfortable beds located just 1.2 km from the sacred city. A garden for relaxation is provided, and, car and bike rental is possible. An on-site restaurant is also available.

city resort in Anuradhapura

Special features:

  • Onsite restaurant
  • Free toiletries
  • Laundry possible
  • Airport shuttle possible
  • Tour packages available with room booking

Cost? Prices begin at £18 per person per double room sharing. If you opt for a tour included, then prices begin at £59 per family room per night which can accommodate up to 4 people, so works out quite good value.

Rating: 8.1

Book your stay here

What are the best things to do in Anuradhapura?

Since it’s a world heritage site, there is a lot of culture and history to be discovered in Anuradhapura.

Thankfully we’ve put together a complete guide on what to do in Anuradhapura, to help you plan your fantastic trip!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my post on accommodation in Anuradhapura. All my choices are based on the initial research I did to find accommodation for Bradley and I.

I typically spend too much time lusting over fabulous hotels, and finding great value deals, and that’s what this post contains!

Comment below if you’ve stayed in any of the properties, or you think I should add anymore to the list.

Read Also:

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Some images courtesy of Deposit Photos.

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