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During my stay, the property owner made several inappropriate and judgmental comments about my affordability and my decision to share meals with my mother, who is disabled. His behaviour was rude and discriminatory. After I posted my review describing my disappointment, the owner contacted me directly on my personal mobile number using very abusive and offensive language. This message was completely unacceptable and made me feel unsafe.

We loved our Homestay chez Olivia . Lovely couple very hospitable and helpful. Hired bikes which was wonderful to go see all the Stupa sites etc. beautiful area & lovely garden. Birdlife was fabulous. Highly recommend

Anuradhapura is an amazing and spiritual place. It's different from the other sites in Sri Lanka because it still attracts so many pilgrims to its religious sites. It's a good idea to dedicate one day to visiting the active pilgrimage sites and the next to the historical sites, for which you need a ticket. Remember to cover up with long trousers and sleeves and don't forget your socks, because the ground is really hot and you have to take off your shoes everywhere. If you have an extra day, you can also return to the sites at night, which is when pilgrims light candles. Make sure you've got the Pick Me app installed and look out for a tuk tuk driver called Nisha. He's absolutely amazing: great driver, kind and attentive and with good English. For dinner, the atmospheric Hotel Shalini is a good bet. The Seedevi family restaurant is another good place. If you want to have a beer, they can put you in a separate 'family' room, or you can go to the tiny 'pub' next door.

It is one of the best locations, slightly hot and humid, but if you love history and sightseeing, you cannot miss this location, further you can travel to multiple historic locations from here, we travelled to Mihinthale Temple and Mahiyangana, the drive was scenic, but Mihinthale will take your breath.

Absolutely loved our stay! The holiday home is quiet and welcoming, and the room standards are very high—spacious, neat, and nicely decorated. Everything was well organized, and the service was excellent.

Anuradhapura, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a treasure trove of ancient history that stretches back to the 4th century BCE. Established by King Pandukabhaya, it served as the majestic capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, playing a pivotal role in the island's Buddhist heritage and cultural evolution. The arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, introduced by Mahinda Thera in the 3rd century BCE, marked a transformative era for Anuradhapura. This led to the creation of awe-inspiring stupas, monastic complexes, and elaborate water reservoirs that showcase the ingenuity of the time. Central to this transformation is the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a sapling believed to have been taken from the very tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, which continues to be a powerful pilgrimage site. Anuradhapura flourished as a vibrant hub of trade, culture, and religion. Its stunning architecture, exemplified by monumental structures like the Ruwanwelisaya and the Jetavanaramaya, reflects the extraordinary vision and craftsmanship of its builders—each stone telling a story of devotion, power, and artistry. Despite facing invasions and natural calamities that eventually led to its decline in the 10th century CE, Anuradhapura's legacy endured. The capital shifted to Polonnaruwa, but Anuradhapura remained a beacon of historical significance, earning its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it captivates scholars and travelers alike, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural lineage and inviting exploration of its ancient ruins, sacred sites, and the profound stories embedded within them. Anuradhapura is not just a city; it’s a living testament to the resilience and depth of a civilization that continues to inspire.