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Our top choices for Anuradhapura cheap hotels

Aura City Hostel

Aura City Hostel
2.0 star property
Anuradhapura
The price is CA $23
CA $33 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 15 - Mar 16
Aura City Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Discover cheap things to do in Anuradhapura

In Anuradhapura, budget-conscious travellers can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of history and culture without breaking the bank. Begin your exploration at the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can marvel at the ancient tree that is believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Just a short walk away lies the Ruwanwelisaya, an impressive stupa that showcases stunning architectural details and offers a serene atmosphere for reflection. For a taste of local life, visit the bustling Anuradhapura market, where you can sample delicious street food such as kottu roti or fresh fruit for just a few hundred rupees. Nature lovers will enjoy a stroll around the tranquil Abhayagiri Park, which is free to enter and ideal for a leisurely picnic or a family outing. For accommodation, the area around the ancient city centre provides a range of affordable hotels and guesthouses, often featuring warm hospitality and convenient access to these attractions. After a day of exploration, you can unwind at your hotel, perhaps enjoying a simple meal prepared by attentive staff, making your stay both comfortable and enjoyable.

Find the best cheap hotels in Anuradhapura

If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodations in Anuradhapura, these hotels offer excellent options without sacrificing comfort. Each hotel provides a range of amenities designed to enhance your stay while being easy on the wallet.

The Lake Forest Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Lake Forest Hotel is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking comfort and value, an impressive guest review rating of 9.2. Guests can enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning, along with free Wi-Fi and self-parking, making it a practical choice for a straightforward stay. The hotel's outdoor pool and sun loungers provide a perfect spot for relaxation after a day of exploration.
  • Other amenities: In addition to its budget-friendly offerings, The Lake Forest Hotel features premium bedding for a restful night’s sleep, furnished balconies with lake views, and a lovely terrace for unwinding. Guests can take advantage of free toiletries and air conditioning for added comfort. The hotel is also situated near a historical district, providing a great opportunity for sightseeing and learning about the local culture.
  • Nearby attractions: Isurumuniya Vihara - 3.9 km, Mirisawetiya Stupa - 5.4 km

Heritage Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Heritage Hotel stands out for budget travellers with its welcoming atmosphere and solid guest review rating of 7.2. This hotel ensures guests enjoy a complimentary airport shuttle service, along with free Wi-Fi and self-parking, making it convenient for those arriving by air or travelling within the area. The outdoor pool is a delightful feature, perfect for a refreshing dip at the end of the day.
  • Other amenities: Beyond the budget amenities, Heritage Hotel offers a garden-view restaurant where guests can dine in a serene setting. Additional features include a spa for those looking to unwind, a billiards table for some leisure time, and a concierge service to assist with local recommendations. The hotel is also well-positioned in a historical district, enhancing the cultural experience for visitors.
  • Nearby attractions: Isurumuniya Vihara - 3.2 km, Isurumuniya Vihara - 3.2 km

Top Anuradhapura Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best hotels to stay in Anuradhapura as a budget traveller?
For budget-conscious travellers exploring Anuradhapura, excellent options include The Lake Forest Hotel, Kutumbaya, and The Ivy Lake.

The 3-star Lake Forest Hotel, with a superb 9.2 rating, offers fantastic value with free breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Customers frequently praise its beautiful rooms, amazing staff, and excellent food. Its location is often described as fabulous.

Kutumbaya, a 3-star hotel with a 9.0 rating, provides convenient amenities like a 24-hour airport shuttle and a free area shuttle, alongside free WiFi and free self-parking. Guests often highlight the great food available here.

Another great choice is The Ivy Lake, a 3-star hotel rated 9.2. It offers free WiFi, free secured self-parking, and accessible parking.
How much does a budget hotel in Anuradhapura cost?
Budget hotel prices in Anuradhapura vary, but you can find a great deal from CA $33 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.
Which area of Anuradhapura is best to stay in for cheap hotels?
For budget-conscious solo travellers visiting Anuradhapura, the area around New Town offers the best options for cheap hotels and guesthouses. This district provides a good balance of affordability and access to amenities, making it a practical base for exploring the ancient city.

New Town is home to numerous guesthouses and small hotels that cater to travellers on a modest budget. You'll find basic yet comfortable rooms, often with air conditioning and private bathrooms, at very reasonable prices. Many establishments also offer bicycle rentals, which is an excellent and inexpensive way to explore the vast archaeological sites at your own pace. For solo travellers, these guesthouses often have communal areas where you can meet fellow adventurers and share tips.

While New Town is a bit further from the ancient city than some other areas, it's well-connected by local buses and tuk-tuks, ensuring that reaching the historical sites remains both easy and affordable.
What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in Anuradhapura?
For families seeking affordable and popular accommodation in Anuradhapura, the London Palace is a great option.

The 3-star London Palace, with a rating of 8.4, is highly praised by guests for its exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. This hotel offers a wealth of complimentary services that are particularly beneficial for families, including free self-parking, free WiFi, and free toiletries. For added convenience, they provide free shuttle services to and from the train station, a free area shuttle, and a free bus station shuttle. Families will also appreciate the free grocery shopping service and the availability of free cribs.

The Heritage Hotel, another 3-star option with a 7.2 rating, also provides excellent value. Guests frequently comment on the good service and great staff. This hotel offers free self-parking, free WiFi, and free toiletries.
What cheap hotels in Anuradhapura offer complimentary breakfast?
For affordable hotels in Anuradhapura that offer complimentary breakfast, you might consider The Lake Forest Hotel and Water's Edge Anuradhapura.

The 3-star Lake Forest Hotel, with an impressive 9.2 rating, provides a free buffet breakfast daily, ensuring a great start to your day. Guests frequently praise the excellent food and the beautiful rooms. The staff are described as extremely helpful, contributing to a fabulous stay.

Another excellent option is Water's Edge Anuradhapura, a 3-star hotel with an 8.8 rating. This hotel also offers a complimentary continental breakfast daily.
When is the most affordable time to visit Anuradhapura?
The most affordable time to visit Anuradhapura is during the shoulder seasons, specifically from April to June and September to November, when the weather is still pleasant but visitor numbers and prices for accommodation and flights are lower compared to the peak season.

During these months, solo travellers can often find better deals on guesthouses and smaller hotels, and there are fewer crowds at the ancient sites, allowing for a more serene experience. It's a good time to explore the vast archaeological park on a rented bicycle without the intense heat or the heavy rains.

While the monsoon season (December to March and July to August) can offer even lower prices, it also brings more frequent and heavy rainfall, which might disrupt outdoor exploration.
What are the best cheap hotels in Anuradhapura with a pool?
For travellers seeking affordable hotels with a pool in Anuradhapura, The Lake Forest Hotel, Heritage Hotel, and The Lakeside Hotel at Nuwarawewa are excellent choices.

The 3-star Lake Forest Hotel, with a superb rating of 9.2, offers an enticing outdoor pool. Guests frequently praise its beautiful rooms, amazing staff, and excellent food. Plus, it provides great value with complimentary toiletries, free self-parking, free breakfast, and free WiFi.

Another good option is the 3-star Heritage Hotel, rated 7.2, which features both an outdoor pool and a children's pool. This hotel offers several convenient free amenities, including RV, bus, and truck parking, train station pickup, self-parking, and a 24-hour airport shuttle. Guests often highlight the great service from the staff.

The 3-star Lakeside Hotel at Nuwarawewa, also with a rating of 7.2, provides both an outdoor pool and a children's pool. It offers free extended duration parking, a 24-hour airport shuttle, free self-parking, and complimentary toiletries.
Is Anuradhapura a budget-friendly destination?
Yes, Anuradhapura is a very budget-friendly destination, especially for those seeking a rich historical and cultural experience. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for solo travellers and couples looking to explore Sri Lanka's ancient heritage without breaking the bank.

Accommodation options are plentiful and reasonably priced, with guesthouses and small hotels offering comfortable stays at a fraction of the cost of larger cities. Eating out is also inexpensive; local eateries and 'rice and curry' shops provide delicious and authentic meals for just a few pounds.

Many of Anuradhapura's most significant attractions are within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which requires an entrance fee. However, once inside, you can spend days exploring ancient stupas, temples, and ruins, making the initial cost well worth it. Renting a bicycle is a popular and cheap way to navigate the extensive historical park, allowing for leisurely exploration at your own pace. For solo travellers, this also offers a great opportunity to soak in the atmosphere.

Couples can enjoy peaceful walks among the ancient sites, witness the spiritual rituals at the sacred Bodhi tree, and visit the serene reservoirs, all contributing to a memorable trip that is light on the wallet.
Which cheap hotels in Anuradhapura have good reviews for customer service?
For affordable hotels in Anuradhapura with great customer service, The Lake Forest Hotel, Heritage Hotel, and London Palace are excellent choices.

The 3-star Lake Forest Hotel, with a superb rating of 9.2, consistently receives praise for its amazing and extremely helpful staff. Guests particularly appreciate the complimentary breakfast and free WiFi, adding to the excellent value.

Another good option is the 3-star Heritage Hotel, rated 7.2. Its staff are frequently described as good and great, and the hotel offers convenient free amenities like an airport shuttle and free WiFi.

London Palace, a 3-star hotel with an 8.4 rating, is also noted for its helpful and friendly staff.
Are there any cheap hotels in Anuradhapura that allow for late check-out or early check-in?
Yes, there are some budget-friendly hotels in Anuradhapura that offer flexibility for early check-in or late check-out.

The 3-star Avasta Resort can often accommodate early check-ins. This hotel also provides complimentary WiFi, free self-parking, and allows pets to stay without charge, making it a convenient option for many travellers.

Another good option is the 3-star Gamodh Citadel Resort, rated 7.6 by guests. They are often able to arrange late check-outs, which can be very helpful for those with later flights or onward travel plans.
How can I save on a budget hotel in Anuradhapura with Expedia?
There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Anuradhapura. Unlock our lowest prices by joining One Key™, Expedia's travel rewards program. It's free and easy to sign up, and you can access member perks too. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel booking. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.
What free activities should we do in Anuradhapura?
For budget-conscious solo travellers visiting Anuradhapura, there are several enriching free activities to enjoy that immerse you in the city's historical and spiritual essence.

You can spend hours exploring the ancient city on foot or by bicycle, taking in the grand scale of the dagobas (stupas) and the serene atmosphere. The sacred Bo Tree, Sri Maha Bodhi, is a focal point of reverence and offers a peaceful experience without an entrance fee. Wander around the sprawling grounds, observing pilgrims and soaking in the spiritual ambiance.

Another free activity is visiting the various ancient temples and ruins scattered outside the main ticketed areas. While some major sites require an entrance fee, many smaller, equally historic ruins are freely accessible, offering a glimpse into Anuradhapura's past.
Is it cheaper to book flights and a hotel in Anuradhapura as a package?
Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it's wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.
Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Anuradhapura for you.