Slow mornings on guesthouse verandas, bicycle bells instead of traffic, and water buffalo grazing along the tank's edge. Evenings bring a handful of other travellers comparing notes over dinner, but the area stays low-key after 9pm.
The main lodging belt for independent travellers, strung along the edge of Tissa Wewa tank, a short cycle from the Sacred City gates. Quieter and greener than New Town, with guesthouses set among coconut palms and rice paddies.
What It Feels Like
Tissawewa & Lake District is known for budget guesthouses and easy access to tissa wewa tank.
Avoid if Travellers wanting bars, late-night food, or a busy social scene
What to Do
- Watch the sunset over Tissa Wewa from the bund path
- Visit Isurumuniya Rock Temple, a 10-minute cycle away
- Order the lamprais at Shalini Restaurant
Local tip Ask your guesthouse for a sunset spot along the Tissa Wewa bund, it's a local gathering point with no entrance fee.
See our best things to do in Anuradhapura or One Day in Anuradhapura.
Getting Here
4.7 km west of the centre of Anuradhapura. A 10-15 minute tuk-tuk ride or 8-minute cycle from the New Town bus and train stations. Most guesthouses will arrange pickup if asked in advance.
Nearest transport: Anuradhapura New Town bus stand, approximately 2km / 8-minute cycle.
More on Anuradhapura
Back to the main Anuradhapura page for costs, transport and the other areas.
We plan trips to Anuradhapura and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.
Where to eat and drink
Shalini Restaurant
Sri Lankan · Lamprais and home-style rice and curry
Casserole Restaurant
Sri Lankan · Rice and curry buffet popular with cyclists passing through