Sacred City Tourist Resort

The rooms were nothing fancy, but good for the price, and the food was delicious and very affordable. It’s a lovely little place in the centre of town, and the owners were so helpful and accommodating. We also took the private temple tour, which was amazing. Our guide was fantastic, and the price was very affordable at $20. I’d highly recommend staying here.

The hosts made it hard to leave. They were warm, kind, and took time to talk with us, and we ended up staying an extra night. The rooms were clean, with a super comfortable bed, and the outdoor area felt almost like having your own little jungle. Breakfast and dinner were fantastic, with something new and delicious each time. They even prepared vegetarian meals especially for us. On our first evening, we got to join a Buddhist ceremony in the village, which was unforgettable. The hotel’s own guide took us on a tuk-tuk tour through the temple complex too. He knew so much and explained everything in detail. Anuradhapura is beautiful and rich in culture, and this stay made our time there absolutely perfect.

The hosts are lovely and genuinely honest. When I left a small tip with the bill, they came to my door soon after because they thought I’d overpaid. I can’t remember that happening on my travels before. They also speak excellent English. Breakfast was really good Sri Lankan food, made from scratch each day. The basic rooms were very clean, with fresh, well-laundered linen and good airflow. The location is within walking distance of some key sites. There are a few flights of stairs to manage, though, which may be difficult for anyone with mobility issues.

A hidden gem right in the centre of town. It’s surprisingly quiet despite being so close to the road, and the staff were friendly and accommodating with my vegan diet. The rooftop has beautiful views over the surrounding area, and a joyful little dog called Murphy runs around the place. Wonderful people and a wonderful stay.