Boutique hotel · Quickshaws · Anuradhapura

The Sanctuary at Tissawewa

Old Puttalam Road, Old Town, on the former government gardens inside the Anuradhapura sacred city

About The Sanctuary at Tissawewa

Rooms
2 types
Dining
1 place

A colonial hotel opened in the early 1900s as the Grand Hotel Anuradhapura, later the Tissawewa Rest House, and renovated and renamed by Quickshaws in 2013.

It is a heritage stay rather than a modern luxury hotel: deep verandas with white columns and planter chairs look over large lawns, and its guests have included Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

It stands within the limits of the Anuradhapura sacred city, on grounds that were once the government gardens.

Rooms and suites

  • Deluxe Room
    Hill view

    A room in the original building overlooking the garden, with air conditioning, a mini fridge and a satellite TV.

  • Semi-Deluxe Room
    Four-poster bed

    A contemporary room with a four-poster bed and views over paddy fields.

Dining

  • The Dining HallSet menus and à la carte Sri Lankan and Western dishes from local produce, served in the hall, under a tree in the garden or in the room; fresh juices and mocktails, but no alcohol.

Amenities

More dining

Dining hallGarden diningRoom service

Activities

Excursions to the Anuradhapura sacred city and Mihintale

Services

LaundryFree Wi-Fi

Rooms

Air conditioningDigital safeMini fridgeTea and coffee32-inch satellite TVHot and cold showerHair dryer

Good to know

  • No alcohol is served: the hotel lies within the sacred city limits.
  • A colonial heritage hotel, not a resort: there is no pool and no spa listed on its own site.