Private Anuradhapura City Day Tour

Discover the Ancient Wonders of Anuradhapura – the Easy Way Explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura in the comfort of a private vehicle as you visit its most iconic historical landmarks and a few lesser-known hidden gems. This ancient UNESCO World Heritage city is filled with remarkable history, but its attractions are spread across a large area, making independent travel time-consuming. With this private day tour, you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free journey between ancient temples, magnificent stupas, peaceful ruins, and authentic local attractions at your own pace. It's the perfect way to experience the rich heritage and timeless beauty of Anuradhapura without the stress of planning transportation.

1. 1

   Isurumuniya Temple

   25 min

   Isurumuniya is a remarkable rock temple renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and exquisite stone carvings, including the iconic Isurumuniya Lovers sculpture. Built in the 3rd century BC, it originally served as a monastery for Buddhist monks and continues to be a peaceful and spiritually significant place for visitors today.

2. 2

   Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

   25 min

   The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) situated in the Mahamewna Gardens of Anuradhapura. It is widely regarded as the oldest known tree intentionally planted by humans, with a documented planting date and an unbroken historical record. Revered by Buddhists around the world, this sacred tree is considered the closest living connection to Gautama Buddha.

3. 3

   Lovamahapaya Brazen Palace

   25 min

   The Brazen Palace (Lovamahapaya) was a remarkable nine-story monastic structure built in the 2nd century BC by King Dutugemunu. It once housed a refectory, assembly hall, and chapter house. The palace was crowned with a roof made of bronze tiles, which gave it its name.

4. 4

   Ruwanweli Maha Seya

   25 min

   Located in the heart of the ancient city, the Ruwanwelisaya stupa was built by King Dutugemunu (137–119 BC) and completed by his brother King Saddhatissa. It is one of the tallest ancient monuments in the world and holds great spiritual and architectural significance.

5. 5

   Dagoba of Thuparama

   25 min

   Thuparamaya is considered the first stupa built in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa, it houses a sacred collarbone relic of the Buddha. Its bell-shaped design and surrounding stone pillars represent the grace of early Buddhist architecture.

6. 6

   Moonstone or Sandakada pahana

   25 min

   The Sandakada Pahana, or Moonstone, is a distinctive architectural element found at the entrances of ancient buildings in Anuradhapura. These semi-circular stone slabs feature intricate carvings symbolizing the cycle of life in Buddhist tradition.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   25 min

   Rathna Prasadaya is an ancient structure featuring detailed carvings and guardstones. Over time, stone replaced wood in the construction of these elements, offering greater durability and artistic complexity in the Anuradhapura period.

8. 8

   Eth Pokuna

   25 min

   Eth Pokuna is a massive ancient reservoir measuring approximately 159 meters long, 52 meters wide, and 9.5 meters deep. Built to supply water to nearby monasteries, the pond's impressive scale reflects the advanced water management systems of the time.

9. 9

   Abayagiriya Stupa

   25 min

   The Abhayagiriya Stupa is located in the ancient Sinhala capital of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. It was built by King Valagamba (89–77 BC) and became one of the largest monastic complexes in the ancient world. Abhayagiriya is recognized as one of the tallest and most significant ancient stupas in Sri Lanka.

10. 10

    Samadhi Statue

    25 min

    This famous Samadhi Buddha statue is located in Mahamevnāwa Park. It depicts the Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, the meditation posture linked to his first Enlightenment. Carved from dolomite marble, the statue stands 7 feet 3 inches tall and radiates a sense of calm and serenity.

11. 11

    Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)

    25 min

    The Kuttam Pokuna, or Twin Ponds, are ancient bathing tanks built during the Anuradhapura Kingdom. These beautifully preserved structures are part of the Abhayagiri monastic complex and showcase the advanced hydrological engineering and artistic design of ancient Sri Lanka.

12. 12

    Jethawanaramaya

    25 min

    Jetavanaramaya is one of the tallest and largest stupas in the ancient world, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD. Once part of a massive monastic complex, it was a center for both religious and scholarly activity. Its massive scale and brickwork reflect the grandeur of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.