Anuradhapura Day Tour
2,000-year-old stupas and one of the oldest living trees on record.
About This Tour
Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka's first capital, founded around the 4th century BC, and its ruins are spread across a much larger area than Polonnaruwa's. The highlights are the great dagobas (brick stupas that were, when built, among the tallest structures in the ancient world) and the Sri Maha Bodhi, grown from a cutting of the tree the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under, and documented continuously since 288 BC. Because the site is spread out, we drive between the main clusters rather than walking the whole park.
Highlights
- Sri Maha Bodhi, one of the oldest documented trees in the world
- Jetavanaramaya, once the third-tallest structure on Earth
- Ruwanwelisaya's white dagoba and its moonstone carvings
- Isurumuniya rock temple and its carved reliefs
- A quieter, less-visited counterpart to Polonnaruwa
Key Information
Duration
1 Day
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time
Year-round, dress modestly for temple visits
Group Size
1–8 travellers
Transport
A/C car or van with driver
Start Point
Sigiriya / Habarana / Anuradhapura area hotels
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Stop 1
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
A sacred fig tree said to be a branch of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, and the oldest human-planted tree with a known planting date. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 2
Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)
The ruined base of a nine-story monastic hall once roofed in bronze tiles, built by King Dutugamunu. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 3
Ruwanweli Maha Seya
A gleaming white stupa said to enshrine the largest collection of the Buddha's relics on the island. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 4
Abhayagiri Stupa
A massive 1st-century BC stupa that once anchored an international monastic university housing thousands of monks. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 5
Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
A beautifully engineered pair of bathing ponds built for the monks of the Abhayagiri monastery. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 6
Samadhi Statue
A serene seated Buddha carved in the 4th century, regarded as one of the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpture. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 7
Jethawanaramaya
Once the tallest stupa in the ancient world at 122 meters, and still one of the largest brick structures ever built. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 8
Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana)
An intricately carved semicircular stone threshold, considered one of the finest examples of this Sinhalese art form. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 9
Rathna Prasadaya & Guardstone
The remains of a former uposatha hall (chapter house) noted for its elaborately carved guardstones. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 10
Eth Pokuna
A large ancient pond, also known as the Elephant Pond, once used by monks of the Abhayagiri monastery. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 11
Dagoba of Thuparama
The earliest Buddhist stupa built in Sri Lanka, said to enshrine the Buddha's collarbone relic. Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Stop 12
Isurumuniya Temple
A rock temple near Tissa Wewa famous for its carved reliefs, including the celebrated 'Isurumuniya Lovers.' Stop: 25 minutes — admission excluded.
Route Map
The stops from the itinerary above, in order.
What's Included
- Private A/C vehicle and driver for the day
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off anywhere
- English Speaking Driver
- Professional licensed tourist guide
What's Not Included
- Anuradhapura sacred city entrance ticket for every attraction
- Meals
Activities
Image Gallery
Enquire About This Tour
Message us your dates and group size, and we'll confirm availability directly.
Advance payment: 20% to confirm
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour