Sacred City of Anuradhapura from Colombo

A captivating journey from Colombo to the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most revered ancient capitals. Discover the rich history and spiritual significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site as you explore its well-preserved ruins, stupas, and monasteries. Visit iconic landmarks such as the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Jetavanaramaya stupa, and Ruwanwelisaya. Learn about the city's glorious past, dating back over two millennia, and hear fascinating local legends from your knowledgeable guide. This full-day tour offers a deep dive into the cultural and religious heritage of Sri Lanka.

(SKU: LK600H1900) Unless you hire a car, visiting Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-listed ruined capital of Anuradhapura from Colombo in a day is impossible. This private tour delivers: with return air-conditioned transport and a driver-guide to show you around. Roam the temples, ponds, and shrines, including the Jetavanarama stupa, and hear tales of this ancient and sacred city you’d otherwise miss.

Highlights:

Visit the ruins of Anuradhapura in one day on a private tour from Colombo.
Travel easily to the UNESCO-listed site by private air-conditioned car.
Be sure to see and hear about the highlights with a guide.

Includes:

Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.
Service of an English-speaking chauffeur.
1 liter of bottled mineral water per person.
Hotel pick-up & drop-off.
All taxes & service charges.

Excludes:

Food and drinks.
Entrance fees to all sites.
Gratuities (optional).
Expenses of personal nature.

Experience:

You will be picked up from your hotel in Colombo at 6:00 am. You can bring a packed breakfast to eat along the way; as it will take up till 10:30 am to reach your first destination, Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura was first settled by Anuradha, a follower of Prince Vijaya the founder of the Sinhala race. Later, it was made the capital by king Pandukabhaya at about 380 B.C. according to the Mahavansa, the epic of Sinhala history, king Pandukabhaya’s city was a model of planning. Precincts were set aside for huntsmen, for scavengers and for heretics as well as for foreigners. There were hostels and hospitals, at least one Jain chapel, and cemeteries for high and low castes. A water supply was assured by the construction of tanks, artificial reservoirs, of which the one named after the king itself exists to this day under the altered name of Basawakkulam. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery.

You will finish your tour of the statue by 12:30 pm and will be retiring for lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. After an enjoyable meal, you will start your journey to return to Colombo.

Notes: Comfortable walking shoes and hats recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas.