Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura
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- In your hotel.
Overview
Discover the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura on a private guided day tour, exploring sacred temples, towering stupas, and centuries-old ruins with the comfort of private transport and a licensed guide.
Embark on a professionally curated private day tour through the ancient city of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This comprehensive tour package takes you through every major attraction in this historic capital, from towering dagobas and sacred bo trees to intricately carved moonstones and ancient bathing pools.
Your experienced, licensed tourist guide will bring centuries of history to life as you explore at your own pace, with the convenience of private transportation and complimentary bottled water throughout the journey. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, this tour offers an unforgettable window into the island's ancient past.
Highlights
- The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree, or Ficus religiosa, that stands
- Brazen Palace (Lowamahapaya) This is the site of nine-story monastic structure
- The Ruwanweliseya is sited in the Ancient Sinhala capital of Anuradhapura in
- At 122 metres (400 ft), it was the world's tallest stupa, and the third
- Kuttam Pokuna (twin ponds or pools) are well preserved old bathing tanks or
- The Samadhi Buddha is a famous statue situated at Mahamevnwa Park in
What's Included
Itinerary
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
- Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi: A sacred fig tree standing in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura. It is the closest authentic living link to Gautama Buddha and the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date and a recorded history.
Brazen Palace (Lovamahapaya)
- Brazen Palace: The site of a nine-story monastic structure built in the 2nd century BC by King Dutugmunu. The structure is said to have had a refectory, assembly hall, and chapter house, as well as a roof covered in bronze tiles.
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
- Ruwanwelisaya: Built by King Dutugamunu (137 BC - 119 BC) and completed by his younger brother King Saddhatissa. Ranked among the tallest ancient monuments in the world, this stupa is sited in the ancient Sinhala capital of Anuradhapura.
Abhayagiri Dagaba
- Abhayagiri Dagaba: At 122 metres (400 ft), it was the world's tallest stupa and the third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273-301).
Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)
- Kuttam Pokuna: Well-preserved ancient bathing tanks built by the Sinhalese in the Anuradhapura Kingdom. Part of the Abhayagiri vihara complex, they are an outstanding example of ancient hydrological engineering, architecture, and art.
Samadhi Buddha Statue
- Samadhi Buddha: A famous statue at Mahamevnawa Park depicting the Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, the posture of meditation associated with his first Enlightenment. This statue is 7 feet 3 inches in height, carved from dolomite marble.
Jethawanaramaya Stupa
- Jethawanaramaya: One of the most iconic and sacred Buddhist monuments in Anuradhapura, built during the reign of King Mahasena. Once rising over 120 meters, it was among the tallest brick structures in the ancient world and a major center for Buddhist learning.
Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone)
- Sandakada Pahana: Also known as Moonstone, this is a unique feature of ancient Sri Lankan architecture. It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances.
Guard Stones of Anuradhapura
- Guard Stones: Over time, architects of the Anuradhapura kingdom used stone instead of wood for the construction of guard stones, moonstones, and balustrades, as stone was a more enduring material. Carvings were later included in their design.
Elephant Pond (Eth Pokuna)
- Elephant Pond: A massive ancient reservoir measuring approximately 159 meters in length, 52 meters in width, and 9.5 meters in depth. Used to supply water to nearby monasteries, it stands as a testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering.
Thuparamaya Stupa
- Thuparamaya: The oldest stupa in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Built by King Devanampiya Tissa, it enshrines the sacred collarbone relic of Lord Buddha and was the first stupa constructed after the introduction of Buddhism to the island.
Isurumuniya Temple
- Isurumuniya: A beautiful and historically significant rock temple known for its intricate stone carvings, built in the 3rd century BC. Famous for the Isurumuniya Lovers sculpture, it is surrounded by a serene lotus pond and carved rock formations.
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
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Tickets sold cannot be cancelled and cannot be refunded.
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