Colombo Trip Overview
This tour will give you the opputurnity to visit 3 main must-visit sites on your journey to Sri lnaka.Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site – Anuradhapura which a cultural and historical delight. It is replete with renovated monuments, restored edifices, preserved ruins and historical sites where the archeological excavations are still being continued. Hike to the top of the Minithale Mountain – the cradle of Sri Lanka Buddhism. Go on a Jeep Safari to Wilpaththu National park and explore the unique flora and fauna.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
• Private 4×4 safari in Minneriya National Park
• Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit the Birth Place of Sri Lankan Buddhism
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
This tour will give you the opputurnity to visit 3 main must-visit sites on your journey to Sri lnaka.Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site – Anuradhapura which a cultural and historical delight. It is replete with renovated monuments, restored edifices, preserved ruins and historical sites where the archeological excavations are still being continued. Hike to the top of the Minithale Mountain – the cradle of Sri Lanka Buddhism. Go on a Jeep Safari to Wilpaththu National park and explore the unique flora and fauna.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
• Private 4×4 safari in Minneriya National Park
• Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit the Birth Place of Sri Lankan Buddhism
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo/Negombo – Anuradhapura
Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a Sacred Fig tree in the Mahamewna Gardens, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is said to be the right-wing branch from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. It was planted in 249 BC, and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. Today it is one of the most sacred relics of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka and respected by Buddhists all over the world. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, however, remains standing, as revered as ever. And for as long as it continues to thrive, it will remain the oldest cultivated tree in the world with a documented written history.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Abhayawewa Road, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka. Today the Ruwanweliseya stupa stands tall with a height of 338 feet and a diameter of 951 ft. The stupa is surrounded by large paved courts and platforms which add to the beauty of the place. Initially, on the outer side of the boundary of the wall is a complete circle of elephants, made out of the brickwork. Till today, there are many renovations which have taken place from time which has made the Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the most revered and influential areas of worship for the Buddhists in Anuradhapura.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Jethawanaramaya – ජේතවනාරාමය, B341 Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The magnificent Jetavanaramaya Stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage places in Sri Lanka. The stupa was built on the ground where the legendary Mahinda Maha Thero gave a seven-day discourse on Buddhism. Mahinda Maha Thero was the son of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and a great monk who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. It is also said that part of Buddha Shakyamuni’s belt is buried inside the stupa. Visitors and pilgrims who visit Jetavanaramaya Stupa would be able to pay homage to the holy object inside the sacred stupa and be inspired by the story of King Mahasena, a great ruler who was able to set aside his ego and recognize his wrongdoings. The grandeur and the beauty of Jetavanaramaya Stupa and the surrounding temple complex are the representations of the king’s sincerity in purifying his misdeeds and negative karma.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Thuparamaya Ruwanweliseya Walkway, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Thuparamaya, the oldest Stupa in Sri Lanka built after the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. The Thuparamaya, built by King Devanapiyatissa, enshrines the sacred collar bone of the Buddha. This relic, a gift from India, stands testimony to the cordial relations enjoyed by the then Sri Lanka ruler. The columns around the stupa were a part of the walkway that supported a roof which covered the sacred edifice. Aesthetically, the interior of such a structure must have been the stunning expression of wood engineering and of the most skillful craftsmanship. The edifice’s conical design, unique in the architectural history of the world, continues to be discussed and debated by scholars and scientists. The discovery of medical texts and surgical instruments dating back to the Anuradhapura period confirm the Quality of life during that era. The name Thuparamaya is a residential complex for Bhikkhus.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura, 89WV+XCH, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum is one of the most feature-rich archaeological museums in Sri Lanka. From extravagant collections of artworks, mintage, weapons and more – all belonging to the ancient era of Sri Lanka – this is a location well worth visiting if you want to know about the rich culture and history of Anuradhapura. The artefact collection on display here is extensive and you’ll be able to view everything from scriptures and tabloids of that date back centuries to more recent colonial relics. Essentially, a visit here will feel like a trip through time as you slowly unravel the secrets of Sri Lanka’s ancient past. You’ll also be able to see many religious artefacts here, these range from an array of resplendent Buddha statues, to sculptures of Hindu Gods and even evidence of ancient pagan worship.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Lovamahapaya, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Lovamahapaya in Sri Lanka, also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasada, is a set of ruins with hundreds and hundreds of stone pillars that lie between the stupa Ruvanvelisaya and the Great Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura. This is the location of a once mighty nine storied monastic structure built by the King Dutugemmunu in the 2nd century BC. The building is supposed to have included a refectory, assembly hall and chapter house, and the roof was covered in bronze tiles (hence the name ‘Brazen palace’). The edifice with its 400 foot long sides was supported by 40 rows of 40 stone pillars, totaling 1600 pillars, most of which are still remain standing to this day. The Brazen Palace is said to have been a beautifully detailed and jeweled structure in its hayday, according to historical records
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna), Watawandana Road, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
These swimming-pool-like ponds were likely used by monks from nearby Kaparamula residence hall. Water entered the larger pond through the mouth of a makara (a mythical hybrid beast featuring the body of a fish, the mouth of a crocodile and the trunk of an elephant) and then flowed to the smaller pond through an underground pipe. Note the five-headed cobra figure close to the makara and the nearby water-filter system, both at the northwestern end of the ponds. Although they are referred to as twins, the northern pond, which is 28m in length, is smaller than the 40m-long southern pond
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at a 3 Star Hotel in Anuradhapura
Day 2: Anuradhapura – Mihinthale – Wilpaththu – Negombo/Colombo
Stop At: Mihintale, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
This sleepy village and temple complex, 13km east of Anuradhapura, holds a special place in the annals of Sri Lankan lore. In 247 BC King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura was hunting a stag on Mihintale Hill when he was approached by Mahinda, son of the great Indian Buddhist emperor, Ashoka. Mahinda tested the king’s wisdom and, considering him to be a worthy disciple, promptly converted the king on the spot. Mihintale has since been associated with the earliest introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures. A flight of stairs consisting of 1840 steps will carry you to the summit of this sacred mountain with a breath taking site of the surrounding area on offer once on top.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Wilpattu means ‘natural lakes’ in Sinhala and ’10 lakes’ in Tamil and lakes are exactly what you’ll find at Wilpattu National Park. Visitor numbers remain low, even in high season, which gives Wilpattu a genuine sense of wilderness. The main draw in Wilpattu is the leopard and sloth bear. It is also one of the better parks to see barking deer. Bird gazing enthusiasts are in for a treat at Wilpattu and will be in a position to spot an incredible array of birdlife. The lakes around the park assist a large quantity of resident and migratory wetland bird species. With over 30 species of mammals and a staggering range of flora and fauna spanning its jungles and nature trails, a visit right here is simply something to understand for a lifetime.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
