Colombo Trip Overview
This private day trip is to visit the UNESCO city of Anuradhapura with a personalized tour guide. Anuradhapura has well-preserved historical ruins dating back to the CENTURIES (4th century BC – 11th century AD) during which it remained the capital of Sri Lanka. The city continuously draws millions of tourists to the sites of ancient ruins – which are the most expressive and unmatchable sites in all of South Asia. A magnificent collection of architectural and archaeological marvels include massive dagobas, crumbling temples, giant brick towers, and archaic pools that were constructed during the several thousand years that the Kingdom of Anuradhapura ruled the nation.
• Hassle free all inclusive tour with hotel pick up and drop off
• Visit the most scared Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
• Discover Ruwanweliseya being one of the world’s largest and oldest stupa
• Visit the Mihintale and Isurumuniya to learn about their ancient stories
Additional Info
Duration: 10 to 12 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
This private day trip is to visit the UNESCO city of Anuradhapura with a personalized tour guide. Anuradhapura has well-preserved historical ruins dating back to the CENTURIES (4th century BC – 11th century AD) during which it remained the capital of Sri Lanka. The city continuously draws millions of tourists to the sites of ancient ruins – which are the most expressive and unmatchable sites in all of South Asia. A magnificent collection of architectural and archaeological marvels include massive dagobas, crumbling temples, giant brick towers, and archaic pools that were constructed during the several thousand years that the Kingdom of Anuradhapura ruled the nation.
• Hassle free all inclusive tour with hotel pick up and drop off
• Visit the most scared Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
• Discover Ruwanweliseya being one of the world’s largest and oldest stupa
• Visit the Mihintale and Isurumuniya to learn about their ancient stories
Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Located in Anuradhapura and believed to be the oldest planted tree in the world, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi goes all the way back to the 3rd century BC. It was planted in 249 (2268 years ago) BC and was brought to Sri Lanka by Theri Sangamitta, the daughter of Emperor Asoka. The Bodhi tree was originated from the very tree in Buddhagaya under which Buddha attained enlightenment 2600 years ago, making Sri Maha Bodhi the oldest living tree in documented history of the world.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Ruwanweliseya being one of the world’s tallest moments standing at 103 m (338 ft.) is a stupa which is also considered a marvel for its architectural value. It was built by King Dutugemunu in 140 B.C. The stupa is best known for being of major religious significance to Buddhists all around the world, frequently receiving visits from pilgrims, as it is one of the 16 places that were visited by Lord Buddha and holds relics of the Lord himself.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Isurumuniya Temple, At Royal Pleasure Gardens, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Isurumuniya is an enchanting Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura. The temple was built by King Tissa, as a place of residence for his 500 high casted children. The Isurumuniya lovers carving which were made representing King Tissa’s son Saliya who gave up the throne for the sake of the love he had for the low caste maiden Asokamala is a famous stop point when visiting Isurumuniya. There is also the carving of the Royal family which represents King Dutugamunu and his family and the elephant pond carving which is a creation of elephants bathing and this carving shows its similarity to the Indian carvings of Mamallapuram.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna), Watawandana Road, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The Twin Ponds or Kuttam Pokuna site is part of the extensive Abhayagiri monastic complex of Anuradhapura’s middle years, during the 6th Century AD. These are considered one of the significant achievements in the field of hydrological engineering and outstanding architectural and artistic creations of the ancient Sinhalese. The faces of the pools were cut granite slabs which includes the bottom and the sides of the pool. A wall was also built around the pool which encloses the compound. Flights of steps are seen on both ends of the pool decorated with punkalas, or pots of abundance and scroll design. Embankments were constructed to enable monks to bathe using pots or other utensils. Water to the pools were transferred through underground ducts and filtered before flowing to the pool and in a similar fashion the water was emptied.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Mihintale, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The main shrine of Mihintale is located in the Relic House, a climb of 1,840 cut steps. Of special interest is The Vedahala or ‘medical hall’ – an ancient hospital. It has been restored and visitors are allowed to view the premises consisting of four rooms: the consulting room, room for preparations and storage and a room for hot water baths. There are several stupas in the area creating an atmosphere of reverence as well as ancient ponds and sculptures.
Duration: 2 hours
