Colombo Trip Overview
Declared by the UNESCO as a world heritage city, Anuradapura is regarded as Sri Lanka’s first known kingdom and the capital of the island for many centuries. Being well known for its cultural and religious value the city attracts many local and foreign visitors who love to explore the ancient history of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was also the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and is known today as one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world. This is a huge archaeological site which extends 40 km and one of the world’s major archaeological sites and it’s famous for well preserved ruins of great civilization. A trip to Anuradhapura is going to be one of the best you have ever experienced with our knowledgeable drivers and with all other costs including lunch and all entrance fees!
Additional Info
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
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
Declared by the UNESCO as a world heritage city, Anuradapura is regarded as Sri Lanka’s first known kingdom and the capital of the island for many centuries. Being well known for its cultural and religious value the city attracts many local and foreign visitors who love to explore the ancient history of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was also the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and is known today as one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world. This is a huge archaeological site which extends 40 km and one of the world’s major archaeological sites and it’s famous for well preserved ruins of great civilization. A trip to Anuradhapura is going to be one of the best you have ever experienced with our knowledgeable drivers and with all other costs including lunch and all entrance fees!
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
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 the oldest living tree in documented history of the world. It is a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which Buddha enlightened. It was planted in 288 BCF and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. It was brought from Buddhagaya India by the Ven. Sanghamitta Therini, a sister of Arhant Mahinda – who introduced the Teachings of the Buddha to Sri Lanka.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Ruwanweliseya, also known as the Swarnamali Maha Chaitya, is the most venerated and well-known stupa in Sri Lanka. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC. The chronicles greatly detail how the stupa was constructed by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC. The rare and precious raw materials required for the stupa are said to have miraculously appeared in locales not far from the city. Stones, bricks, mercury, wood apple resin and fine clay are said to have been used in the foundation, along with sheets of bronze and silver. The king died before construction could be completed, and it fell to his brother Saddhatissa to complete the stupa.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Abhayagiri Dagaba, Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Dating back to the 1st century BC, this colossal dagoba was the ceremonial focus of the 5000-strong Abhayagiri Monastery. Originally over 100m high, it was one of the greatest structures in the ancient world, its scale only matched by the pyramids of Giza (and nearby Jetavanarama). Today, after several reconstructions, Abhayagiri Dagoba soars 75m above the forest floor. Visually, it’s stunning, and your first glimpse of this brick monument through a gap in the surrounding forest is breathtaking.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Watawandana Road B341, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in the world heritage city of Anuradhapura. Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301) initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of the mahavihara. His son Maghavanna I completed the construction of the stupa. A part of a sash or belt tied by the Buddha is believed to be the relic that is enshrined here. The structure is significant in the island’s history for it represents the tensions within the Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism; it is also significant in recorded history as one of the tallest structures in the ancient world.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Isurumuniya Temple, At Royal Pleasure Gardens, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Isurumuniya Temple Sri Lanka, situated in Anuradhapura, is famous for its stone carvings of the “Isurumuniya Lovers”, built by King Devanampiya Tissa. This temple is known among many for its antiquities and sculptures and most importantly the different archaeological theories woven based on the many sculptures. The temple of Isurumuniya, which was built by a group of granite boulders, is situated in the premises of massive rock. As you enter the premises, you would be greeted with cold breeze of the pond of the temple which is adjoined to the base of the cliff.
Duration: 1 hour
