Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura: Explore Ancient City with Navin Lanka Tours

Embark on a private city day tour in Anuradhapura with Navin Lanka Tours and explore the ancient city’s top tourist attractions. Discover the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka on this unforgettable holiday experience.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a revered fig tree, or Ficus religiosa, located in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is the closest living connection to Gautama Buddha and holds the title of the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a documented planting date and history.
  • 89WX+C4H - Brazen Palace (Lowamahapaya) This site features a nine-story monastic structure built in the 2nd century BC by King Dutugmunu. The building included a refectory, assembly hall, and chapter house, with a roof covered in bronze tiles, giving it the name “Brazen Palace.”
  • Ruwanwelisaya - The Ruwanweliseya is located in the ancient Sinhala capital of Anuradhapura in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Constructed by King Dutugamunu (137 BC – 119 BC) and completed by his younger brother, King Saddhatissa, it is one of the tallest ancient monuments in the world.
  • Jethawanaramaya Stupa - Standing at 122 meters (400 ft), it was the world’s tallest stupa and the third tallest structure globally when built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301).
  • Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna) - Kuttam Pokuna, or twin ponds, are well-preserved ancient bathing tanks in Sri Lanka. Built by the Sinhalese in the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom, they are part of the Abhayagiri vihāra complex and showcase the advanced hydrological engineering, architecture, and art of the ancient Sinhalese.
  • Samadhi Statue - The Samadhi Buddha is a renowned statue located at Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Depicting the Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, the meditation posture associated with his first Enlightenment, this statue stands 7 feet 3 inches tall and is carved from dolomite marble.
  • Abayagiriya Stupa - Abhayagiri Vihāra was a significant monastery site for Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana Buddhism in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the world’s most extensive ruins and a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country.
  • Moonstone or Sandakada pahana - Sandakada Pahana, also known as Moonstone, is a distinctive feature of ancient Sri Lankan architecture. It is an intricately carved semi-circular stone slab typically placed at the base of staircases and entrances.
  • Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල - Over time, the architects of the Anuradhapura kingdom transitioned to using stone instead of wood for constructing guard stones, moonstones, and balustrades, as stone proved to be more durable. This evolution led to the inclusion of carvings on guard stones.
  • Eth Pokuna - The Elephant Pond (Eth Pokuna) in Anuradhapura is a vast ancient reservoir built during the reign of the kings in Sri Lanka’s historical Anuradhapura Kingdom. Measuring approximately 159 meters in length, 52 meters in width, and 9.5 meters in depth, it supplied water to nearby monasteries. Its name likely derives from its immense size, suggesting it could even accommodate elephants. This pond exemplifies the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering.
  • Dagoba of Thuparama - Thuparamaya Stupa, situated in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, is considered 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, making it a revered site for Buddhists. The stupa’s bell-shaped design and surrounding stone pillars reflect the elegance of ancient Sri Lankan architecture. As the first stupa constructed after the introduction of Buddhism to the island, Thuparamaya holds immense historical and religious significance.
  • Isurumuniya Temple - Isurumuniya Temple, located in Anuradhapura, is a beautiful and historically significant rock temple known for its intricate stone carvings. Built in the 3rd century BC, it was originally a sanctuary for Buddhist monks. The temple is famous for the stunning Isurumuniya Lovers sculpture, which showcases the exceptional artistry of ancient Sri Lanka. Surrounded by a serene lotus pond and carved rock formations, the temple offers a peaceful atmosphere, making it a must-visit site for both history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Entrance tickets
Additional Information

Navin Lanka Tours: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Sri Lankan Adventures!

Embark on a modern and professional journey with our Anuradhapura day tour package, meticulously curated to include every tourist attraction in the ancient city. Anytime, anywhere, we’re here to make your holiday unforgettable. Book now and elevate your Sri Lankan experience with Navin Lanka Tours!

Location
Anuradhapura
In your hotel.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(150 Ratings)
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Camille271734
Aug 1, 2024
Don’t search anymore, Navin is the guide you need. - The best guide you could ever have in Sri Lanka. We really enjoyed every minute of the tour. The explications and answers to all the questions we had were amazing !! Thanks a lot again Navin :))
Review provided by Tripadvisor
974roosd
Aug 1, 2024
What a fantastic guide! - What a fantastic guide! Navin is a really friendly guy who knows so much about Anuradhapura! He will tell you al about it and answer all of your questions! The best part is that he does it with so much enthousiasm, really nice to listen to!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
171myrtheh
Jul 28, 2024
One of the best days of my trip in Sri Lanka - I had the best time with Navin. The city tour really marked one of the best moments during my trip in Sri Lanka. As soon as Navin came to pick me up from my hotel, I felt super welcomed and happy. Navin is very professional and knows a bunch, which makes it super interesting to see the beautiful places and listen to the stories behind it - an experience you wouldn’t get if you just visit the attractions by yourself. Besides all the interesting stories there was a lot of time to chat and laugh. All in all, I had a very good time during this day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Xcharellee
Jul 27, 2024
Fantastic experience with very good guide! - What a fantastic excursion with Navin! We have seen very beautiful things and Navin could tell us so much about it. It was nice that he also brought a camera, sending us the pictures of the day. Definitely recommended! Furthermore, Navin has also given us very nice tips for the continuation of our trip. The things we did on Navin's advice were really highlights!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judith_v
Jul 23, 2024
great tour to discover the history of Anuradhapura - The tour with Navin is definitely recommended. Besides he is incredibly nice and helpful, he is a really good guide. He told us interesting things about the history of Anuradhapura and the Buddhism. His English is very good, which allowed us to follow him very well. And above all: he tells it with so much enthusiasm! In addition, the extra things he told and did during the tour made it extra fun. He helped us find the best photo spots and also shared a lot about his personal life, which gave us a good connection. Thank you Navin!
Review provided by Viator
Bazilg300
Jul 22, 2024
Navin is a professional, positive and fun tour guide who will give the best tour of the ancient city - This is a terrific tour with Navin and I highly recommend it. He is a professional guide, his English is great and his energy and positivity are infectious. He will provide you with detailed information about the places you visit as well as about life in Sri Lanka. He is attentive, friendly and fun to be with. He will connect with you as a person and genuinely work hard to ensure you have the best experience in the ancient city. And the price represents very good value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danique_w
Jul 21, 2024
Awesome tour!! - Had an amazing tour with Navin today!! Very nice guy who speaks great English (mine is not so well right Navin ;) slippery). I would definitely recommend to spend the day with him!! Thankyou!!
Review provided by Viator
Grandtour45889513631
Jul 19, 2024
Best tour in Anuradhapura - From the first minute we saw Navin, we knew it was going to be a great time. We had a good laugh with each other and we learned a lot about Anuradhapura. The history of this city and the Buddha culture was unknown to us. But with the good storytelling of Navin we knew a lot after the 5 hours tour. The way Navin explained everything is really nice and understandable. Definitely recommend him! Gaan met die banaan 🍌
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Climber07742790672
Jul 18, 2024
You will have a great time, full of knowledge and laughter :). - Navin is very knowledgeable, Flexible, kind and enthusiastic. During one of our first days on the island we were lucky enough to have Navin as our guide. He took us around the city of Anuradhapura and Mihintale. Apart from his amazing knowledge about the island and it’s history he was also super fun to be around. We were joking around and laughing the whole day :). Sometime throughout the day I told navin about a mosquito problem we were having and he immediately helped us! At the end of the tour he took us to a pharmacy to get local mosquito repellent (ours wasn’t working) and something against the bites that had already occurred. And just like that, problem solved! It just goes to show Navin really loves the people and his work. Thanks Navin for making us so much more excited for the next few weeks here, helping us, and teaching us about this beautiful country!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelvinamn99
Jul 17, 2024
10/10 would recommend - Simply amazing! Navin is such a nice guy, but also knows everything there is to know about the ancient city of Anuradhapura and buddhism in general. Easily the best private tour we ever had. He takes his time to answer all of your questions in the finest detail as well, which is really nice!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
October 2024
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