Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour: Walk Through Sri Lanka's Historic Highlights from Negombo
Negombo
Explore the historic highlights of Sri Lanka on a memorable tour of Anuradhapura Ancient City. Walkthrough the ruins, pagodas, and monastic buildings, and learn about the rich history of this ancient capital.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Negombo - Negombo, a coastal city in Sri Lanka, charms visitors with its blend of rich history and vibrant culture. Famous for its pristine beaches and bustling fish markets, Negombo offers a serene escape for travelers seeking relaxation. Explore the remnants of Dutch and Portuguese colonial architecture, indulge in delectable seafood cuisine, or unwind amidst the palm-fringed shores. With its warm hospitality and picturesque vistas, Negombo beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its laid-back atmosphere and captivating ambiance.
  • Isurumuniya Temple - Isurumuniya Temple,built by King Devanampiyatissa,is located close to the Royal Pleasure Gardens by the side of Tisaweva (Tissa rainwater reservoir).The Isurumuniya temple,built partly into a cave with a lovely pool in the front and with a boulder forming the rear wall,is a treasure-trove of exquisitely carved stone sculptures.

The rock face bordering the rear of the pond is well adorned with a couple of exquisite rock carvings.One is of a herd of Elephants giving the impression of their playful antics in the pond.The sculpture has also captured the majesty of the leader elephant of the herd.The other one is of a noble horseman and his horse.

Also at the temple is a celebrated sculpture on a slab of granite called ‘Isurumuniya lovers’.This has now been shifted to the Isurumuni Archaeological Museum.The lovers are identified as King Dutugamunu’s son Saliya and his non-royal consort Asokamala,the ultimate lissom women with matchless beauty.

  • Mirisawetiya Stupa - Mirisawetiya Stupa, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a sacred Buddhist site revered for its historical significance and spiritual aura. Constructed by King Dutugemunu in the 3rd century BC, it stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. The stupa is believed to enshrine a relic of Lord Buddha, making it a focal point for pilgrims and devotees. Surrounded by tranquil surroundings, including a picturesque lotus pond, Mirisawetiya exudes a serene ambiance, inviting visitors to reflect and connect with the profound teachings of Buddhism. Its imposing structure and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures.
  • Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, believed to be the oldest living human-planted tree in the world. It is a symbol of immense religious and cultural significance for Buddhists worldwide. Planted in 288 BCE, it is said to have grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment.

Devoted pilgrims from all over the world visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to pay homage, meditate, and offer prayers. The site is surrounded by serene gardens and ancient ruins, adding to its mystique and spiritual ambiance. The tree is meticulously cared for, with rituals performed regularly to ensure its health and longevity.

For Buddhists, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi represents a direct link to the Buddha’s enlightenment and serves as a focal point for devotion and introspection, making it an enduring symbol of peace and enlightenment.

  • Ruwanwelisaya - Standing at a circumference of 370 feet and a height of 180 feet, Ruwanweliseya, the third largest stupa of Sri Lanka, is the focal point of the Maha Vihara, the first monastery of Sri Lanka. It is believed that a considerable amount of relics of Buddha is enshrined in this glorious stupa, built in replicating the shape of a bubble of water. At the eastern entrance to the stupa is a statue of King Dutugamunu. According to the records made by Fa Hsien, the Chinese Buddhist monk, who toured Sri Lanka in the 5th century CE, Maha Vihara monastery housed no less than 3000 Buddhist monks.
    Since the death of King Dutugamunu, “The Hero of the Nation”, the great stupa had been renovated by a succession of Sinhalese kings till King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AC). By the 19th century, Anuradhapura, once the greatest monastic city of the world, also named Anurogrammon, by the Greek cartographer Claudius Ptolemy (90-168 AD) was deserted; Ruwanweliseya was in ruins.
  • Thuparama vihara - Thuparama dagoba, 20m in height and 60ft in diameter, one of the smallest of ancient stupas was built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the third century BC. Thuparama dagoba is believed to enshrine the collar bone relic of Buddha. By the seventh century, the stupa was renovated by King Aggabodhi the second in the 7th century.

The graceful monolithic pillars surrounding it once upheld a circular roof making the shrine a Vata Dage (Circular – Relic – house) a characteristically Sinhalese architectural feature.

  • Abhayagiri Dagaba - Abhayagiri Monastery spreading over an area of 200 hectares,was founded by King Valagamba also known by Vattagamini Abhaya (109 BC-89-77 BC) following his ascent to the throne for the second time,having the Dravidian invaders put to sword and fire. The monastery was built following the destruction of the Jain hermitage,whose ascetic Giri had taunted King Valagamaba while he was fleeing from invaders from Southern India 14 years back.The monastery was donated to Buddhist monk Thera Mahatissa as a token of gratitude for the moral and material support extended to the king,at a time of adversity,in exile building an army to regain his kingdom.

The main stupa at Abhayagiri Monastery ,Abhayagiri Stupa was built over a footprint of Buddha.The Bo tree at the monastery is an off-shoot of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree also at Anuradhapura. Standing at 370 ft in height,when it was first built, Abhayagiri Dagoba was the second tallest dagoba in Sri Lanka.

  • Jethawanaramaya Stupa - The Jetavanarama Dagoba’s massive dome rises above the entire eastern part of Anuradhapura. Built in the 3rd century by Mahasena, it may have originally topped 120m, but today is about 70m – similar to the Abhayagiri. When it was built it was almost certainly the third-tallest monument in the world, the first two being Egyptian pyramids.

Its vast, bulbous form is unplastered and said to consist of more than 90 million bricks.

  • Mihintale - Mihintale, located near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, holds great historical and religious significance as the birthplace of Buddhism in the country. This sacred site is where the Indian Buddhist monk Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, is believed to have converted King Devanampiya Tissa to Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE.

Pilgrims ascend the grand staircase adorned with intricate carvings to reach the summit, where they find the impressive Mahaseya Stupa, a central focus of reverence.

Visitors can explore various monastic ruins, including cave dwellings, meditation platforms, and historic inscriptions, offering glimpses into ancient Buddhist practices and the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

Mihintale serves as a spiritual sanctuary and a cultural treasure, drawing both devout Buddhists and curious travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the island’s rich history and religious heritage.

What's Included
  • Service of an English speaking chauffeur guide.
  • Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • 2 x 500 ml Water Bottle Per Person.
What's Not Included
  • Entrance Tickets.
  • Food and beverages.
  • Expenses of personal nature.
  • Gratuities.
Additional Information

(SKU:LK60052500) Experience an unforgettable journey that takes you to some of the most historical landmarks of Sri Lanka. Traverse through the ruined city of Anuradhapura, which served as the capital for over a thousand years until the 10th century AD. Observe the abundance of pagodas, monastic structures, and pools that are spread throughout the expansive area. Pay a visit to notable attractions such as the Jetavanarama, one of the tallest structures in the ancient world, the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, and the remnants of the vast Abhayagiri Monastery. Walk in the path of kings and deepen your understanding of Sri Lanka’s rich history.

  • Adult pricing applies to all travellers
  • Comfortable walking shoes and hats are recommended
  • A maximum of 8 people per booking
Location
Negombo
Cancellation Policy

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

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today