A full-day journey to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world – a sacred city of extraordinary scale still active as a place of Buddhist pilgrimage, best explored by bicycle through shaded lanes between the monuments.
Departure from : Sigiriya, Dambulla or Kandy
Day Tour 4: Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour
Key Highlights
Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
The oldest documented living tree on earth, planted in 288 BC from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment – tended without interruption for 23 centuries.
Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
A vast white stupa built in the 2nd century BC, one of the most revered monuments in the Buddhist world, its dome surrounded by a row of carved stone elephants at the base.
Abhayagiri Monastery Complex
A sprawling ancient monastic city that at its height housed over 5,000 monks, with the vast Abhayagiri Dagoba rising above the surrounding forest and ruins spread across the parkland.
Isurumuniya Rock Temple
A beautiful rock-carved temple at the edge of the ancient reservoir, home to the celebrated Isurumuniya Lovers sculpture – one of the finest examples of Gupta-influenced stone carving in Sri Lanka.
Thuparamaya
The oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka, built in the 3rd century BC and believed to enshrine a collarbone relic of the Buddha – a small, elegantly proportioned monument of great antiquity.
Inclusions
– Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
– Experienced English-speaking chauffeur-guide
– Sacred City entrance fees
– Bicycle hire at the site
– Bottled water throughout
Exclusions
– Meals and beverages
– Personal shopping
– Gratuities
– Travel insurance