Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour - Private Full-Day Tour
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Highlights
- Walk among the ruins of one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
- Pay your respects at Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred tree over 2,300 years old.
- Witness daily religious rituals and offerings by local devotees in white garments.
- Visit monumental stupas like Ruwanwelisaya, marveling at their scale and spiritual significance.
- Explore finely carved moonstones, guardstones, and pillars and discover ancient engineering marvels like the Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna) and sophisticated irrigation systems.
Pricing
Please select a tour date
Package Type
What to expect
On the Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour – Private Full-Day Tour, guests can expect a deeply enriching journey through Sri Lanka’s spiritual and architectural heritage, beginning with a comfortable morning pickup from their hotel in Sigiriya
After a scenic drive to Anuradhapura, the tour explores a carefully curated selection of iconic and lesser-known sites within this UNESCO-listed ancient capital
Highlights include the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, believed to be the oldest recorded tree in the world; the majestic Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and the historic ruins of Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) and Vijayabahu’s Royal Palace, which once reflected the grandeur of Sinhalese kings
Visitors will also explore the peaceful Vessagiriya meditation caves, the distinct Gedige ruins, and the expansive Abhayagiri Monastic Complex, featuring the Main Refectory, Janthagara (ancient steam bath), and Eth Pokuna, a massive ancient reservoir
The intricate artistry of the Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) and the impressive guardstones at Rathna Prasadaya provide insight into the symbolic depth of ancient Buddhist culture
The tour concludes with the beautifully engineered Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna), a testament to the city's advanced hydraulic systems
With expert guidance, flexible pacing, and hotel drop-off in the evening, this private tour offers a comprehensive and personal encounter with Sri Lanka’s timeless past
Package details
Free cancellation (72 hours notice)
Instant confirmation
- Flexible pick-up options available from your hotel at Anuradhapura
- Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Bottled water
- Tea and/or Coffee
- Start time
- Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
- Opening hours
- 05/21/2025 - 08/31/2026
- Monday - Sunday : 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- 1. Vessagiriya Ruins
- Explore rock-cut caves used by meditating monks.
- Enjoy a peaceful introduction to Anuradhapura’s monastic history.
- - 1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
- 2. Sri Maha Bodhi Tree (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi)
- Visit the sacred Bo tree, revered as the oldest historically documented tree in the world.
- Observe local rituals and offerings by Buddhist pilgrims.
- - 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
- 3. Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)
- View the stone pillars of what was once a 9-story monastery roofed with bronze tiles.
- Gain insights into ancient monastic life and architecture.
- - 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
- 4. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
- Marvel at the immense white stupa built by King Dutugemunu.
- Learn about its religious and historical significance.
- - 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
- 5. The Royal Palace (Vijayabahu Maligaya)
- Visit the ruins of the palace used by King Vijayabahu I.
- Understand the blend of royal and religious governance in ancient times.
- - 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
- 12:30 PM – Lunch Break
- Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant (vegetarian/non-vegetarian options available).
- 1:30 PM
- 6. Gedige Ruins
- Discover unique South Indian-style architecture not commonly seen in Anuradhapura.
- - 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
- 7. Abhayagiri Monastic Complex Highlights
- Main Refectory: Learn how thousands of monks were fed in an organized system.
- Janthagara (Steam Bath): Explore ancient hydro-therapy and wellness structures.
- Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond): See the large man-made reservoir used for the monastery’s water supply.
- - 40 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
- 8. Rathna Prasadaya & Guardstone
- Visit this elegant ruin and admire the finest guardstone carving in Sri Lanka.
- - 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
- 9. Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana)
- Examine the symbolic layers of life, desire, and enlightenment carved into the semi-circular entrance stone.
- - 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
- 10. Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
- Conclude the tour with one of Anuradhapura’s most impressive engineering feats — two beautifully preserved bathing pools used by monks.
- - 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
- Begin Return Journey
- Arrive back at your hotel after a fulfilling day of exploration.
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- You'll get confirmation within minutes. If you don't see any confirmation, reach out to our customer support.
- You'll get a full refund if you cancel at least 72 hour(s) before the activity starts
- Use your voucher at the selected date and time
- Present your mobile voucher
- Pick up from your hotel at Anuradhapura