Sacred City of Anuradhapura from Colombo
Description
This memorable tour takes you to see some of the historic highlights of Sri Lanka. Walkthrough the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD.Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka's history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka, pulsates with a captivating blend of rich history, modernity, and cultural diversity. Situated on the island nation's western coast, Colombo boasts bustling markets, colonial-era architecture, and a picturesque waterfront. From the majestic Gangaramaya Temple to the bustling Pettah Market and the serene Galle Face Green promenade, Colombo offers visitors a kaleidoscope of experiences. Its dynamic atmosphere, warm hospitality, and delectable cuisine make it a must-visit destination in South Asia.
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, 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.
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.
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 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. The roof doesn’t exist today. Originally constructed in the ancient architectural tradition of a “paddy – heap” shape, its present “bell” shape dates to renovation in the 1862. To the south-east of Thuparama dagoba are the ruins of a hospital as it is evident by the presence of an intact medicinal trough, an oil bath cut into a slab of stone.
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.
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, 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.
your journey to return to Colombo
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick you up from your Colombo hotel.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Adult pricing applies to all travellers
- Comfortable walking shoes and hats are recommended
Reviews(4)
Consider your itinerary carefully. Going from Colombo to this location is physically possible but it is not ideal, it isn't a simple trip on the freeway, it navigates through lots and lots of towns and villages, it is around 8 hour return driving excluding your site visit. Also for some reason we didn't visit Isurumuniya Temple and Mihintale - so two major sites completely missed. I put complete trust in the person provided by the tour company, but maybe I should have checked each site off a list one at a time. If we did those sites as well then most likely would have got back to hotel at 8pm at night quite easily after starting at 6.30am in the morning. Then also consider the toll on the driver, this one had to travel 1/2 hours to get to the vehicle pick up location, then travel to get to me in Colombo, then travel another 8 hours driving in the day before having to return to his home. I don't think it is wise and not safe because the roads are chaotic and there is no long rest break. You are better to stay for 1 or 2 nights in the northern area to visit this location and also the other three ancient Kingdoms in the area. So learn from my mistake. Anuradhapura itself is huge, huge site that you either need a car, tuk tuk or bus tour to get around and see. Bicycle is also a good idea but be prepared for the heat. Lastly the tour company didn't warn me about not wearing shoes or a hat going into the temples, it meant I was burning my feet walking into them as the stone floors are very hot, especially in the middle of the day.
(J34437U03) Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review. We truly appreciate your honesty, as it helps us improve and also provides valuable advice for future travelers. We’re sorry to hear that your experience wasn’t as smooth or complete as it should have been, especially with the missed visits to Isurumuniya Temple and Mihintale. We understand how disappointing it must have been to travel such a long distance and not see all the key sites. We’ll be reviewing our processes to ensure that itineraries are clearly communicated and that important stops are not overlooked. Your points about travel times, driver rest, and the benefits of staying overnight in the area are excellent suggestions, and we will make sure to share them with our guests going forward to help them plan more comfortably and safely. We also apologize for not advising you in advance about footwear and sun protection at temple sites — we’ll make sure this important detail is included in our pre-tour information. We value your feedback greatly and hope that, despite the challenges, you were able to enjoy the beauty and history of Anuradhapura. If you return, we’d love the opportunity to plan a more relaxed and complete itinerary for you.
An incredible journey through Sri Lankan history and culture that exceeded all expectations. Allow plenty of time – there's far more to see than we anticipated! The Experience: Anuradhapura is genuinely awe-inspiring. The sheer scale of history, culture, and religious significance here is remarkable. We hadn't realized just how extensive the ancient capital was until we arrived. Our Guide: Nimal was exceptional – his passion for the history was contagious. When we mentioned being slightly rushed to return to Colombo, he expertly prioritized the must-see sites to ensure we didn't miss the most important monuments. His knowledge and enthusiasm truly enhanced the experience. The Sites: The grounds are vast but absolutely worth exploring. Despite the size, there's a profound sense of peace throughout the ancient city that makes walking between monuments a pleasure. Time Needed: Don't make our mistake of trying to rush this. You need at least a full day to properly appreciate Anuradhapura's treasures. Who Should Visit: Perfect for anyone interested in history, religion, culture, or simply wanting to be impressed by ancient civilizations. This is Sri Lankan heritage at its finest. Overall: A must-do experience that will leave you with deep appreciation for Sri Lanka's incredible past. Just make sure to allocate enough time! A quick shout out to our agent Hansika for coordinating everything, excellent job!
(J34398U05) Thank you for the wonderful and thoughtful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your time in Anuradhapura—it's truly a place that leaves a lasting impression. We're thrilled to hear that their helped make your journey smooth and meaningful. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to them. Hope to welcome you again soon for more unforgettable Sri Lankan experiences!
The drive there and back are fairly long, but the tour is great if you have limited time and want to visit the sacred city. My driver was also very kind and helped make the drive feel shorter.
(J33887U03) Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the tour of the sacred city and that your driver helped make the long journey more comfortable. It’s great to know the experience was worthwhile, even with limited time. We appreciate you choosing us and hope to welcome you again!
We were warned it was a long drive from Colombo to Anuradhapura and an early start was needed, so we were in two minds whether to take this tour. But we are glad we did. Our driver was on time, the car was comfortable and we could catch up on sleep for some of the journey. The site is huge and we picked up a local guide and toured it by car, getting out at the main sites to look at them. The monumental stupas are impressive and the setting is beautiful. It was particularly interesting to see how the site is still an active place of worship with tourists in the minority.
J18259 Thank you so much for taking your time to share an insightful review of your experience and our service. It was an immense pleasure to have arranged your tour to Sacred City of Anuradhapura. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback is a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well. Hope to have you again here in Sri Lanka.
