Anuradhapura: Private Tuk Tuk Tour – Temples & Hidden Ruins

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Anuradhapura: Private Tuk Tuk Tour – Temples & Hidden Ruins — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Anuradhapura: Private Tuk Tuk Tour – Temples & Hidden Ruins, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience Anuradhapura like few travelers do — by private tuk tuk, allowing you to explore hidden temples, quiet ruins, and backroads that large buses can’t reach. Unlike standard tours, you’ll enjoy personalized storytelling from your local driver-guide, who shares legends, history, and insights not found in guidebooks. Stop along the way for a refreshing king coconut or traditional Ceylon tea, and feel the city’s authentic rhythm as you travel between UNESCO sites. This tour combines history, culture, and adventure, giving you an intimate, off-the-beaten-path journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient capital.

Overnight Tours Multi-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Tuk Tuk Tours Religious Tours

At a glance

Duration: 2 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–9
Operated by: Haven Lanka Tours

Ages: Adults (10–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private tuk tuk transportation for your group
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (Anuradhapura)
Included: Refreshments: king coconut
Included: Bottled water

Not included

Not included: Entrance tickets Anuradhapura Site
Not included: Meals and personal expenses
Not included: Site Guide

Itinerary

Day 1 · Anuradhapura: Private Tuk Tuk Tour – Temples & Hidden Ruins

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

25 min Admission not included

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree, or Ficus religiosa, that stands in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Not only is it the closest authentic living link to Gautama Buddha, it is also the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date and a recorded history.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya

25 min Admission not included

The Ruwanweliseya is sited in the Ancient Sinhala capital of Anuradhapura in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was built by King Dutugamunu (137 BC – 119 BC) and completed by his younger brother, King Saddhatissa, after his death. The Ruwanweliseya is ranked among the tallest ancient monuments in the world.
Abayagiriya Stupa

25 min Admission not included

At 122 metres (400 ft), it was the world's tallest stupa, and the third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301).
Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)

25 min Admission not included

Kuttam Pokuna (twin ponds or pools) are well preserved old bathing tanks or ponds in Sri Lanka. This pair of ponds was built by the Sinhalese in the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom. They form part of the Abhayagiri vihāra complex and are an example of the works in the field of hydrological engineering, architecture and art of the ancient Sinhalese.
Samadhi Statue

25 min Admission not included

The Samadhi Buddha is a famous statue situated at Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Buddha is depicted in the position of the Dhyana Mudra, the posture of meditation associated with his first Enlightenment. This statue is 7 feet 3 inches in height and carved from dolomite marble.
Jethawanaramaya

25 min Admission not included

Jethawanaramaya Stupa is one of the most iconic and sacred Buddhist monuments in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, built during the reign of King Mahasena. Once rising over 120 meters, it was among the tallest brick structures in the ancient world and a major center for Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist learning. Today, Jethawanaramaya remains an important pilgrimage site, admired for its immense scale, historical significance, and timeless architectural beauty.
Moonstone or Sandakada pahana

25 min Admission not included

Sandakada Pahana, also known as Moonstone, is a unique feature of the architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances.
Eth Pokuna

25 min Admission not included

The Elephant Pond (Eth Pokuna) in Anuradhapura is a massive 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 was used to supply water to the nearby monasteries. The pond's name likely comes from its enormous size, suggesting it could even accommodate elephants. A testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering, the pond highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the era's hydraulic systems
Dagoba of Thuparama

25 min Admission not included

Thuparamaya Stupa, located 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

25 min Admission not included

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.

Day 2 · Optional Drop at Anuradhapura Bus Stand (if needed)

Anuradhapura

2 min

For travelers who need onward transport, we offer a convenient drop from your hotel to the Anuradhapura Bus Stand. This flexible option ensures a stress-free continuation of your journey.