Anuradhapura Ancient City Private Day Tour

5.0 (3 reviews) 5 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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3 reviews

5.0

Anuradhapura Ancient City Private Day Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Anuradhapura Ancient City Private Day Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the Ancient Wonders of Anuradhapura – the Easy Way

Explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura in comfort with private transport and the guidance of a licensed tour guide. Visit all the famous historical sites along with a few hidden gems that most travelers miss.

This ancient city is rich in history, but its landmarks are spread far apart and can be difficult to explore on your own. With this private day tour, you’ll enjoy a seamless and stress-free journey through ancient temples, peaceful ruins, and authentic local spots—while gaining deeper insights and stories from a professional licensed guide..

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At a glance

Duration: 5 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Safe Lanka Tours

Ages: Children (1–17 years) · Adults (18–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water
Included: Professional licensed tourist guide

Not included

Not included: Entrance fees: Entrance Tickets

Itinerary

Isurumuniya Temple

25 min Admission not included

Isurumuniya is a stunning rock temple known for its peaceful setting and intricate stone carvings, including the famous Isurumuniya Lovers sculpture. Originally built in the 3rd century BC, it was a sanctuary for Buddhist monks and remains a serene and spiritual site to this day.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

25 min Admission not included

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) located in the Mahamewna Gardens of Anuradhapura. It is considered the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date and continuous recorded history. This revered tree is the closest living link to Gautama Buddha.
Lovamahapaya Brazen Palace

25 min Admission not included

The Brazen Palace (Lovamahapaya) was a remarkable nine-story monastic structure built in the 2nd century BC by King Dutugemunu. It once housed a refectory, assembly hall, and chapter house. The palace was crowned with a roof made of bronze tiles, which gave it its name.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya

25 min Admission not included

Located in the heart of the ancient city, the Ruwanwelisaya stupa was built by King Dutugemunu (137–119 BC) and completed by his brother King Saddhatissa. It is one of the tallest ancient monuments in the world and holds great spiritual and architectural significance.
Dagoba of Thuparama

25 min Admission not included

Thuparamaya is considered the first stupa built in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa, it houses a sacred collarbone relic of the Buddha. Its bell-shaped design and surrounding stone pillars represent the grace of early Buddhist architecture.
Moonstone or Sandakada pahana

25 min Admission not included

The Sandakada Pahana, or Moonstone, is a distinctive architectural element found at the entrances of ancient buildings in Anuradhapura. These semi-circular stone slabs feature intricate carvings symbolizing the cycle of life in Buddhist tradition.
Stop 7

25 min Admission not included

Rathna Prasadaya is an ancient structure featuring detailed carvings and guardstones. Over time, stone replaced wood in the construction of these elements, offering greater durability and artistic complexity in the Anuradhapura period.
Eth Pokuna

25 min Admission not included

Eth Pokuna is a massive ancient reservoir measuring approximately 159 meters long, 52 meters wide, and 9.5 meters deep. Built to supply water to nearby monasteries, the pond's impressive scale reflects the advanced water management systems of the time.
Abhayagiri

25 min Admission not included

The Abhayagiriya Stupa is located in the ancient Sinhala capital of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. It was built by King Valagamba (89–77 BC) and became one of the largest monastic complexes in the ancient world. Abhayagiriya is recognized as one of the tallest and most significant ancient stupas in Sri Lanka.
Samadhi Statue

25 min Admission not included

This famous Samadhi Buddha statue is located in Mahamevnāwa Park. It depicts the Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra, the meditation posture linked to his first Enlightenment. Carved from dolomite marble, the statue stands 7 feet 3 inches tall and radiates a sense of calm and serenity.
Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)

25 min Admission not included

The Kuttam Pokuna, or Twin Ponds, are ancient bathing tanks built during the Anuradhapura Kingdom. These beautifully preserved structures are part of the Abhayagiri monastic complex and showcase the advanced hydrological engineering and artistic design of ancient Sri Lanka.
Stop 12

25 min Admission not included

Jetavanaramaya is one of the tallest and largest stupas in the ancient world, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD. Once part of a massive monastic complex, it was a center for both religious and scholarly activity. Its massive scale and brickwork reflect the grandeur of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.