Anuradhapura Day Tour

Go deep into Sri Lankan history with an Anuradhapura Day Tour…

Description

The ancient city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved historical ruins dating back to the CENTURIES (4th century BC – 11th century AD) during which it remained the capital of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was also the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and is known today as one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world.

Located in the North central province of the island, Anuradhapura is about 205kms north of Colombo. The city continuously draws millions of tourists to the sites of ancient ruins – which are the most expressive and unmatchable sites in all of South Asia. A magnificent collection of architectural and archaeological marvels include massive dagobas, crumbling temples, giant brick towers, and archaic pools that were constructed during the several thousand years that the Kingdom of Anuradhapura ruled the nation. At present, these sites that you will visit on your Anuradhapura day tour are used mostly as temples and holy places hence should be given respect at all times.

Historical prominence of Anuradhapura

Places you will visit

Jetavanarama Dagoba

A popular tourist attraction in Anuradhapura, built around the 3rd century BC. The un-plastered dome is said to be constructed with over 90 million bricks!

Isurumuniya Vihara

A rock temple popular for its stone carvings of the ‘Isurumuniya Lovers’, ‘Horsemen’, ‘Elephants Pond’ and the ‘Royal Family’.

Thuparama Dagoba

The oldest Dagoba in Sri Lanka, constructed by King Tissa, to enshrine the right collarbone of Lord Buddha.

Kuttam Pokuna

Bathing tanks that have existed for centuries – one of ancient Sri Lanka’s most outstanding achievements in the field of hydrological engineering.

Mirisavatiya Dagoba

Built around the 2nd century BC by King Dutugemunu, and is said to have a relic of Buddha inside.

Nuwara Wewa

The largest tank in Anuradhapura, covering an area of about 12 square kms, and was built in the 20th century BC. This location offers spectacular views of Anuradhapura ancient city at sunset.

Abhayagiri Dagoba

Dating back to the 1st century BC, this ‘Fearless Hill’ was part of a 5000 strong monastery. Its original height was 100meters, making it the highest structure in the ancient world, after the Pyramids of Giza.

Sri Maha Bodhi

This is the site where the sacred Bo Tree that came in from India was planted. It is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world.

Ruvanveliseya Dagoba

One of the best architectural marvels, and is considered a sacred site for Buddhists from Nepal, Tibet and other countries across the world.

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Archeological Museum

An old British colonial building transformed into a museum to protect some of Anuradhapura’s ancient ruins.