• Ruwanwelisaya - With a circumference of 370 feet and a height of 180 feet, Ruwanweliseya is the third largest stupa in Sri Lanka and the centerpiece of the Maha Vihara, the country’s first monastery. It is believed to house a significant amount of Buddha’s relics and is designed to resemble a water bubble. At the eastern entrance stands a statue of King Dutugamunu. According to the 5th-century Chinese Buddhist monk Fa Hsien, the Maha Vihara monastery was home to at least 3000 Buddhist monks. Since King Dutugamunu’s death, the stupa has been renovated by successive Sinhalese kings up to King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AC). By the 19th century, Anuradhapura, once the world’s greatest monastic city and known as Anurogrammon by Greek cartographer Claudius Ptolemy (90-168 AD), was abandoned, and Ruwanweliseya lay in ruins.

• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - It may be hard to believe, but there is no doubt that this small tree, with limbs so slender they need iron crutches for support, is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world at 2,250 years old. It has always had its hereditary caretakers, even during the reign of King Keerti Sri Rajasingha, who built a wall around it. In 1966, it was enclosed with a golden railing. The ancient Sinhalese Buddhist monuments of Anuradhapura are clustered around this Peepal tree (ficus religiosa), known as Sri Maha Bodhi, a sapling from the tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in Buddha Gaya, Northern India. The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta, daughter of King Asoka of India, in the 3rd Century B.C. To the north of this well-protected tree are three great monasteries: the Mahavihara, the Abhayagiri, and the Jetavana.

• Abayagiriya Stupa - Spanning 200 hectares, Abhayagiri Monastery was founded by King Valagamba, also known as Vattagamini Abhaya (109 BC-89-77 BC), after he reclaimed his throne from Dravidian invaders. The monastery was built on the site of a destroyed Jain hermitage, whose ascetic Giri had mocked the king during his exile. The monastery was gifted to Buddhist monk Thera Mahatissa in gratitude for his support during the king’s time of adversity. The main stupa, Abhayagiri Stupa, was built over a footprint of Buddha. The Bo tree at the monastery is an offshoot of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. Originally standing at 370 feet, Abhayagiri Dagoba was the second tallest dagoba in Sri Lanka.

• Isurumuniya Temple - Built by King Devanampiyatissa, Isurumuniya Temple is located near the Royal Pleasure Gardens by Tisaweva (Tissa rainwater reservoir). The temple, partially built into a cave with a pool in front and a boulder forming the rear wall, is known for its exquisite stone carvings. The rock face behind the pond features carvings of a herd of elephants and a noble horseman with his horse. The temple also houses the famous ‘Isurumuniya lovers’ sculpture, now in the Isurumuni Archaeological Museum. The lovers are believed to be King Dutugamunu’s son Saliya and his consort Asokamala.

• Dagoba of Thuparama - Thuparama dagoba, standing 20 meters high and 60 feet in diameter, is one of the smallest ancient stupas and was built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. It is believed to enshrine Buddha’s collar bone relic. The stupa was renovated in the 7th century by King Aggabodhi II. The monolithic pillars surrounding it once supported a circular roof, making it a Vata Dage (Circular Relic House), a unique Sinhalese architectural feature. The roof no longer exists. Originally built in a ‘paddy-heap’ shape, its current ‘bell’ shape dates to a renovation in 1862. To the southeast of Thuparama dagoba are the ruins of a hospital, evidenced by an intact medicinal trough and an oil bath cut into a stone slab.

• Jethawanaramaya Stupa - The massive dome of Jetavanarama Dagoba dominates the eastern part of Anuradhapura. Built in the 3rd century by Mahasena, it may have originally reached 120 meters but now stands at about 70 meters, similar to Abhayagiri. When constructed, it was likely the third tallest monument in the world, after the Egyptian pyramids. Its vast, unplastered form is said to contain over 90 million bricks.

• Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide
• Two 500 ml water bottles per person
• Included entrance fees
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off service
• Lunch at a local restaurant

• Entrance Tickets for visiting sites.
• Food and beverages.
• Gratuities.

Without renting a vehicle, a day trip to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s historical capital recognized by UNESCO, from Sigiriya, Dambulla or Habarana is unfeasible. This exclusive tour makes it possible: offering round-trip air-conditioned transportation and a guide-driver for your sightseeing. Explore the various temples, ponds, and shrines, inclusive of the Jetavanarama stupa, while listening to stories about this ancient and holy city that you would otherwise not hear. Your meals and hotel transfers are arranged for your convenience and comfort.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.