Day 1: Discover Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Sinhala Buddhist ruins, and the sacred city of Mihintale

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a revered Bo tree located in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura. It is not only the closest living connection to Gautama Buddha but also the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a documented planting date and history.

Approximately 2,600 years ago, Lord Gautama Buddha sat with his back against an Esathu tree on the banks of the Neranjana River in Bodhgaya, India. It was during this time that Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment, giving the tree a sacred status. Known as the Bodhi tree, it attracted pilgrims even during Buddha’s lifetime.

In 236 BC, the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta Maha Theri was sent by King Asoka from India to Sri Lanka, bringing with her a southern branch of the original sacred fig. This was during the reign of one of Sri Lanka’s earliest kings, notable for the introduction of Buddhism. In 288 BC, Tissa planted the branch in Anuradhapura.

Jethawanaramaya Stupa - The Jetavanarama stupa, or Jetavanaramaya, is a Buddhist reliquary monument located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Standing at 122 meters (400 ft), it was the world’s tallest stupa and the third tallest structure globally when built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301). His son Maghavanna I completed its construction, and it was later renovated by Parakramabahu I of Polonnaruwa. A relic believed to be part of a sash or belt tied by Buddha is enshrined here.

Dagoba of Thuparama - Thuparamaya is the first Buddhist temple constructed after the arrival of Mahinda Thero in Sri Lanka. Located in the sacred Mahamewna park, the Thuparamaya Stupa is the earliest Dagoba on the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (247-207 BC). The temple is officially recognized as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.

Moonstone or Sandakada Pahana - The Anuradhapura Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone) is a distinctive feature of ancient Sinhala architecture, typically found at the base of staircases and entrances. It is a finely carved semi-circular stone slab symbolizing the cycle of Saṃsāra in Buddhism. Initially, the Sandakada Pahana was placed at the entrances to Buddhist temples during the later stages of the Anuradhapura period.

Features of Anuradhapura Sandakada Pahana

The Anuradhapura Sandakada Pahana is an intricately carved semi-circular stone slab featuring a half lotus in the center, surrounded by bands depicting animals like elephants, lions, horses, and bulls. These animals represent the four noble truths in Buddhism or the four stages of life: birth, old age, disease, and death. The Sandakada Pahana has been a prominent architectural feature throughout the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, and Gampola periods.

Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna) - Kuttam Pokuna, or twin ponds, are well-preserved ancient bathing tanks in Sri Lanka. Built by the Sinhalese in the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom, they are part of the Abhayagiri vihāra complex and showcase the achievements in hydrological engineering, architecture, and art of the ancient Sinhalese.

Samadhi Statue - The Samadhi Buddha is a renowned statue located at Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Buddha is depicted in the Dhyana Mudra position, associated with his first Enlightenment. This statue, standing 7 feet 3 inches tall, is carved from dolomite marble. It resembles the Toluvila statue from the same period and is similar to Gupta period Buddha images. Originally, the image was likely gilded with inlaid eyes made of precious gems. It is believed to have been one of four statues around a sacred Bodhi tree shrine, with this being the only one largely intact.

Abhayagiri Dagaba - Abhayagiri Vihāra was a major monastery site for Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana Buddhism in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the world’s most extensive ruins and a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage city. Historically, it was a significant monastic center and royal capital, with magnificent monasteries rising to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of glazed clay. To the north of the city, surrounded by great walls and featuring elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades, and moonstones, stood “Abhayagiri,” one of seventeen religious units in Anuradhapura and the largest of its five major viharas. A focal point of the complex is the ancient stupa, the Abhayagiri Dagaba. Encircling the humped dagaba, Abhayagiri Vihara was the seat of the Northern Monastery, or Uttara Vihara, and the original custodian of the Tooth relic on the island.

Main Refectory Of Abayagiri Monastery - The Mahapali Refectory is located in Sangamiththa Mawatha, Anuradhapura. It is one of the refectories of the Abhayaragiri Monastery, believed to have been built by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC. A main attraction is a deep well constructed with granite and bricks.

Muragala (Guard Stone) - Muragala, or muru gal, also known as a guardstone, is a unique feature of ancient Sinhalese architecture. The muragala consists of twin oblong stone slabs with rounded tops, located at the foot of steps leading to a place of worship on a higher elevation.

Mirisaveti Stupa - The Mirisaweti Stupa is a memorial building situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. King Dutugamunu (161 BC to 137 BC) built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing Buddha relics in the scepter, he went to Tissa Wewa for a bath, leaving the scepter. Upon returning, the scepter could not be moved, leading to the construction of the stupa at that location. It is also said that he remembered eating a chili curry without offering it to the sangha, and to atone, he built the Mirisavetiya Dagaba. The land spans about 50 acres (20 ha). Although King Kasyapa I and Kasyapa V renovated it, it became dilapidated over time.

Lankarama Stupa - Lankarama is a stupa built by King Valagamba in an ancient site at Galhebakada in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The ancient form of the stupa is unknown, but it was later renovated. The ruins show rows of stone pillars, indicating a house (vatadage) encircled the stupa. The round courtyard of the stupa is about 3.0 meters (10 ft) above the ground, with a diameter of 14 meters (45 ft). The courtyard is circular, with a diameter of 406 meters (1,332 ft).

Isurumuniya Temple - The ancient Meghagiri Vihara, now known as Isurumuni Vihara, was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC) in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura. After 500 high-caste children were ordained, Isurumuniya was constructed for them. King Kasyapa I (473-491 AD) later renovated the viharaya, naming it “Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera” after his two daughters and himself. The viharaya is connected to a cave with a cliff above, where a small stupa is built. The construction of this stupa belongs to the present period. Lower down, on both sides of a cleft in a rock rising from a pool, are carved figures of elephants. A horse figure is also carved on the rock. The carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab was brought from another location. Nearby is the Ranmasu Uyana.

Mihintale - Mihintale, the first Buddhist city in Sri Lanka, is a small town known for the Mihintale rock. This rock is significant for its historical value to Sri Lankans, especially Buddhists. It is where Arhat Mahinda Thero first met King Devanampiya Tissa, the ruler of Sri Lanka, in 306 – 307 B.C., an event that transformed Sri Lanka.

Arhat Mahinda Thero, son of Emperor Dharmashoka of India, was sent by the emperor, a close friend of King Devanampiyatissa, to introduce Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Arhat Mahinda Thero arrived with six followers on a Poson Fullmoon Poya day.

Sela Pagoda - Ambasthala Dagaba, a Buddhist temple in Mihintale, is believed to enshrine the “Urna Roma,” a hair relic of Lord Buddha. Also known as “Sela Chethiya,” it is the site where Mahinda Thero met King Devanampiyatissa and preached Buddhism on Poson Poya day. Built by King Mahadatika Mahanaga (9 AC to 21 AC), the small stupa is surrounded by stone pillars. A flight of rock-carved steps leads to a large white Buddha statue.

Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond - Located at the foot of Mihintale’s western slopes, it is the largest pond in the area. Experts believe Kaludiya Pokuna may be the ancient Porodini Pokuna mentioned in Mahinda IV’s tablets. The name “Kalu-diya pokuna,” meaning black water pool, reflects the somber reflections of trees and boulders from the surrounding forests and mountains, true to its description at most times of the day.

Ruwanwelisaya - Ruwanwelisaya, also known as Ruwanweli Seya, is a large stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, it is one of the country’s most revered and oldest stupas. The stupa is notable for its massive dome, intricate carvings, and its role as a significant pilgrimage site in Buddhism.

Day 2: Safari in Wilpattu National Park. Spot leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife in Sri Lanka’s largest park.

Wilpattu National Park - Wilpattu National Park, located in northwest Sri Lanka, is the country’s largest national park. It is renowned for its unique “villus” (natural lakes) and rich biodiversity. The park is home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. It offers a serene and less crowded safari experience compared to other parks. Established in 1938 and reopened in 2010 after a long closure, it is a vital sanctuary for wildlife conservation.

• Umbrella
• Snacks
• Lunch
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Lunch for two days

• Accommodation
• Other
• Entrance tickets

Day 1: Anuradhapura & Mihintale

Morning: Discover Anuradhapura’s famous and hidden sites with a guided tour.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional meal with a village family.

Afternoon: Experience local life on a village safari.

Evening: Watch the sunset at Mihintale Stupa.

Day 2: Wilpattu National Park

Morning: Take a guided safari to see diverse wildlife, including birds, reptiles, leopards, and elephants.

Afternoon: Explore more of the park’s unique flora and fauna.

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