4-Day Anuradhapura and Wilpattu Safari with Mihintale

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Anuradhapura and its sacred monuments
• 02 Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and climb Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism
• 03 Experience a morning jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park
• 04 Enjoy scenic lagoon drives and sunsets at ancient irrigation lakes

Discover Sri Lanka's ancient heartland and untamed wilderness on this immersive 4-day journey from Colombo. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Anuradhapura, visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, and climb Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Experience an early morning jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, renowned for its natural lakes and elusive wildlife. Enjoy scenic drives along the Puttalam Lagoon, peaceful sunsets by ancient reservoirs, and comfortable private transport throughout.

Discover Sri Lanka's ancient heartland and untamed wilderness on this immersive 4-day journey from Colombo.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Anuradhapura, Colombo, Puttalama, Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Chilaw

Languages Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Colombo to Anuradhapura and Ancient City Highlights

• 06:00 AM - Depart from Colombo by private air-conditioned vehicle.
• 10:30 AM - Arrive in Anuradhapura and check in at the hotel (early check-in subject to availability).
• 11:30 AM - Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree.
• Explore the world's oldest recorded living tree, a sacred site for Buddhists and a UNESCO World Heritage location.
• 12:30 PM - Lunch at Mango Mango Restaurant or Casserole Restaurant.
• 02:00 PM - Visit the Abhayagiri Monastery Complex.
• Discover ancient ruins, monasteries, and impressive stone carvings.
• 03:30 PM - Visit Thuparamaya Stupa and Jetavanaramaya.
• Explore Sri Lanka's earliest stupa and one of the tallest ancient structures in the world.
• 05:00 PM - Sunset visit to Tissa Wewa or Nuwara Wewa.
• Enjoy peaceful lake views and evening photography.
• 07:00 PM - Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.
• 09:00 PM - Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

2

Day 02

Mihintale and Sacred Sites of Anuradhapura

• 06:30 AM - Early breakfast at the hotel.
• 07:30 AM - Visit Mihintale Sacred Rock Temple.
• Climb the historic steps to the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and enjoy panoramic views.
• 09:30 AM - Return to Anuradhapura.
• 10:30 AM - Visit Isurumuniya Temple.
• Famous for ancient stone carvings, including the Isurumuniya Lovers.
• 12:30 PM - Lunch at a local restaurant.
• 02:00 PM - Visit Ruwanwelisaya Stupa.
• Admire the magnificent white dome stupa and the surrounding sacred complex.
• 03:30 PM - Visit the Samadhi Buddha Statue and Archaeological Museum (optional).
• 05:00 PM - Leisure time or rest at the hotel.
• 07:00 PM - Dinner at the hotel or a lakeside restaurant.
• 09:00 PM - Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

3

Day 03

Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari

• 05:30 AM - Early check-out and depart for Wilpattu National Park.
• 06:30 AM - Morning jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park (approximately 4 hours).
• Chance to see leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, and birdlife.
• 10:30 AM - Exit the park and enjoy brunch or refreshments near the park entrance.
• 11:30 AM - Relax at a safari lodge or eco-hotel.
• 01:00 PM - Optional village visit or guided nature walk.
• 03:00 PM - Free time at the hotel or lodge.
• 07:00 PM - Dinner at the lodge (campfire experience if staying at an eco-lodge).
• 09:00 PM - Overnight stay in the Wilpattu area.

4

Day 04

Puttalam Lagoon Drive to Colombo

• 07:00 AM - Breakfast and check-out.
• 08:00 AM - Scenic drive along Puttalam Lagoon.
• Photo stops with views of fishing villages, mangroves, and birdlife.
• 11:30 AM - Optional visit to the Dutch Church and salt pans.
• 01:00 PM - Lunch at a seaside restaurant in Chilaw or Negombo.
• 03:00 PM - Continue the drive to Colombo.
• 05:30 PM - Drop-off at your Colombo hotel or Bandaranaike International Airport.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
• Pickup and drop-off from your Colombo hotel or airport
• Hotel accommodation in Anuradhapura and the Wilpattu area
• Daily breakfast at the hotels
• Guided sightseeing as per the itinerary
• All applicable government taxes and service charges
• On-tour assistance
• Lunches and dinners
• Travel insurance

What's Not Included

• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, tips)
• Camera or video permits at certain sites
• Expenses caused by weather, wildlife movement, or road conditions
• Wilpattu National Park jeep safari (vehicle and driver)
• Entrance tickets to archaeological and sacred sites
• Wilpattu National Park entrance fees
• Optional activities and village experiences

What to bring

• Light, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather
• Modest attire covering shoulders and knees for temple visits
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Personal medication and insect repellent
• Camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Reusable water bottle
• Small backpack for day tours

Know before you go

• Temple visits require modest dress and removal of footwear.
• Early morning starts are necessary for the Wilpattu safari and Mihintale visit.
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on natural conditions.
• Wilpattu safari duration and routes may vary according to park regulations.
• Photography may be restricted at certain religious or archaeological sites.
• Hotel check-in time is usually after 2:00 PM, and check-out is before 12:00 PM.
• Weather conditions may affect safari timing and coastal travel routes.
• Respect local customs, religious practices, and wildlife protection rules.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Tour start

89VW+VV5, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.