India, Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

12-Hour Anuradhapura Heritage Tour with Mihintale from Negombo

12 Hours Round trip from Negombo Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
02 Marvel at Ruwanveliseya, Abhayagiriya, and Jetavanaramaya
03 Visit Mihintale Buddhist Monastery, where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka
04 See some of the world's largest man-made brick structures

Admire the well-preserved historical ruins of Anuradhapura dating from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD, when it remained the capital of Sri Lanka. This ancient city was also the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and is known today as one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Visit remarkable monuments such as Ruwanveliseya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, and the Mihintale Buddhist Monastery on this full-day journey from Negombo or Colombo.

Admire the well-preserved historical ruins of Anuradhapura dating from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD, when it remained the capital of Sri Lanka.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Anuradhapura, Colombo, Negombo

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Anuradhapura Heritage Tour and Mihintale Visit

Meet your tour guide at the agreed-upon location and begin the tour in an air-conditioned car as you drive to Anuradhapura.
Arrive in Anuradhapura and proceed with sightseeing in the first kingdom of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was also the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Marvel at relic chambers such as Ruwanveliseya, Abhayagiriya, and Jetavanaramaya, which stand among the largest man-made brick structures in the world.
Stop for a traditional lunch.
Proceed to visit the Mihintale Buddhist Monastery. In the 3rd century BC, the area of Mihintale was a thick jungle inhabited by wild animals and served as a hunting ground reserved for royalty. This is the place where Mahinda Maha Thero, the son of the Indian Emperor Asoka, met King Devamnampiyatissa in 250 BC, resulting in the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
Head back to your hotel.