Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

12-Hour Anuradhapura Sightseeing Tour from Colombo with Lunch

12 Hours Round trip from Colombo Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest living human-planted tree with a known planting date
  • 02 See Ruwanweliseya, one of Anuradhapura's foremost ancient Buddhist monuments
  • 03 Explore Jethawanaramaya and Abhayagiri, two of Sri Lanka's great historic stupas
  • 04 Marvel at heritage landmarks including Isurumuniya Temple, Brazen Palace, and Kuttam Pokuna

Marvel at the patchwork of breathtaking architectural phenomena of Anuradhapura on this full-day culture tour from Colombo. Explore the city's sacred highlights, including Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya, Jethawanaramaya, and Abhayagiri Stupa, and visit heritage landmarks such as Isurumuniya Temple, Brazen Palace, and Kuttam Pokuna. This journey offers a rich introduction to one of Sri Lanka's most important ancient capitals and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Marvel at the patchwork of breathtaking architectural phenomena of Anuradhapura on this full-day culture tour from Colombo.

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
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Sacred Anuradhapura Heritage Tour

  • Meet your driver at your hotel in Colombo and travel to the sacred city of Anuradhapura.

  • Head to your first stop of the day at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya is the oldest living tree in the documented history of the world. It is a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. It was planted in 288 BCF and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date.

  • Proceed to Ruwanweliseya. Ruwanweliseya is one of the most glorious ancient living monuments of Sinhalese Buddhist heritage in the city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC).

  • Visit the Jethawanaramaya and Abayagiri stupas. Jethawanaramaya Stupa is one of the tallest stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa was constructed by King Mahasen between the years 273-301. Jethawanaramaya Stupa holds the relic of the Lord Buddha's sash, or waist tie. The stupa is also considered one of the prominent destinations listed among the sixteen places that a devoted Buddhist should visit at least once in their lifetime.

  • Stop for a delicious lunch.

  • Marvel at the Brazen Palace, Isurumuniya Temple, Kuttam Pokuna, and more heritage sites.

  • Travel back to your hotel in Colombo.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Kuttam Pokuna

Where this trip takes you

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Kuttam Pokuna

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Colombo 2 cities · 12 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation

  • Air-conditioned vehicle

  • All entrance fees

  • Lunch

  • Bottled water

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What's Not Included

  • Tips

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 hours finish where they began, in Colombo.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 160 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total