Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour
A full-day guided tour of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first great capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, giant stupas like Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya, and ancient monasteries.
- Location: Anuradhapura
- Duration: Full Day
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time: Open all year. Start early morning and finish late afternoon, resting at midday. The dry season runs roughly May to September; January to April is also pleasant. Poson full moon in June draws huge crowds of pilgrims.
About this experience
The Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour is a full-day private guided tour of Anuradhapura, in north-central Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was the island's capital for around 1,400 years, from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Buddhism's most sacred places. The tour suits history lovers, pilgrims and families. What will you see? 1. Sri Maha Bodhi – a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Planted in the 3rd century BC, it is said to be the oldest human-planted tree with a known planting date. 2. Ruwanwelisaya – a huge white stupa built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC. 3. Jetavanaramaya – once among the tallest structures in the ancient world, built of millions of bricks. 4. Abhayagiri Monastery and its museum. 5. Thuparamaya – said to be the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after Buddhism arrived. 6. The Samadhi Buddha statue, the Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna) and the finest moonstone carvings. 7. Isurumuniya rock temple with its famous "Lovers" carving. How do you get around? The sites are spread over a large area, so you travel between them by private vehicle or bicycle. Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa? Anuradhapura is older, larger and more sacred; Polonnaruwa is smaller and easier to see in half a day. How far is Anuradhapura from Sigiriya and Colombo? About 75 km from Sigiriya (1.5 to 2 hours) and 205 km from Colombo (4.5 to 5 hours). Why book with Figo Holidays? Figo Holidays is a Colombo-based destination management company running private tours across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We arrange private transport, licensed guides and timings that avoid the heat and crowds, and build this experience into a tailor-made itinerary.Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage ancient capital
- Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree
- Ruwanwelisaya stupa
- Jetavanaramaya brick stupa
- Abhayagiri Monastery
- Samadhi Buddha and Twin Ponds
- Isurumuniya rock temple
Travel tips
Wear white or light clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Remove shoes and hats at sacred sites; bring socks for hot ground. Carry water and sunscreen. Buy the site ticket in advance through your guide. Cycling is a fun option.