Colombo Trip Overview
Located around 4 – 6 hours north east of Colombo, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, known as Anuradhapura, is a trove of archaeological monument that dates back as early as the 3rd century BC. Consisting of mainly ‘Dagobas’ (brick stupas) that tell the story of how the kings of old united the country under the religion of Buddhism, the sacred city of Anuradhapura can be considered as the starting point of modern day Sri Lankan civilization. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura possesses towering ancient stupas such as the Jetavanarama Dagoba, the Abhayagiri Dagoba and the Ruwanweliseya Dagoba that are only surpassed by the pyramids of Giza. Couple that with the presence of the oldest planted tree in the world in the form of the Sri Maha Bodhi, these priceless monuments is the top reason you should visit the sacred city in Sri Lanka.
Additional Info
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Located around 4 – 6 hours north east of Colombo, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, known as Anuradhapura, is a trove of archaeological monument that dates back as early as the 3rd century BC. Consisting of mainly ‘Dagobas’ (brick stupas) that tell the story of how the kings of old united the country under the religion of Buddhism, the sacred city of Anuradhapura can be considered as the starting point of modern day Sri Lankan civilization. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura possesses towering ancient stupas such as the Jetavanarama Dagoba, the Abhayagiri Dagoba and the Ruwanweliseya Dagoba that are only surpassed by the pyramids of Giza. Couple that with the presence of the oldest planted tree in the world in the form of the Sri Maha Bodhi, these priceless monuments is the top reason you should visit the sacred city in Sri Lanka.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Sri Maha Boodhi Temple, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most ancient trees which are living even today standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The tree is believed to have sprouted from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya in India, where Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment. The tree is an authentic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is often respected as the oldest tree in history which has a recorded date of the plantation. This ancient Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree has been protected and cared for by many years by the ancient kings and queens as well as the Buddhist monks. Today the tree is surrounded by statues, water canals and golden fences which make the site even more holy and spiritual enhancing its natural beauty.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures in Sri Lanka. Today the Ruwanweliseya stupa stands tall with a height of 338 feet and a diameter of 951 ft. The stupa is surrounded by large paved courts and platforms which add to the beauty of the place. Initially, on the outer side of the boundary of the wall is a complete circle of elephants, made out of the brickwork.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Abhayagiri Stupa (අභයගිරිය දාගැබ), Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The Abhayagiri Vihara is one of the most beautiful and exciting structures which is in the atmospheric setting of Anuradhapura. The grand scale of the monastery ruins is genuinely breathtaking and can be viewed at any time, be it the break of dawn or dusk. The Abhayagiri Vihara has a beautiful and shimmering glow. Abhayagiri Vihara is not just a beautiful stupa but is also the place where a fraternity of Buddhist monks who maintain their records, traditions and way of life. The Abhayagiri Monastery was established in the 2nd Century BCE by King Valagamabau in the celebration of his victory against the Indian Chola invaders.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Dagoba of Thuparama, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Thuparamaya, also known as Thuparama, is the first stupa which was constructed in Sri Lanka after the introduction to Buddhism and is in the beautiful city of Anuradhapura. The ancient stupa of Thuparamaya was built during the reign of the King Devamnampiyatissa somewhere in the 3rd Century BCE and is said to enshrine the right collar bone of Gautama Buddha. The ruins of the complex today cover an area of approximately three and a half acres of land. The shape of the stupa was initially of a paddy rice shape which was later restored to a conventional bell shape in the year 1862. There were several changes to Thuparama, but some of the most significant changes were first in the 7th Century BCE when the stupa had gold and silver castings, further changes also took place in the 10th Century BCE, to the final renovations in 1862 which completely changed the structure of the stupa.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Lovamahapaya Brazen Palace, End of Trincomalee Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The Brazen Palace or Lovamahapaya is a 2000-year-old palace constructed by King Dutugemunu in 2nd century B.C and had 1600 stone columns that supported nine stories reaching 150 feet and sides of 400 feet length with 1000 rooms. It is also known as the Brazen Place because of the bronze tiles that were used on its roof. Lovamahapaya was constructed as a residence for Buddhist monks who assembled on “Poya” days (poya means full moon day) to recite the “Pirith” (Buddhist practice of reciting certain verses and scriptures in order to ward off misfortune or danger) and could accommodate 1000 monks. One will also see roofed building, which is a replica of what the building might have looked like in its time. This building is a modern chapter house currently being used by the Maha Vihara monastic order.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Rathna Prasadaya, Abhayagiri Complex Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Famous for its beautifully carved stone structures, the Rathna Prasada is the Uposatha house (a place for the cleansing of the defiled mind) of the Abhayagiri Viharaya. It holds great importance to Buddhists and is a historical landmark in Anuradhapura. Built-in 192-194 AD by King Kanitta Tissa who ruled Ceylon, Rathna Prasada or Gem palace was originally a seven stored skyscraper with tiered roof, had beautiful guard stones (Mura Gal) and a statue of Buddha made of gold. Though in ruins now, it has some elegant ancient monolithic pillars, beautiful guard stones at the inner entrance, a mythical dragon, a seven-headed cobra figure (naga gala) and dwarf servant structures which have been drawing the attention of tourists.
Duration: 45 minutes
