Colombo Trip Overview
Located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, the ancient city of Anuradhapura was documented as the first kingdom of Sri Lanka, dating to the 4th century BC. It was during the peak of this kingdom that Buddhism became the established religion in the country, which is signified by the dominating structure of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya along with other temples and ruins dotted around the historic town. Stroll along the remnants of the past around the ancient kingdom. Explore the most popular attractions in Anuradhapura on thus day tour, from the stunning ancient temples like the Ruwanveliseya to the glistening waters of the Tissa Weva. Embark on an exciting journey as you explore the best attractions in this ancient kingdom.
Additional Info
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, the ancient city of Anuradhapura was documented as the first kingdom of Sri Lanka, dating to the 4th century BC. It was during the peak of this kingdom that Buddhism became the established religion in the country, which is signified by the dominating structure of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya along with other temples and ruins dotted around the historic town. Stroll along the remnants of the past around the ancient kingdom. Explore the most popular attractions in Anuradhapura on thus day tour, from the stunning ancient temples like the Ruwanveliseya to the glistening waters of the Tissa Weva. Embark on an exciting journey as you explore the best attractions in this ancient kingdom.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
The Sacred Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is reckoned as the oldest surviving historical tree in the world. It was brought to Sri Lanka by the Theri Sangamitta, daughter of Emperor Asoka and was planted in the Mahameghavana Park in Anuradhapura in 249 BC by King Devanampiyatissa. It is said to be the southern branch of the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment.The Mahavamsa or the Great Chronicle of the Sinhalese provides an elaborate account of the establishment of the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi in the island.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Once considered to be the fifth largest monument in the world, the Ruwanveliseya is another ancient stupa that can narrate endless tales of the ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura. Built by King Dutugemunu in the 1st century BC to commemorate the unification of the entire country after overthrowing the Cholas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site also acts as a place of pilgrimage too. The reason for the stupa to become a sacred place of pilgrimage to many devout Buddhists is the fact that it serves as a part of Solosmasthana and the Atamasthana (The 16 and 8 sacred places the Lord Buddha visited when he arrived to the island).
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Isurumuniya Temple, At Royal Pleasure Gardens, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Located in Anuradhapura, Isurumuniya Viharaya was built in the 3rd century BC by King Devanampiyatissa. It was initially called the Meghagiri Viharaya and is believed to be the first temple in which the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha was housed before the capital shifted to Polonnaruwa. Apart from being a major place of worship, there are notable features such as the Elephant Pond, the Isurumuniya Lovers carving, and carvings of the Royal Family. It is of course, the Isurumuniya Lovers that take centre stage, as the carving depicts a tragic love story that has been told for centuries and acts as a major turning point for the Sri Lankan monarch of old.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dagoba of Thuparama, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Considered to be the oldest stupa in the country and, arguably, the oldest in the world, the Thuparama Stupa in Anuradhapura, has origins that go all the way back to the 3rd century BC, during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. However, there is also an inscription to claim that the place of worship was built during the reign of King Gajabahu in the 2nd century AD. Located in the Mahamewnava Gardens of Anuradhapura, the walls of the stupa are steeped in many tales and elements that are of great interest to the history buff. The original design of the stupa was one that resembled that of a ‘heap-of-paddy-rice’, however, due to the many invasions from India and Europe, the original temple was looted and destroyed, and was only fully restored in the 19th century, in the form of the typical bell shape that you would normally see in any stupa.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Rathna Prasadaya, Abhayagiri Complex Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Literally translated as Jewel Palace, the Ratnaprasadaya, located in Anuradhapura, belongs to the Abhayagiri Monastery complex and was built by King Kanittha Tissa during the 2nd century AD. Once believed to be a structure so magnificent that it was deserving of the title, ‘Jewel Palace’, only its foundations in the form of the large monolithic stones can be seen in the present day, however, it is still possible to reimagine how it would have looked like by understanding the illustrious history it possesses. Before it was confirmed to be a palace, it was called the Elephant Stables, due to the large monolithic stone pillars that graced the complex.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna), Watawandana Road, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
One of the best specimen of bathing tanks or pools in ancient Sri Lanka is the pair of pools known as Kuttam Pokuna. The said pair of pools were built by the Sinhalese in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura. These are considered one of the significant achievements in the field of hydrological engineering and outstanding architectural and artistic creations of the ancient Sinhalese. Water for the ponds were brought from the Bulankulama / Puliyankulama Tanks, passed trough a de-silting, purifying process and sent to the ponds. These ponds would have been used by the senior monks of Abhayagiriya Monastery as there is a large pond called Et-pokuna where more than 2000 Bhikkhus could use it at a time for bathing.
Duration: 45 minutes
