Sacred City of Anuradhapura from Negombo

A tour that takes you back in time to an era where Kings ruled our land and where monumental structures, irrigation and Buddhism flourished. Explore the Sacred City of Anuradhapura with our tour from Negombo, including round-trip transport from Negombo city. We take you to the sacred city of Anuradhapura, a day trip that will enlighten you, inspire you and allow you to witness the serenity of the first capital city of Sri Lanka, a city brimming with rich heritage and archaeological sites.

Highlights:

1. Negombo City
2. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
3. Abhayagiri Dagaba
4. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
5. Lovamahapaya (Also known as the Brazen Palace)
6. Jethavanaramaya

Includes:

• Transport throughout the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Services of an English-Speaking Chauffeur / Guide
• 1 Liter bottled mineral water per person
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• All Taxes and Service Charges

Excludes:

• Entrance Fees of Atamasthana (If No Ticket Option is selected)
• Other Sites other than the Atamasthana
• Food and Drinks
• Gratuities(Optional)
• Expenses of Personal Nature

Experience:

Your journey starts at 6.00 am, where you will be picked up from your hotel in Negombo. You will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle and provided with the services of an English-speaking chauffeur/guide. You can bring a packed breakfast if you wish to eat along the way as it will be approximately 10.30 am when we reach our destination city – Anuradhapura. This city which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site was the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many years. Due to the immense religious significance the city holds, devotees are seen visiting the Sacred city to pay homage every day. Anuradhapura is known for the “Atamasthana” or Eight Sacred Places while we will be visiting some of these important landmarks while touring the city.

• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - A Sacred Fig Tree, said to be a sapling from the historical Bodhi Tree under where Lord Buddha became enlightened.
• Ruwanwelisaya – A stupa that is considered as a marvel due to its religious and architectural significance.
• Thuparamaya – Is considered as the first dagaba built in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism in the island.
• Lovamahapaya – Known as the Brazen Palace, this structure was once believed to have a roof covered with bronze tiles. Built over 2000 years ago, there are remains of 1600 columns while historically it was built with nine storeys.
• Abhayagiri Dagaba – One of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites and it was a great monastic centre
• Jetavanaramaya – Located in the ruins of Jetavana Monastery, this mega structure was believed to be over 120 meters tall while it was the World’s tallest stupa and the third tallest structure in the ancient world behind the two great pyramids.

We can even visit the Isurumuniya Temple (ticket required) which is located near Tissa Wewa, a massive man-made tank in Anuradhapura. The temple which is attached to a cave is known for its stone carvings while the most famous being the Isurumuniya Lovers.

• Note: The visit to the Atamasthana is through one entrance ticket while you are able to purchase this prior to the tour by clicking on the ticket option. However, if you wish to purchase tickets separately, you can opt for the no ticket option. Please note that the entrance tickets to sites other than the Atamasthana will have to be purchased during the tour as and when required.

Your tour of the sacred city will end in the afternoon by about 12.30 pm while we will drive you to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. Once the lunch is done, we will start our journey back to Negombo where you will be dropped at your hotel.