Anuradhapura

First Capital of Sri Lanka

Probably the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and a proud political capital that dominated the country for over 1,300 years.

Anuradhapura’s origins date back to the 4th century BCE, when it was established as Sri Lanka’s first capital city. A multitude of palaces, monasteries and monuments influenced by Buddhist and Indian architectural styles were constructed during its halcyon days, and can be found spread out across a 40 Square Kilometre area in this ancient city.

The cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura is a sacred site for Buddhists the world over and is the home of many religiously significant relics, artefacts, monuments and temples.

Significant highlights in this UNESCO World Heritage Site are:

Ruwanwelisaya – one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments, Lovamahapaya – an ancient nine storied skyscraper, Isurumuniya – famous for its intriguing carvings, the 4th century CE Samadhi Statue carved out of dolomite marble, and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – the 2,250 year-old sacred Bo tree, grown from the southern branch of the sacred Bo tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment.

Things to Explore

Sri Lanka has a plethora of amazing destinations, and you have the freedom to pick the ones you want during your tour.

Abhayagiri Dagoba

Dating back to the 1st century BCE, it served as the centre of worship for the 5000-member Abhayagiri Monastery. Among the tallest buildings of the ancient world, it is comparable to the pyramids of Giza in size alone. Its name translates to ‘Hill of Protection’ or ‘Fearless Hill’.

Sri Maha Bodhi

Grown from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya, India in 288 BCE, it is regarded as the oldest living human-planted tree in the world. Watched over and cared for by a continuous line of keepers for over 2,000 years, it is extremely sacred and visited by thousands of devotees.

Isurumuniya Vihara

This magnificent rock temple is known for its intricate rock carvings and beautiful murals. The 2,000 year-old temple was initially built by King Devanampiya Tissa, as a residence for 500 children of high-caste who were ordained. It was renovated several centuries later by the controversial King Kashyapa.

Jetavanarama Dagoba

At 122 metres, built by King Mahasena in the third century, Jetavanaramaya was once the tallest Stupa in the world. In the years since, the structure has been reduced to a height of 70 metres and yet, this sacred stupa still towers over the entirety of Anuradhapura's eastern region.

Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba

Built in 140 BCE and most recently renovated in the early 20th century, this ancient dagoba enshrines several of the Buddha's relics. Since its creation by King Dutugemunu, the Dagoba has undergone many renovations, mostly due to damage from wars, and currently stands at an impressive height of 103 metres.

Thuparama

The very first stupa built after Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka, the Thuparamaya was constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE, to enshrine the right collar bone of the Buddha. The name Thuparamaya is an amalgamation of "stupa" (dome-shaped building) and "aramaya" (residential complex for monks).

Mihintale

Mihintale was the site of the historic meeting between King Devanampiya Tissa and the Buddhist monk Mahinda, which marked the entry of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. This mountain peak is home to many religious monuments and abandoned structures, and is also a place of great natural beauty.

Lankarama Dagoba

Built during 1 BCE by King Valagamba, this ancient stupa was in ruins until its restoration in the 20th century. In its vicinity is the ancient Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond), which holds 75,000 cubic metres of water, and is fed by a network of underground canals.

Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)

The ancient skyscraper known as Lovamahapaya is said to have had 9 floors and a roof made of bronze when it was constructed by King Dutugemmunu in the 2nd century BCE. It was the tallest building on the island for well over a thousand years and was religiously significant too.

Samadhi Buddha Statue

Regarded as one of the finest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka, the Samadhi Buddha Statue is carved from dolomite marble. The 7ft tall ancient statue depicts the Buddha in the Dhyana Mudra position. It is said that originally, the statue was gilded and had eyes inlaid with precious stones.

Visit here in this tours

Indulge in a great mix of experiences, adventures and relaxing downtimes created especially for you.

8 days / 7 nights

Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka – 8 days

This holiday will take you on a quick journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting...

14 days / 13 nights

Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka – 14 days

This holiday will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...

21 days / 20 nights

21 Days – Sri Lanka in Depth

With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will discover the island fully; North to South, explore at a relatively slow phase yet...

14 days / 13 nights

All Aboard the Grand Sri Lankan Tour!

This train tour of Sri Lanka will take you on a wonderfully scenic journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you...

14 days / 13 nights

The Sri Lankan Food Safari

During this 2 week culinary adventure you will discover history, mysteries and a riot of flavours in regional specialities and street food universally loved...

19 days / 18 nights

The Definitive Architecture Tour of Sri Lanka

This Architecture tour will take you on a wonderful journey across the ages to discover some of Sri Lanka’s major architectural masterpieces, and along...

Possible experience from here

Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.

3 Hours

An Authentic Sri Lankan Rural Village Experience

Experience the authentic way of life, traditions, and livelihood of a typical Sri Lankan village with this holistic, non-touristic excursion.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Anuradhapura

4 Hours

Leopards and Sloth Bears – Wilpattu National Park

Observe leopards and sloth bears over 131,000 hectares of forest and wetlands at Wilpattu National Park, visited by fewer jeeps in comparison to Yala.

Wilpattu

Anuradhapura

3 - 4 Hours

Greatest Elephant Gathering Safari – Minneriya National Park

Experience an action-packed safari to witness The Elephant Gathering, listed by Lonely Planet as one of the Top Ten Wildlife Spectacles in the World,...

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Anuradhapura

Hotels around this location

Whether it’s a Rustic & Eco-friendly Homestay, a Mid-range Villa or a High-end Boutique Villa, every property that we recommend to you has been thoroughly checked by our team to ensure it meets the high standards we hold them to.

Anuradhapura

First Capital of Sri Lanka

Probably the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and a proud political capital that dominated the country for over 1,300 years.

The cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura is a sacred site for Buddhists the world over and is the home of many religiously significant relics, artefacts, monuments and temples.

Things to Explore

Sri Lanka has a plethora of amazing destinations, and you have the freedom to pick the ones you want during your tour.

Abhayagiri Dagoba

Sri Maha Bodhi

Isurumuniya Vihara

Jetavanarama Dagoba

Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba

Thuparama

Mihintale

Lankarama Dagoba

Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)

Samadhi Buddha Statue

Visit here in this tours

Indulge in a great mix of experiences, adventures and relaxing downtimes created especially for you.

8 days / 7 nights

14 days / 13 nights

21 days / 20 nights

14 days / 13 nights

14 days / 13 nights

19 days / 18 nights

Possible experience from here

Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.

3 Hours

4 Hours

3 - 4 Hours

Hotels around this location

Whether it’s a Rustic & Eco-friendly Homestay, a Mid-range Villa or a High-end Boutique Villa, every property that we recommend to you has been thoroughly checked by our team to ensure it meets the high standards we hold them to.

Private Touring

Exclusive, private and customised just for you

Every journey with Experiential Journeys is a privately guided tour and there’s room for spontaneity too!