• Vessagiriya Ruins - Welcome to Rajarata! (The King’s County or The Land of Kings)
  Begin the day at Vessagiriya Forest Monastery, one of the island’s two oldest Buddhist monk dwellings.
  At Vessagiriya, guests will delve into the Ancient Sinhalese Civilization, enriched by Buddhism, Agriculture, Fine Arts, Architecture, Trade, International Relations, and remarkable Engineering Marvels, offering a glimpse of Anuradhapura’s golden era from its inception.

• Sri Maha Boodhi Temple - The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, or The Sacred Bodhi Tree (a Fig or Pipal Tree scientifically known as Ficus Religiosa), is considered the foremost of the eight sacred places in Anuradhapura. It is recorded as the right wing branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Ascetic Siddhartha attained Enlightenment. It was sent by Emperor Ashoka through his beloved daughter, the Buddhist Nun Theri Sanghamitta, at the request of Sinhalese King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE. Since then, it has been revered by successive Kings, Monks, Nuns, and Lay Buddhists as a living connection to Gautama Buddha. It is widely accepted as the oldest human-planted living tree in the world with the longest written records, currently nearly 2300 years old.

• Lovamahapaya Brazen Palace - North of the Sacred Bodhi Tree, visitors can see a vast collection of standing granite pillars identified as the remains of the ancient Brazen Palace, which once served as the administrative center of the ancient Maha Vihara Monastery Complex. It was constructed under the guidance of Great King Gamini Abhaya in the 2nd Century BCE, a grandson of King Devanampiyatissa. This nine-storey building had 1000 different chambers. The name, Brazen Palace, comes from its roof, which was thatched with copper tiles.

• Ruwanwelisaya - The Ruwanwelisaya stupa, also known as the Ratnamali or Mahathupa (The Great Stupa), was constructed under the guidance of Great King Gamini Abhaya in the second century BC. Chronicles describe the inauguration ceremony of this Stupa as a grand festival held in Anuradhapura with invited guests from other countries as diplomats. However, it was destroyed during the Chola Invasion in the 10th century AC and was restored to its original glory in the 12th century AC by King Parakkramabahu the Great. The current form was completed by the Ratnamali Stupa Development Society in 1940, initially started by Ven. Naranvita Sumanasara Thero in 1873 to restore it to its former glory.

• The Royal Palace (Vijayabahu Maligaya) - Although called a Royal Palace, this was actually the temporary residence of King Vijayabahu the Great, who rescued and unified the country from Chola occupation in the 11th Century AC after Anuradhapura’s decline in the 9th Century AC. His permanent residence was in Polonnaruwa, nearly 100Km away, but he constructed this palace for his coronation to continue the Sinhalese dynasty tradition, as his forebears had become kings at Anuradhapura for over 1500 years.

• Gedige Ruins - At the Mahapali Alms Hall premises, visitors will see a collection of ruins of several buildings, the largest being the Mahapali Refectory, where meals for Buddhist Monks were supplied from the royal kitchen. It is conjectured that the term “Mahapali” derives from the custom of monks coming for their meals in a long line according to their seniority. The refectory was considered part of the royal palace itself. A large stone trough here served as a receptacle for rice. To the northwest, another dilapidated building was the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in ancient times. After the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka, it was highly esteemed and became an important religious and royal symbol, housed safely near the Royal Palace. After the Tooth Relic Chamber, moving a bit further north, visitors will come across a large excavation site.

• Main Refectory Of Abayagiri Monastery - Here, a large granite trough shaped like a canoe stands with an impressive intaglio in the refectory premises of the Abhayagiriya Monastery. The Chinese monk Fa-hsien, who studied at the Abhayagiriya University in the 5th Century AC, recorded that there were 5000 Buddhist monks in the Monastery, and this particular trough could hold enough rice for such a number.

• Eth Pokuna - Known locally as Eth-Pokuna or the Elephant Pond in English, situated southwest of the Refectory, it is perhaps the largest man-made pond in Asia, built in the 3rd century AC. It is said to be three times larger than a modern Olympic swimming pool. The marvel here is not only its enormous size but the underground conduits that still function, supplying water to the pond from nearby reservoirs. In the southwest corner, a cistern sluice suggests that water was distributed to other smaller ponds in the vicinity, showcasing the superb hydraulic engineering skills of the ancient Sinhalese.

• Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල - This is one of Sri Lanka’s finest works of art, dating back to the 8th Century AC. This masterpiece beautifully showcases the aesthetic sense of ancient craftsmen and how they skillfully applied their knowledge, abilities, talents, and emotions.

• Moonstone or Sandakada pahana - The moonstone is another stunning and breathtaking creation of ancient sculptors. It serves as a doormat at the foot of a flight of steps to a Buddhist shrine, but the sculptor transforms it into an exquisite work of art.

• Janthagara (steam bath) building (ජන්ථාඝර ගොඩනැගිල්ල) - This is akin to a modern steam bath, but it was not merely for enjoying steam bathing with warm water. It was part of a well-developed Sinhalese medication system practiced from the 4th century AC onwards. Here, discussions can be held on how it functioned and how sick monks at Abhayagiriya University cured their skin diseases.

• Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna) - This picturesque pair of ponds, built on low ground, are exquisite examples of landscape architecture and a wonderful hydraulic system, showcasing not only the talents but the aesthetic sense of these magnificent people.

• Professional Licensed Tourist Guide
• Bottled water
• Tea and coffee

• Private transportation

Embark on an enlightening journey through the rich history of ancient Sri Lanka with this captivating tour of Anuradhapura. Start your adventure at the Vessagiriya Forest Monastery, where you will uncover fascinating stories of a civilization unique to this area. Visit renowned sites such as the Shri Maha Bodhi Tree, towering stupas, and numerous magnificent masterpieces, each providing a window into the illustrious history of the ancient Sinhalese people. As you explore, your personal guide will offer insights into the cultural importance of these landmarks. This tour is perfect for history buffs and those eager to appreciate Sri Lanka’s ancient splendor.

• Tour includes visits to major historical sites in Anuradhapura
• Gain knowledge about ancient Sri Lankan civilization from an expert guide
• Discover significant landmarks like the Ruwanweliseya Stupa and the Vessagiriya Monastery
• Convenient pick-up options available from bus stations, railway stations, or your hotel

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.