• 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 during its golden era.

• Sri Maha Boodhi Temple - The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, or The Sacred Bodhi Tree (a Fig or Pipal Tree scientifically known as the Ficus Religiosa), is considered the first of the eight sacred places in Anuradhapura. It is believed to be a branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Siddhartha attained Enlightenment. Sent by Emperor Ashoka through his daughter, the Buddhist Nun Theri Sanghamitta, at the request of Sinhalese King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE, 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 nearly 2300 years of written records.

• 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 served as the administrative center of the ancient Maha Vihara Monastery Complex. Constructed under the guidance of Great King Gamini Abhaya in the 2nd Century BCE, a grandson of King Devanampiyatissa, it was a nine-story building with 1000 chambers. The name, Brazen Palace, comes from its copper-tiled roof.

• Ruwanwelisaya - The Ruwanveliseya stupa, also known as the Ratnamali or Mahathupa (The Great Stupa), was built under the guidance of Great King Gamini Abhaya in the second century BC. Chronicles describe its inauguration ceremony as a grand festival in Anuradhapura, attended by international guests. Although destroyed during the Chola Invasion in the 10th century AC, it was restored to its original glory in the 12th century AC by King Parakkramabahu the Great. The current restored form was completed by the Ratnamali Stupa Development Society in 1940, initiated by Ven. Naranvita Sumanasara Thero in 1873.

• Gedige Ruins - At the Mahapali Alms Hall premises, visitors will see a collection of ruins from various buildings, the largest being the Mahapali Refectory, which provided meals for Buddhist Monks from the royal kitchen. The term “Mahapali” is thought to derive from the custom of monks lining up for meals according to seniority. The refectory was considered part of the royal palace. A large stone trough here served as a rice receptacle. To the northwest, another dilapidated building was the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. 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, visitors can explore a recent excavation site to the north.

• Eth Pokuna - Known locally as Eth-Pokuna or the Elephant Pond, this 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 lies not only in its size but in the underground conduits that still function, supplying water from nearby reservoirs. A cistern sluice in the southwest corner suggests water distribution to smaller ponds, showcasing the ancient Sinhalese’s superb hydraulic engineering skills.

• 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 5000 Buddhist monks resided there, and this trough could hold enough rice for them.

• Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල - This is one of Sri Lanka’s finest works of art, dating back to the 8th Century AC. This masterpiece showcases the aesthetic sense of ancient craftsmen and their incredible ability to apply their knowledge, talents, and feelings.

• Moonstone or Sandakada pahana - The moonstone is another breathtaking creation of ancient sculptors. It serves as a doormat at the foot of a flight of steps to a Buddhist shrine, transformed into a work of art par excellence.

• Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna) - This picturesque pair of ponds, built on low ground, are exquisite examples of landscape architecture and a wonderful hydraulic system, demonstrating the talents and aesthetic sense of these magnificent people.

• Janthagara (steam bath) building (ජන්ථාඝර ගොඩනැගිල්ල) - This is akin to a modern steam bath, but it was not merely for enjoyment. It was part of a well-developed Sinhalese medical practice from the 4th century AC onwards. Here, discussions can be had on its function and how sick monks at Abhayagiriya University cured their skin diseases.

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

• Entrance fees
• 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.