Private Guided Tour of Anuradhapura or Mihintale

Overview

Explore the historical sites of the sacred cities of Anuradhapura or Mihintale during a private excursion. Accompanied by a certified guide, you will discover emblematic monuments while deepening your knowledge of Sri Lankan history and the principles of Buddhism. Two options are available to suit your schedule: a full-day excursion covering both Anuradhapura and Mihintale, or a shorter 3.5-hour tour focused on the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Pick-up service is included in both options. The guide will meet you in front of the east entrance of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, identifiable by their official permit. Water is provided during the activity.

Itinerary

1. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

   The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred Bo tree, or Ficus religiosa, that stands in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Not only is it the closest authentic living link to Gautama Buddha, it is also the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date and a recorded history. About 2,600 years ago, Lord Gautama Buddha sat with his back against an Esathu tree on the banks of the Neranjana River in Bodhgaya, India. It was at this moment, as he sat against the tree, that the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. In doing so, the tree also gained a venerated status. It became known as the Bodhi tree, and pilgrims came to see it even within the lifetime of the Buddha. Later, in 236 BC, the Buddhist nun Sanghamitta Maha Theri was sent by Emperor Asoka from India to Sri Lanka. With her, she carried a southern branch of the original sacred fig. one of the earliest kings of Sri Lanka whose reign was notable for the arrival of Buddhism. In 288 BC,

   · 30 min· Admission not included

2. Lovamahapaya Brazen Palace

   Lovamahapaya is a building situated between Ruwanweliseya and Sri Mahabodiya in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya because the roof was covered with bronze tiles. In ancient times, the building included the refectory and the uposathagara (Uposatha house). There was also a Simamalake where the Sangha assembled on Poya days to recite the sutra of the confessional. The famous Lohaprasada built by King Dutugemunu, described as an edifice of nine stories, was a building of this class. One side of the building was 400 ft (120 m) in length. There are 40 rows, each row consisting of 40 stone pillars, for a total of 1600 pillars. It is said that Lovamahapaya was adorned with corals and precious stones. It is believed that it took six years for the construction of the building and the plan was brought from the heavens. The building was completely destroyed during the reign of King Saddhatissa.

   · 15 min· Admission not included

3. Ruwanwelisseya Dagoba

   The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Mahathupa (the Great Thupa) is a stupa (a hemispherical structure containing relics) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Two quarts or one Dona of the Buddha's relics are enshrined in the stupa, making it the largest collection of his relics anywhere.[1] It was built by Sinhalese King Dutugemunu in c. 140 B.C., who became king of Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elāra (Ellalan) was defeated. It is also known as Swarnamali Seya, Svaṇṇamāli Mahaceti (in Pali) and Rathnamali Seya.

   · 20 min· Admission not included

4. Abayagiriya Stupa

   The Jetavanarama stupa or Jetavanaramaya (Sinhala: ජේතවනාරාමය, romanized: jētavanārāmaya) is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in the UNESCO world heritage city of Anuradhapura,[2] Sri Lanka. At 122 metres (400 ft), and was the world's tallest stupa;[3] and the third tallest structure in the world[4] when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301). He initiated the construction of the stupa[5]: 49  following the destruction of the Mahaviharaya of Anuradhapura. His son Maghavanna I completed the construction of the stupa, and was renovated by Parakramabahu I of Polonnaruwa.[6] A part of a sash or belt tied by the Buddha is believed to be the relic that is enshrined here.

   · 30 min· Admission not included

5. Abhayagiri Dagaba

   Abhayagiri Vihāra was a major monastery site of Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism that was situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most extensive ruins in the world and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities in the nation. Historically it was a great monastic centre as well as a royal capital, with magnificent monasteries rising to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay glazed in brilliant colors. To the north of the city, encircled by great walls and containing elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades and moonstones, stood "Abhayagiri", one of seventeen such religious units in Anuradhapura and the largest of its five major viharas. One of the focal points of the complex is an ancient stupa, the Abhayagiri Dagaba. Surrounding the humped dagaba, Abhayagiri Vihara was a seat of the Northern Monastery, or Uttara Vihara and the original custodian of the Tooth relic in the island.

   · 20 min· Admission not included

6. Dagoba of Thuparama

   Thuparamaya is the first Buddhist temple that was constructed, after the arrival of mahinda thero(mahindagamanaya) in Sri Lanka. Located in the sacred area of Mahamewna park, the Thuparamaya Stupa is the earliest Dagoba to be constructed in the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (247-207 BC).[1] The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.[2]

   · 20 min· Admission not included

7. Samadhi Statue

   The Samadhi Buddha is a famous statue situated at Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Buddha is depicted in the position of the Dhyana Mudra, the posture of meditation associated with his first Enlightenment. This statue is 7 feet 3 inches in height and carved from dolomite marble.[citation needed]. It is similar to the Toluvila statue from the same period. It is similar to Gupta period Buddha images, it is believed that originally the image was gilded and had inlaid eyes[1] made of precious gems.[2] It is likely that it was one of the four statues around a sacred Bodhi tree shrine. This is the only one that has survived largely intact

   · 15 min· Admission not included

8. Isurumuniya Temple

   The ancient Meghagiri Vihara or Meygiri Vihara is presently identified as the Isurumuni Vihara.[1] It was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC) who ruled in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura.[2] After 500 children of high-caste were ordained, Isurumuniya was built for them to reside.[2] King Kasyapa I (473-491 AD) again renovated this viharaya and named it as "Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera" giving the names of his 2 daughters and his name.[3] There is a viharaya connected to a cave and above is a cliff. A small stupa is built on it. It can be seen that the constructional work of this stupa belongs to the present period. Lower down on both sides of a cleft, in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, have been carved the figures of elephants. On the rock is carved the figure of a horse. The carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed it there. A few yards away from this vihara is the

   · 30 min· Admission not included

9. Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)

   Kuttam Pokuna (twin ponds or pools) are well preserved old bathing tanks or ponds in Sri Lanka. This pair of ponds was built by the Sinhalese in the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom. They form part of the Abhayagiri vihāra complex and are an example of the achievements in the field of hydrological engineering, architecture and art of the ancient Sinhalese.

   · 15 min· Admission not included

10. Wessagiriya

    Vessagiriya, or Issarasamanarama, is an ancient Buddhist forest monastery that is part of the ruins of Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka. It is located about half a mile south of Isurumuniya, among boulders. Begun in the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (mid-3rd century BC), the site was expanded during the reign of King Kasyapa (473 - 491 AD) to become home to about five hundred monks.

    · 20 min· Admission not included

11. Moonstone or Sandakada pahana

    Sandakada pahana, also known as Moon-stone, is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka.[1][2][3] It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. First seen in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period, the sandakada pahana evolved through the Polonnaruwa, Gampola and Kandy period. According to historians, the sandakada pahana symbolises the cycle of Sansāra in Buddhism

    · 20 min· Admission not included

Pickup

Pickup or meet at the departure point.

I’ll pickup visitors from there hotel. (Any location)

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible.
• Public transport available nearby.
• Infants must sit on an adult's lap.
• Special needs baby seats available.
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
• Immediate confirmation upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• This activity may be cancelled in case of bad weather.

Who is it for?

• Travellers interested in history and Buddhism
• Those seeking a private tour
• English-speaking travellers

What makes it different

• Accompanied by a certified guide
• Pick-up service included
• Choice between a short visit or a full excursion

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 185755P1

Activity offered by Travel With Lampa via Viator.