Two-Day Tour :Anuradhapura Sacred City & Wilpattu Wildlife Safari

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1: Explore Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient Sinhala Buddhist ruins, and Mihintale sacred city
17 stops
1
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred Bo tree,that stands in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura. 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 King 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,Tissa planted the branch in anuradhapura.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
2
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 minutes • Admission ticket not included
3
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
4
Moonstone or Sandakada pahana
Anuradhapura Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone) is a unique feature of the Sinhala architecture in ancient Sri Lanka which is usually found at the bottom of staircases and entrances. It is a finely carved semi-circular stone slab and symbolises the cycle of Saṃsāra in Buddhism according to historians. Initially, the Sandakada Pahana was placed at the entrances to Buddhist temples during the latter stages of the Anuradhapura period. Features of Anuradhapura Sandakada Pahana Anuradhapura Sandakada Pahana is an intricately carved semi-circular slab made of stone. It consists of a half lotus carved in the center. This is followed by several bands, each carved with animals such as elephants, lions, horses and bulls. The four animals are said to represent the four noble truths in Buddhism or the four stages of life (birth, old age, disease and death). Sandakada Pahana has been a main feature of architecture throughout the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Gampola periods.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
5
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
6
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
7
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 minutes • Admission ticket not included
8
Main Refectory Of Abayagiri Monastery
Mahapali Refectory is situated in Sangamiththa Mawatha, Anuradhapura. It is one of the refectories of the Abhayaragiri Monastery and is believed to have been built by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC. One of the main attractions of the area is a deep well which has been built with granite and bricks.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
9
Muragala or muru gal, also known as a guardstone, are a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka.[1] The muragala is a set of twin oblong slabs of stone, with a rounded top, located at the foot of the flight of steps, leading to a place of worship, situated on a higher elevation.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
Mirisaveti Stupa
The Mirisaweti Stupa (Sinhala: මිරිසවැටිය, Mirisavæṭiya) is a memorial building, a stupa, situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.[1] King Dutugamunu (161 BC to 137 BC) built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre, he had gone to Tissa Wewa for a bath leaving the sceptre. After the bath he returned to the place where the sceptre was placed, and it is said that it could not be moved. The stupa was built in the place where the sceptre stood. It is also said that he remembered that he partook a chilly curry without offering it to the sangha. In order to punish himself he built the Mirisavetiya Dagaba. The extent of this land is about 50 acres (20 ha). Although the king Kasyapa I and Kasyapa V renovated this, from time to time it was dilapidated.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
11
Lankarama Sthupa
Lankarama is a stupa built by King Valagamba, in an ancient place at Galhebakada in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Nothing is known about the ancient form of the stupa, and later this was renovated. The ruins show that there are rows of stone pillars and it is no doubt that there has been a house built encircling the stupa (vatadage) to cover it. The round courtyard of the stupa seems to be 3.0 metres (10 ft) above the ground. The diameter of the stupa is 14 metres (45 ft). The courtyard is circular in shape and the diameter is 406 metres (1,332 ft)
15 minutes • Admission ticket included
12
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 Ranmasu Uyana.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
13
Mihintale
First Buddhist city in Sri Lanka.Mihintale or Missaka pawwa is a small town. Still, whenever someone hears this name, it is the Mihintale rock that comes into their mind for sure. In fact, it is this rock that gives this town its significance. Thus, we cannot explore the history of Mihintale, without getting to know about this wonderful rock. So, let us get to know about the history of this most visited town, by getting to know about the Mihintale rock.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
14
Mihintale
The Mihintale rock also called Aradhana gala is a significant place with an appreciable historic value to Sri Lankans, especially for Buddhists. It is the place where Arhat Mahinda Thero met King Devanampiya Tissa, the ruler of Sri Lanka for the very first time. This historical incident which changed Sri Lanka in every aspect took place in 306 – 307 B.C. Arhat Mahinda Thero was the son of Emperor Dharmashoka of India. The emperor and King Devanampiyatissa were best friends. Thus, as the greatest gift, the emperor sent his son Arhat Mahinda Thero with the message of Lord Buddha, to implement Buddhism in Sri Lanka. However, Arhat Mahinda Thero arrived in Sri Lanka with a faction of the following six people along with him on a Poson Fullmoon Poya day.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
15
Ambasthala Dagaba is a Buddhist temple which is situated in Mihintale. The hair relic between of the eyebrows, of Lord Buddha, known as “Urna Roma” is believed to be enshrined at this stupa. Ambasthala Dagaba is also sometimes known as “Sela Chethiya”. It is believed to be the exact place where Mahinda Thero met King Devanampiyatissa and preached Buddhist on Poson poya day. It is a small stupa which is surrounded by stone pillars. The stupa is said to have been built by King Mahadatika Mahanaga during his reign from 9 AC to 21 AC. A flight of rock-carved steps to the side of Ambasthala Dagaba leads to a large white Buddha statue
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
16
Situated at the foot of the western slopes of Mihintale it is the largest of the ponds. Most experts believe that Kaludiya pokuna may probably be the ancient Porodini Pokuna mentioned in the tablets of Mahinda IV. Kalu-diya pokuna, literally translated means the black water pool. It is said that the name evolved out of respect to the sombre reflections of trees and boulders of the neighboring forests and mountains, and is true to its description at most times of the day
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
17
Ruwanwelisaya
Ruwanwelisaya, also known as the Ruwanweli Seya, is a large stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE, it is one of the country’s most revered and oldest stupas. The stupa is notable for its massive dome, intricate carvings, and its role as a significant pilgrimage site in Buddhism.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Day 2: Safari in Wilpattu National Park. Spot leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife in Sri Lanka's largest park.
1 stop
18
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park, located in northwest Sri Lanka, is the country's largest national park. It is renowned for its unique “villus” (natural lakes) and rich biodiversity. The park is home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. It offers a serene and less crowded safari experience compared to other parks. Established in 1938 and reopened in 2010 after a long closure, it is a vital sanctuary for wildlife conservation.
5 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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