Anuradhapura Private Tuk Tuk Tour with a Licensed Local Guide

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

  Visit one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka and stand beneath the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree with a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. I’ll share the fascinating story of how a branch of the original Bodhi tree from India came to Anuradhapura and why this tree is still deeply respected by Buddhists today.

  25 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 2
  Ruwanwelisaya

  Walk around the magnificent Ruwanwelisaya, one of Anuradhapura’s most important stupas. Here you can experience the peaceful atmosphere, see pilgrims making offerings, and hear the story behind King Dutugemunu and the building of this great monument.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 3
  Dagoba of Thuparama

  Discover Thuparamaya, traditionally regarded as the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after Buddhism was introduced to the island. I’ll explain its connection with the Buddha’s teachings and show you some of the beautiful ancient stonework surrounding it.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 4
  Jetavanaramaya

  Come close to the enormous Jetavanaramaya and imagine what this place must have looked like when Anuradhapura was one of the great cities of the ancient world. We’ll talk about its construction, the incredible amount of bricks used, and the monks and people who lived around this huge monastery.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Jethawanaramaya Museum

  Take a short visit to the Jetavana Museum and see archaeological discoveries from the ancient city. It’s a great way to understand how people lived, worshipped, built, and created everyday objects more than a thousand years ago.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)

  See the beautiful Twin Ponds, once used by monks of the Abhayagiri monastery. Beyond their beauty, these ponds show the remarkable knowledge ancient Sri Lankans had about water management, cleanliness, and stone construction.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 7
  Samadhi Statue

  Spend a quiet moment with the famous Samadhi Buddha Statue. I’ll explain the meaning of the Buddha’s meditation posture and the story behind this beautiful ancient sculpture. It is also a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 8
  Abayagiriya Stupa

  Explore the impressive Abhayagiri Stupa and learn about the huge monastery complex that once surrounded it. This was much more than a religious site—it was a busy centre of learning where monks from different parts of the ancient Buddhist world came to study and live.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 9
  Main Refectory Of Abayagiri Monastery

  Step into the remains of the ancient monastery’s refectory and imagine hundreds of monks gathering here for their daily meals. I’ll show you the large stone structures and explain how this huge monastery community was organised.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 10
  Moonstone or Sandakada pahana

  Admire the exquisite Sandakada Pahana, a masterfully carved semi-circular stone step that beautifully symbolizes the Buddhist cycle of rebirth and the path to enlightenment.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 11

  Marvel at the Eth Pokuna, a massive 2,000-year-old man-made bathing pool that showcases the highly advanced hydrological engineering of Sri Lanka's ancient monastic complexes.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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