Day Trip to UNESCO City Anuradhapura From Kaluthara

Explore the remarkable UNESCO city of Anuradhapura on a captivating day trip from Kalutara. This 15-hour journey immerses you in the ancient wonders of Sri Lanka, from sacred temples to majestic stupas. With convenient pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, and ample free time for personal discovery, the experience strikes a perfect balance between guided exploration and independent adventure. Uncover the rich history and cultural significance of this remarkable destination, where every step reveals a new layer of the island’s captivating past. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Anuradhapura, a true gem in Sri Lanka’s cultural tapestry.

Key Points

• A 15-hour day trip from Kalutara to the UNESCO city of Anuradhapura, priced at $90.00 per person, with a full refund option for cancellations 24 hours in advance.
• The trip includes pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, guided tours, and entrance fees to explore ancient ruins, temples, and stupas.
• The itinerary features visits to Mihintale Buddhist Temple, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, Ruwanweliseya Dagaba, and Isurumuniya with 4 hours of free time.
• Recommended items include sunglasses, sun hat, camera, food, sunscreen, rain gear, cash, and binoculars, with specific dress requirements for temples.
• The trip is not suitable for pregnant women, those with back/heart issues, food allergies, or motion sickness, and a valid passport is required.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

The day trip to the UNESCO city of Anuradhapura from Kalutara is priced from $90.00 per person and lasts for approximately 15 hours, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can choose to reserve now and pay later for this excursion. The trip includes pickup and drop-off at the accommodation, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, a guided tour with 4 hours of free time, and all necessary entrance fees.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, sacred temples, and majestic stupas during this comprehensive day tour of the historic city.

Itinerary and Experience

The day trip begins with pickup from the traveler’s accommodation in Kalutara, followed by a visit to the prominent Buddhist temple of Mihintale. Next, guests will explore the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, home to a sacred fig tree believed to be the world’s oldest historically authenticated tree. The tour then proceeds to the majestic Ruwanweliseya Dagaba, an ancient stupa, and the architectural wonder of Isurumuniya.

Main Stops	Highlights
Mihintale Buddhist Temple	Ancient rock temple and monastery
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple	2,300-year-old sacred fig tree
Ruwanweliseya Dagaba	Massive ancient stupa structure
Isurumuniya	Intricate rock carvings and sculptures

Throughout the journey, travelers will enjoy a guided tour with four hours of free time for sightseeing and walking among the captivating ancient ruins, sacred temples, and majestic stupas of Anuradhapura.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This day trip to Anuradhapura includes pick-up and drop-off at the traveler’s accommodation, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, guided tours of the ancient city, and all necessary entrance fees.

However, it excludes any food or drinks not specifically mentioned, as well as gratuities.

Travelers can expect a comprehensive experience with an expert local guide leading them through the UNESCO-listed site. They’ll visit sacred temples, majestic stupas, and ancient ruins, with ample time for sightseeing and exploration.

While the tour covers the major highlights, any additional expenses, such as meals or tips, are the responsibility of the travelers.

Important Information

Travelers should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, food, sunscreen, rain gear, cash, and binoculars for the day trip to Anuradhapura.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, food allergies, or motion sickness.

A valid passport is a must, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended as moderate walking is involved.

Visitors must remove their footwear and hat, and cover their shoulders and knees when entering temples.

The operator will confirm the pickup time, and additional charges may apply for different drop-off locations.

The trip is subject to favorable weather conditions, and cancellation due to poor weather allows rescheduling.

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Recommendations

One should bring sufficient cash for any additional expenses, as the tour excludes food and gratuities.

Visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the temple visits, ensuring their shoulders and knees are covered. It’s also recommended to pack sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to protect against the warm Sri Lankan sun.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves moderate walking. Binoculars can enhance the sightseeing experience at the ancient ruins and temples.

Lastly, due to the length of the day trip, it’s advisable to bring any necessary medication and to avoid this tour if you have back, heart, or motion sickness issues.

Additional Details

The operator will reconfirm the pickup time with travelers, though early or late pickup isn’t possible.

Additional charges may apply if the drop-off location differs from the initial pickup point.

Should the weather conditions prove unfavorable, the trip is subject to cancellation, in which case the operator will allow rescheduling.

Travelers should contact the operator for any assistance and provide their WhatsApp details for effective communication.

Lastly, the vehicle prohibits the transport of pets, drones, alcohol, drugs, or explosive substances.

The trip includes the following additional details:

1. Operator will reconfirm pickup time, but early/late pickup isn’t possible.

2. Additional charges may apply for different drop-off locations.

3. Trip subject to cancellation due to poor weather, allowing rescheduling.

4. Contact operator for assistance and provide WhatsApp details for communication.

Conditions

Apart from the logistics, the trip also comes with a few important conditions travelers must be aware of.

Pets, drones, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances are strictly prohibited on the vehicle. Plus, the operator requires travelers to provide their WhatsApp details for effective communication during the trip.

The tour is also subject to favorable weather conditions, and in case of poor weather, the trip may be canceled or rescheduled.

Travelers should be mindful that the operator can’t accommodate early or late pick-ups, and additional charges may apply for different drop-off locations.

Contact Information

Travelers can contact the operator for any assistance needed, and they should provide their WhatsApp details to facilitate effective communication during the day trip. The operator will be available throughout the excursion to address any queries or concerns that may arise.

Here are four ways to contact the operator:

1. Call the provided phone number during business hours.

2. Send a WhatsApp message with your questions or requests.

3. Email the operator’s team for follow-up information.

4. Reach out through the company’s website for additional support.

The operator is committed to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not specified in the provided information. The details focus on the itinerary, inclusions, recommendations, and other logistical aspects, but do not mention the group size or whether it’s a private or shared tour.

Is There a Discounted Rate for Children?

The tour operator offers a discounted rate for children, though the specific pricing is not provided. Families traveling with children may inquire about child ticket prices when booking the tour.

Can We Customize the Itinerary for Our Group?

The tour operator can accommodate customized itineraries for groups. Travelers can discuss their preferences and interests with the operator to tailor the day’s activities and sightseeing to their needs. Additional fees may apply for customization.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Meals?

The tour doesn’t include any meals, so there aren’t any dietary restrictions. However, travelers can bring their own food and snacks to enjoy during the free time provided for sightseeing.

Can We Make Stops Along the Way for Local Sightseeing?

The tour allows for 4 hours of free time for sightseeing and walking, so travelers can make additional stops along the way for local sightseeing at their own discretion. However, the main itinerary is pre-set by the tour operator.

Recap

This enriching day trip from Kalutara to the UNESCO city of Anuradhapura offers a perfect blend of culture and adventure.

Guests can explore ancient ruins, sacred temples, and majestic stupas, with a guided tour and free time for personal exploration.

Convenient pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, and bottled water are included in the $90.00 per person price, making it a must-visit experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: