From Dambulla: Sacred City of Anuradhapura Private Day Tour

Set out on a captivating private day tour from Dambulla to the historic Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore iconic landmarks like the Sri Maha Bodhi tree and the majestic Jetavanarama Stupa. With air-conditioned transportation and an English-speaking guide, discover the ancient ruins, monasteries, and rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. This 8.5-hour journey promises to immerse you in a remarkable experience – one that could unlock the secrets of a bygone era.

Key Points

• This private day tour from Dambulla takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura, known for its iconic Buddhist landmarks like the Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
• The 8.5-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and complimentary mineral water, allowing you to explore the ancient city’s rich cultural heritage.
• Key highlights include the Jetavanarama Stupa, Abhayagiri Monastery, and Mihintale, the site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka.
• Visitors can discover the well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and advanced irrigation systems that showcase the architectural and historical significance of Anuradhapura.
• The tour allows for flexibility in the itinerary and provides recommendations for local dining options, ensuring an immersive and customized experience in the sacred city.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private day tour from Dambulla to Anuradhapura provides an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s ancient historical and cultural landmarks.

Over the course of 8.5 hours, travelers will be picked up from their accommodations within 5 kilometers of central Dambulla and embark on a journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura.

Along the way, they’ll visit iconic sites like Jetavanarama, Sri Maha Bodhi, and Abhayagiri Monastery, as well as the significant pilgrimage site of Mihintale.

The tour is led by an English-speaking chauffeur/guide and includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, along with a complimentary bottle of mineral water per person.

Lunch and entrance fees are at the traveler’s own expense.

Itinerary Highlights

In the ‘From Dambulla: Sacred City of Anuradhapura Private Day Tour’, the tour begins at 8:00 AM, allowing travelers to visit ancient landmarks like Jetavanarama, Sri Maha Bodhi, and Abhayagiri Monastery within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura.

Visitors will explore:

1. The sacred city of Anuradhapura, home to the oldest recorded tree in the world, the Sri Maha Bodhi.

2. The Mihintale site, where the meeting between Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa took place, marking the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

3. The Abhayagiri Monastery, an ancient center of Buddhist learning and one of the largest monasteries in the world.

4. The Jetavanarama, a massive stupa that was once the largest brick building in the ancient world.

The tour concludes at 3:00 PM, with return to the hotel by 4:30 PM.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes complimentary pickup from accommodations within 5 kilometers of central Dambulla. Your driver will collect you at 8:00 AM sharp and transfer you to Anuradhapura, located about 72 kilometers away.

After exploring the ancient city’s highlights, the tour concludes at around 3:00 PM. You’ll then be driven back to your hotel, arriving by 4:30 PM. This ensures you make the most of your day without the hassle of arranging your own transportation.

The air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking guide provide a comfortable and informative experience throughout your private day tour of the UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Anuradhapura.

Visiting Ancient Landmarks

Visitors explore an array of ancient landmarks during the private day tour of Anuradhapura. They’ll discover the majestic Jetavanarama, an immense stupa that was once one of the tallest structures in the ancient world.

The group then visits the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree said to have grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

The tour continues with a visit to the Abhayagiri Monastery, a sprawling complex that was once one of the largest monastic cities in the world.

Lastly, they’ll explore the ruins of ancient palaces, temples, and monasteries within the UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Anuradhapura.

Key ancient landmarks visited:

1. Jetavanarama Stupa

2. Sri Maha Bodhi

3. Abhayagiri Monastery

4. Sacred City of Anuradhapura

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring Anuradhapura’s Heritage

Anuradhapura’s UNESCO-listed Sacred City showcases the remarkable architectural and cultural heritage of this ancient Sri Lankan capital.

Sprawling across a vast landscape, the ruins and monuments offer insight into the city’s illustrious history as a center of Buddhist learning and administration.

Visitors can explore the remains of monasteries, palaces, and irrigation systems that once supported a thriving population.

Key sites include the Jetavanarama, an enormous stupa dating back to the 3rd century BCE, and the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree said to have grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Exploring Anuradhapura’s ancient wonders provides a window into Sri Lanka’s remarkable past.

Discovering Mihintale

Mihintale, the site of the historic meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, offers visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual heritage.

Atop the mountain, pilgrims can explore the Mihintale Archaeological Reserve, which features:

1. The Stupa of Mahinda, a massive circular monument honoring the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

2. The Mahinda Seya, a centuries-old shrine where Mahinda is believed to have preached his first sermon.

3. The Ambasthala Dagoba, a well-preserved relic stupa with intricate carvings.

4. The Kantaka Chetiya, a rock-cut monastery that showcases the architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lankan builders.

Discovering Mihintale provides a transformative experience, allowing visitors to connect with the island’s profound spiritual legacy.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking chauffeur/guide, and one liter of bottled mineral water per person.

However, personal expenses and entrance fees aren’t covered, and lunch is at the participant’s own expense. Gratuities are optional.

The itinerary may be subject to change, so it’s essential to be flexible. While the tour doesn’t include food, the guide can recommend local restaurants for a delicious Sri Lankan meal.

With the air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable guide, the tour ensures a comfortable and enriching exploration of Anuradhapura’s ancient landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Additional Information

Flexibility in itineraries allows for adjustments to accommodate changing conditions or guest preferences. Personal expenses and entrance fees aren’t covered in the tour price, though participants may optionally provide gratuities. While lunch is self-arranged, the guide can recommend local dining options for an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience.

Some additional things to keep in mind:

1. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances.

2. Guests are responsible for their own personal expenses, including any optional tips for the guide.

3. Entrance fees to archaeological sites and other attractions aren’t included in the tour price.

4. The tour company strives to provide the best possible experience, but minor changes may occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Exact Meeting Point for Pickup?

The tour provides pickup from accommodations within 5 kilometers of central Dambulla. The exact meeting point for pickup is the guest’s hotel or other accommodation in the specified area around Dambulla’s city center.

Can We Make Any Stops Along the Way to Anuradhapura?

The tour allows for stops along the way to Anuradhapura. Guests can discuss any desired stops with the English-speaking guide, who will accommodate requests within the tour’s 8.5-hour duration.

Are Audio Guides Available at the Historical Sites?

Audio guides are not explicitly mentioned as being provided at the historical sites. However, an English-speaking chauffeur/guide is included, who can likely provide informative commentary on the sites during the tour.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration can be extended if needed, but this would incur additional costs. The tour operator can accommodate requests to extend the tour, subject to availability and agreement on the revised pricing.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Religious Sites?

The dress code for visiting religious sites in Sri Lanka is typically modest. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering sacred spaces. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended to ensure an appropriate and respectful visit.

Recap

This captivating private day tour from Dambulla to Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an immersive experience exploring the sacred city’s iconic landmarks, ancient ruins, and rich cultural heritage.

With air-conditioned transportation and an English-speaking guide, visitors can discover the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the majestic Jetavanarama Stupa, and the ancient site of Mihintale, returning to their hotel around 4:30 PM.

You can check if your dates are available here: