Half Day Tour – in Sacred City of Anuradhapura or Sacred City of Mihintale.

Exploring the sacred cities of Anuradhapura or Mihintale promises a captivating half-day journey through Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Guided by the knowledgeable Lampa, visitors can enjoy the awe-inspiring sights, from the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree to the architectural marvel of Lovamahapaya. With personalized service, convenient hotel pickup, and refreshments provided, this tour offers an enriching experience for those eager to uncover the enduring significance of these ancient sites. What secrets and insights await those who embark on this captivating exploration?

Good To Know

• This half-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the sacred cities of Anuradhapura or Mihintale, conducted by a licensed guide Lampa.
• Visitors can experience the iconic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest human-planted tree, and the architectural marvel of the Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace).
• The tour provides a private, personalized experience with wheelchair accessibility, infant seats, and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours.
• Positive reviews highlight the guide’s expertise, engaging storytelling, and the overall enjoyment of the historic sites and cultural heritage.
• Flexible booking options and availability make this tour an accessible and value-for-money opportunity to explore the sacred cities of Sri Lanka.

Tour Overview and Details

According to the details provided, this half-day tour takes visitors to the sacred city of Anuradhapura or Mihintale.

It’s conducted by a licensed guide, Lampa, and includes snacks, water, all fees and taxes, and an air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour starts at 8:30 am from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, and hotel pickup is available.

With an average rating of 4.5/5 from 17 reviews, this private tour offers a full-day experience to explore the key attractions, including the sacred Bo tree and the Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace).

The tour is wheelchair accessible and has infant seats available, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Key Attractions

Visiting the sacred Bo tree, the world’s oldest human-planted tree, takes visitors on a profound journey.

The tree, a living link to Gautama Buddha, is a significant pilgrimage site.

The tour also includes the Lovamahapaya, or Brazen Palace, a remarkable architectural feat featuring:

• Bronze-tiled roof
• Refectory and Uposatha house
• 1,600 stone pillars

Built by King Dutugemunu, the nine-story, 400-foot-long structure exemplifies the engineering prowess of ancient Anuradhapura.

These iconic landmarks provide a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of this sacred city.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a revered symbol of Buddhism, stands as the oldest human-planted tree in the world, dating back over 2,600 years.

This sacred Bo tree is believed to be a direct descendant of the original tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.

As a significant pilgrimage site, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi offers visitors a chance to connect with the rich history and spiritual significance of Buddhism.

Visitors can spend approximately 30 minutes exploring the tree and its surrounding area, though admission tickets aren’t included in the tour.

Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)

Situated between the Ruwanweliseya and Sri Mahabodiya, the Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) is renowned for its bronze-tiled roof and its impressive architectural features.

Built by King Dutugemunu, it once stood nine stories tall and was a massive 400 ft (120 m) long, supported by 1,600 stone pillars.

The Lovamahapaya served as a refectory and Uposatha house, demonstrating the grandeur and significance of this ancient structure.

Key features of the Lovamahapaya include:

• Nine stories tall
• 400 ft (120 m) long
• 1,600 stone pillars

Visitors can spend approximately 15 minutes exploring the remains of this once-magnificent palace, marveling at its historic importance and architectural prowess.

Additional Information

This private tour allows only your group to participate, making it a personalized experience. The tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, ensuring accessibility. Infant seats are available, catering to families. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility. Plus, the tour price is guaranteed to be the lowest available.

Features	Details
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible, near public transportation
Family-Friendly	Infant seats available
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Price Guarantee	Lowest price guaranteed

Customer Reviews

According to the reviews, the majority of customers have been highly satisfied with the half-day tour, with 14 out of 17 reviewers awarding it a 5-star rating.

The tour guide, Lampa, received praise for his excellent English and engaging storytelling, which enhanced the overall experience.

While most reviews were overwhelmingly positive, there were a few outliers, with one 2-star and one 1-star review.

Key highlights from the reviews include:

• Lampa’s knowledgeable and informative guiding
• A well-rounded itinerary covering the sacred sites
• Comfortable transportation and seamless organization

The overall high ratings and positive feedback suggest this tour provides a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of the historic wonders of Anuradhapura or Mihintale.

Booking and Availability

Travelers can reserve the half-day tour in Anuradhapura or Mihintale and pay later. The tour’s availability can be checked for the selected date and number of travelers. Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start of the experience.

Date	Availability
April 1	5 spots left
April 2	Sold Out
April 3	10 spots left
April 4	3 spots left
April 5	8 spots left

The tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best value. With convenient pickup options and a private tour experience, travelers can explore the sacred cities with ease.

Meeting Point and Pickup

The meeting point for the half-day tour is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Pickup is available from hotels or the designated meeting point. This adds convenience for travelers, allowing them to start the tour from a location of their choice.

The tour guide, Lampa (Kumara Galappaththi), is licensed and provides an exceptional experience.

Some key details about the meeting point and pickup:

• Pickup is included in the tour package, making it hassle-free for participants.
• The meeting point is at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a significant pilgrimage site.
• Travelers can choose to be picked up from their hotel or meet at the designated location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Tour Sites on My Own?

Yes, you can visit the tour sites on your own. The key attractions like Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Lovamahapaya are open to the public and don’t require a tour. However, a guided tour can provide valuable insights and context about the sites.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour recommends modest and comfortable attire. Visitors should avoid revealing or short clothing as the sites are sacred religious places. Comfortable walking shoes are also advised for the tour’s duration.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed?

Photography and video recording are generally allowed on the tour. However, visitors are advised to respect the sanctity of the sites and avoid disruptive behavior that could disturb other visitors or the tranquility of the sacred spaces.

Is There Any Historical Significance to the Tour Sites?

The tour sites hold immense historical significance. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is the world’s oldest human-planted tree, while the Lovamahapaya was once a magnificent nine-story palace built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour allows some customization, as customers can choose to visit either Anuradhapura or Mihintale. However, the core itinerary – covering the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Lovamahapaya – remains fixed. The guide can provide additional flexibility within the half-day timeframe.

Sum Up

This captivating half-day tour provides an enriching exploration of Sri Lanka’s ancient treasures. Visitors can choose to visit the sacred cities of Anuradhapura or Mihintale, guided by the knowledgeable Lampa. The tour showcases the cultural and religious heritage of these historic sites, including the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree and the architectural marvel of Lovamahapaya. With personalized service, convenient hotel pickup, and refreshments, this tour promises an immersive experience for visitors seeking to uncover Sri Lanka’s remarkable history.