• Vessagiriya Ruins - Welcome to Rajarata! (The King’s County or The Land of Kings)
  Begin the day at Vessagiriya Forest Monastery, one of the island’s two oldest Buddhist Monks’ dwellings.
  At Vessagiriya, guests will delve into the Ancient Sinhalese Civilization, enriched by Buddhism, Agriculture, Fine Arts, Architecture, Trades, International Relations, and remarkable Engineering Marvels, offering a glimpse of Anuradhapura’s golden era from its inception.

• Sri Maha Boodhi Temple - The Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, or The Sacred Bodhi Tree (a Fig or Pipal Tree scientifically known as the Ficus Religiosa), is considered the first of the eight sacred places in Anuradhapura. It is recorded as the right-wing branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which the Ascetic Siddhartha attained Enlightenment. It was sent by Emperor Ashoka through his beloved daughter, the Buddhist Nun Theri Sanghamitta, at the request of Sinhalese King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE. Since then, it has been venerated by successive Kings, Monks, Nuns, and Lay Buddhists as a living connection to the Gautama Buddha. It is widely accepted as the oldest human-planted living tree in the world with the longest written records, currently nearly 2300 years old.

• Lovamahapaya Brazen Palace - To the north of the Sacred Bodhi Tree, visitors can see a vast collection of standing granite pillars identified as the remains of the ancient Brazen Palace, which once served as the administrative center of the ancient Maha Vihara Monastery Complex. It was constructed under the guidance of Great King Gamini Abhaya in the 2nd Century BCE, a grandson of King Devanampiyatissa. It was a nine-story building with 1000 different chambers. The name, Brazen Palace, comes from its roof, which was thatched with copper tiles.

• Ruwanwelisaya - The Ruwanveliseya stupa, also known as the Ratnamali or the Mahathupa (The Great Stupa), was constructed under the guidance of Great King Gamini Abhaya in the second century BC. Chronicles describe the inauguration ceremony of this Stupa as a grand festival held in Anuradhapura with invited guests from other countries as diplomats. However, it was destroyed during the Chola Invasion by the 10th century AC and was restored to its original glory in the 12th century AC by King Parakkramabahu the Great. The current form was completed by the Ratnamali Stupa Development Society in 1940, initially initiated by Ven. Naranvita Sumanasara Thero in 1873 to restore it to its former glory.

• Gedige Ruins - At the Mahapali Alms Hall premises, visitors will see a collection of ruins of several different buildings, the largest being the Mahapali Refectory, where meals were supplied to Buddhist Monks from the royal kitchen. It is conjectured that the term “Mahapali” derives from the custom of monks coming for their meals in a long line according to their seniority. The refectory was considered part of the royal palace itself. A huge stone trough here served as a receptacle for rice. To the northwest, another dilapidated building was the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in ancient times. After the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka, it was highly esteemed and became an important religious and royal symbol, housed safely near the Royal Palace. After the Tooth Relic Chamber, moving a bit further north, visitors will come across a large excavation site.

• Main Refectory Of Abayagiri Monastery - Here, a large granite trough in the shape of a canoe stands with an amazing intaglio in the refectory premises of the Abhayagiriya Monastery. The Chinese monk Fa-hsien, who studied at the Abhayagiriya University in the 5th Century AC, recorded that there were 5000 Buddhist monks in the Monastery, and this particular trough could hold sufficient rice for such a number.

• Eth Pokuna - Known locally as Eth-Pokuna or the Elephant Pond in English, situated southwest of the Refectory, it is perhaps the largest man-made pond in Asia, built in the 3rd century AC. It is said to be three times larger than a modern Olympic swimming pool. The marvel here is not only its enormous size but the underground conduits that still function, supplying water to the pond from nearby reservoirs. In the southwest corner, a cistern sluice suggests that water was distributed to other smaller ponds in the vicinity, showcasing the superb hydraulic engineering skills of the ancient Sinhalese.

• Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල - This is one of the finest works of art in Sri Lanka, dating back to about the 8th Century AC. This masterpiece showcases the aesthetic sense of the ancient craftsmen and how they skillfully applied their knowledge, abilities, talents, and feelings.

• Moonstone or Sandakada pahana - The moonstone is another beautiful and breathtaking creation of the ancient sculptor. It serves as a doormat at the foot of a flight of steps to a Buddhist shrine, but the sculptor transforms it into a work of art par excellence.

• Janthagara (steam bath) building (ජන්ථාඝර ගොඩනැගිල්ල) - This is akin to a modern steam bath, but it was not merely for enjoying steam bathing with warm water. It was part of a well-developed Sinhalese medication system from the 4th century AC onwards. Here, discussions can be had on how it functioned and how sick monks in Abhayagiriya University cured their skin diseases.

• Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna) - This picturesque pair of ponds, built on low ground, are exquisite specimens of landscape architecture and a wonderful hydraulic system, showcasing not only the talents but the aesthetic sense of these magnificent people.

• Professional Licensed Tourist Guide
• Bottled water
• Tea and coffee

• Entrance fees

Embark on an enlightening journey through the rich history of ancient Sri Lanka with this captivating tour of Anuradhapura. Start your adventure at the Vessagiriya Forest Monastery, where you will uncover fascinating stories of a civilization unique to this area. Visit renowned sites such as the Shri Maha Bodhi Tree, towering stupas, and numerous magnificent masterpieces, each providing a window into the illustrious history of the ancient Sinhalese people. As you explore, your personal guide will offer insights into the cultural importance of these landmarks. This tour is perfect for history buffs and those eager to appreciate Sri Lanka’s ancient splendor.

• Tour includes visits to major historical sites in Anuradhapura
• Gain knowledge about ancient Sri Lankan civilization from an expert guide
• Discover significant landmarks like the Ruwanweliseya Stupa and the Vessagiriya Monastery
• Convenient pick-up options available from bus stations, railway stations, or your hotel

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.