SACRED CITY OF ANURADHAPURA AND SIGIRIYA

Anuradhapura in the northern centre of Sri Lanka is where a sapling of the Bhodi tree of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, was planted. The Sri Maha Bodhiya is the oldest documented tree that is still living. The city also has palaces, monasteries and monuments (all in ruins) that are fascinating to visit. Ruwanwelisaya, an ancient stupa, is revered by the Buddhist community. Thuparamaya enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha and is considered to be the first dagaba, or pagoda, built in Sri Lanka. Lovamahapaya also known as the Brazen Palace is between the Ruwanvaliseya and Sri Maha Bodhiya. Jetavanarama is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. As well as these beautiful places there are other stupas and relics, soaring over the vast acres of paddy fields in the area.
The ancient city is full of these iconic buildings, remnants of a people from a bygone era that flourished under the rule of their kings and queens. Walking amongst these ruins is a real treat, as you learn about their ways of life. The buildings were beautifully built by craftsman and adorned by artists.
Historians believe that from around 4th century BC to the 11th century AD, Anuradhapura was the capital Sinhalese and a thriving economic hub in South Asia. Although Anuradhapura’s history is easily traced from the 4th century BC, excavations have been able to identify artefacts from the Iron Age which easily dates back to 900 BC. It is believed that from those times the community grew and flourished to become one of South Asia’s grandest kingdoms.
Sigiriya constructed by King Kasapa I (477-495 AD) whom the Mahavansa introduces as a patricide lie five miles off Inamaluwa on the Dambulla-Habarana Road. On the west of the rock are ponds, the remains of summer palaces and other structures, and the first part of the ancient road, which led to the summit Ramparts. In the past the entire western face of the rock had been covered with plaster and painted upon, but only those paintings in two sheltered pockets now survive. The last lap of the ancient path to the summit had been through the mouth of a lion, but at present only parts of the lion’s legs and some of the lime stone steps from inside the lion’s mouth survives.

Day 01 - Tour Highlights

  • Anuradhapura Heritage Sites

Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Sigiriya

Day 02 - Tour Highlights

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Batik Gallery/Factory
  • Golden Temple of Dambulla

Summary of the Tour

  • Tour start and end from your hotel.
  • Tour can be customized.

Inclusions

  • Hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner
  • Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
  • English speaking driver guide.
  • Entrance/excursion fees to the places mentioned in tour highlights.

Exclusions

  • Food & Beverage.
  • Tips and other expenses of a personal nature.
  • Any other services not specified above

Anuradhapura Heritage Sites

Anuradhapura Heritage Sites

Anuradhapura Heritage Sites

Anuradhapura Heritage Sites

Anuradhapura Heritage Sites

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Golden Temple of Dambulla

Golden Temple of Dambulla