Anuradhapura ancient city tour, Day tour starting from Negombo at 7am
Distance 170 km, 3 ½ hours of drive one way

About Anuradhapura

It is believed that from the fourth century BC until the beginning of the 11th century AD it was the capital of the Sinhalese. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²)

Attractions

Abhayagiri Vihara - was a major monastery site of Mahayana, Theravada and Vajirayana Buddhism that was practiced in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa, a hemispherical structure containing relics, considered sacred to many Buddhists all over the world.

Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree in the Mahamewna gardens. It is said to be the right-wing branch from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Thuparamaya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the sacred area of Mahamewna gardens the Thuparamaya Stupa is the earliest Dagoba to be constructed in the island, dating back to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.

Kuttam Pokuna A pair of pools known as Kuttam Pokuna one of the best specimen of bathing tanks or pools in ancient Sri Lanka. Isurumuniya Rock Temple Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura. There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family.

Lovamahapaya is a structure situated between Ruwanweliseya and Sri Maha Bodiya in the ancient city. It is also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya because the roof was covered with bronze tiles.

The Mirisaveti Stupa King Dutugamunu built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara in battle.

Ranmasu Uyana is a garden and sits on approximately 40 acres, and is a noted example of Sri Lankan garden architecture of the pre-Christian era.

Sandakada Pahana also known as Moon-stone is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances.

Mihintale is a mountain peak near the city. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Approximately tour time will be 5 hours

Drive to Trincomale, Distance 110km 2hrs drive.

Day 2 After breakfast starting tour at 7.30am

Attractions

Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province, encompassing a total area of 471.429 hectares

Koneswaram temple is a classical-medieval Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Trincomalee

Fort Fredrick built by the Portuguese at Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, completed in 1624 CE

Approximately tour time will be 5 hours

Overnight Stay in Negombo

Day 3 Starting at 7.30am from Trincomalee and drive to Sigiriya
Distance 98km drive time around 1.45hr

Attractions

Sigiriya lion rock fortress Built as a royal citadel on top of a 200m high rock mass, Sigiriya is an impressive fortress with some fantastic views, glorious water gardens and 5th-century frescoes.
-Time approx 2hr

Safari Minnariya national park 4x4 jeep starting at 14.30hr and return back 17.30hr

Overnight Habarana or Dambulla

Day 4 Starting at 08.00am after breakfast and drive you to Negombo. Distance 150km drive 3.30hr

On your way

Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. Most famous attraction is a beautifully preserved complex of Cave temples, which contain paintings and ancient Buddha statues, some carved from the solid rock. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square meters. -Time approx 1 ½ hrs

Negombo city tour (Fish market, 200 years old Buddhist temple, Negombo fort, Dutch canal, Local market)

Overnight Stay in Negombo

Other information

• Meeting point
Pick up and Drop can be organized from hotels, airport and the other well known landmarks.

• What’s Include
Air conditioned vehicles with English speaking Sri Lankan tourist board licensed chauffer, petrol, passengers insurance, road parking payments.

• Not Included
Entrance fees for sites.