Anuradhapura Day Tour

• Pick up from Colombo and transfer to Anuradhapura
• Visit Wilpattu National Park (optional)
• Visit ancient city of Anuradhapura include, Jethawanaramaya, Twin Pond, Samadhi Buddha, Abhayagiriya, Moonstone, Guardstone, Refectory Hall, Elephant Pond, Lankaramaya, Thuparamaya, Ruwanweliseya, Brazon Palace, Sacred Bo Tree, Isurumuniya Temple, Mirisawetiya.
• Transfer to Colombo

Anuradhapura

Anuradapura the city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. Founded in the 4th century BC it was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom till the beginning of the 11th century AC. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. It was also a wealthy city which created a unique culture and a great civilization. Today, this ancient city of Sri Lanka is island’s most important ancient city, dotted with ancient monuments, sacred stupas, ruins of temples and palaces, and a network of stunning irrigation lakes and reservoirs.

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.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park with an area of 130,000 hectare. It is also the oldest national park which has been reopened after several years of closure due to the armed conflict in the country. It gained popularity due to the high prevalence of Sri Lankan Leopards and is still regarded as one of the best places to go to spot a leopard in its natural habitat. It is also home to a diverse range of wildlife which includes the highly threatened Sri Lankan Sloth Bear as well as the Sri Lankan Elephant. A unique feature of Wilpattu national park is that the entire park is dotted with large sand rimmed natural lakes known as “Villus”. The Villus collects rain water and tends to attract wildlife especially during the times of drought.

On completion of this tour, you will be driven back to your hotel or Katunayake International Airport for Departure.