Highlights
• Explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital
• Visit towering dagobas and ancient monasteries still revered today
• Discover the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree in India
• Wander through archaeological ruins that reveal the grandeur of early Sri Lankan civilisation
• Gain spiritual insight into Buddhism’s deep roots in the island’s culture
Inclusions
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for comfort and convenience
• Bottled water and the services of a knowledgeable guide
• Entry fees to all listed attractions
• Local lunch stop with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine
Itinerary
Sight: Sri Maha Bodhi and Mahavihara Monastery
Begin your journey at the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, a tree said to be over 2,000 years old, grown from a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This living symbol of faith draws pilgrims daily who come to offer prayers and flowers. Adjacent to the Bodhi tree lies the Mahavihara Monastery complex, one of the oldest Buddhist institutions in the world. Here, centuries of devotion and learning echo through ancient stone structures and serene courtyards.
Sight: Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
Next, visit the magnificent Ruwanwelisaya, a colossal white dagoba built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BCE. Rising gracefully into the sky, it remains one of the most significant and venerated stupas in the country. As you circle the stupa in quiet reverence, your guide will share stories of the king’s vision and the spiritual importance this monument holds for Buddhists around the world.
Sight: Abhayagiri and Jetavanaramaya Monasteries
Continue to Abhayagiri, once a thriving centre of Buddhist scholarship and one of the greatest monastic complexes in Asia. Here you can walk among ruined monasteries, stone carvings and moonstones that showcase the artistry of the ancient Sinhalese. Then head to Jetavanaramaya, where the massive stupa, said to be the tallest brick structure in the ancient world, rises majestically above the plains. Its scale alone speaks to the ambition and devotion of the early Anuradhapura kings.
Sight: Twin Ponds and Isurumuniya
Your exploration also includes the Twin Ponds, a striking example of advanced hydraulic engineering, where monks once bathed. End the tour at Isurumuniya Temple, renowned for its delicate rock carvings, including the famous “Lovers.” This serene sanctuary blends natural rock formations with spiritual artistry, leaving you with a lasting impression of Anuradhapura’s ingenuity and devotion.
End of Program