Round Tours14 Days / 13 Nights12 places
Grand Sri Lanka Island Journey
The complete Sri Lanka experience — ancient kingdoms, hill country, east coast beaches, wildlife and the south coast in one extraordinary two-week journey.
From USD 890
Heritage
Anuradhapura
North Central Province
Anuradhapura was the political, cultural and religious heart of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. The ancient city contains some of the world's most extraordinary religious monuments — gigantic white-domed stupas visible for miles across the flat north-central plains, sacred tank reservoirs, monastic complexes housing thousands of monks, and the Sri Maha Bodhi — a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in India. Now over 2,250 years old, it is the oldest living tree in the world with a documented planting history, making it one of the most sacred objects in Buddhism.
Destination guide
Experience Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, inhabited for over 1,000 years — home to colossal stupas, the world's oldest recorded tree, and the origins of Sri Lankan Buddhism.
Key attractions
Sri Maha Bodhi — the world's oldest authenticated tree (planted 288 BC), a cutting from the original Bodhi Tree
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa — 103m white dome built by King Dutugamunu in 140 BC
Jetavanaramaya — once the third tallest structure in the ancient world at 122m
Thuparamaya — Sri Lanka's first stupa, built in 247 BC to enshrine the Buddha's collarbone relic
Abhayagiri Monastery — ruins of a monastery complex that once housed 5,000 monks
Isurumuniya Rock Temple — beautifully carved Gupta-style reliefs and cave shrine
Tissawewa Reservoir — one of the oldest irrigation reservoirs in the world
Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum
Things to do
Explore by bicycle — the ancient city circuit is best covered in 4–5 hours on two wheels
Attend the morning puja at Sri Maha Bodhi alongside Buddhist pilgrims
Visit at sunrise when the white stupas glow gold in the early light
Hire a knowledgeable local guide for historical depth — the city's stories are extraordinary
Watch the evening puja rituals and lantern lighting at Ruwanwelisaya stupa
Gallery
Glimpses of Anuradhapura
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Cultural Triangle Heritage Escape
Sri Lanka's ancient kingdoms in 5 days — Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura with private storytelling by local guides.
From USD 320
