Day-trip from Anuradhapura to Mihintale - Tuk Tuk Tour
Active
8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
There is much more to see in Mihintale than you find in most guidebooks. This tour is designed to see not only the famous pilgrimage site, where Buddhism was introduced in Sri Lanka, but also the nearby off-the-beaten path locations and some more highlights to the north of Mihintale. Local lunch is included.
Our experienced drivers are known for careful driving. They have been doing these tours for 5 years. Their cultural & historical expertise well-founded.
Available options
Day-trip from Anuradhapura to Mihintale - Tuk Tuk Tour
Pickup included
What's included
All Tuk Tuk transfers
Total Parking charges
Knowledgeable English speaking driver
Road Tax & Insurance Tax
1000 ml bottled drinking water per person
Lunch at First House
Catamaran Boat Ride
Total fuel cost
Replacement vehicle in case of unlucky events - with new driver
Detailed itinerary
1
After pick-up at your hotel in Anruradhapura we will first visit the famous Ambasthala Dagoba below Aradhana Rock, where Mahinda, the Buddhist missionary from India, won over the Sinhalese king for Buddhism. Ambasthala is nicely located in a saddle of the Mihintale hills. The stairways to the sanctuary are an attraction in itself and many other remnants of significance are situated close-by, such as Mahinda's stone bed in a rock shelter, the white landmark dagoba known as Mahaseya, the Cobra Pond, the amazing view point at Eth Vehera, the refectory with rice boat, and inscriptions hall.
2
For lunch in a local style, you will be invited to First House Mihintale, for having an impression of how the cooking is done (demonstration in the kitchen) and enjoying the taste of original Sri Lankan cuisine. You will also be able to relax and refresh and First House, before starting your afternoon program.
3
After lunch, you will first visit Sri Lanka's best preserved ancient dagoba which was excavated in its original shape, Kantaka Chetiya. This stupa is famous for its rich decorations in particular. Nearby is the so-called lion well known as Sinha Pokuna in Sinhala. You will also see the excavation of an ancient Ayurvedic hospital at the foot of the hills. Then we proceed to the quaint Darkwater Pond, Kaludiya Pokuna being an entire monastery in itself.
4
To the north of Mihintale, we will see the best preserved ancient stone bridge of Sri Lanka, the Gal Palama. Nearby is the Mahakandarawa Wewa, which is known as Crocodile Lake in English. Here you will enjoy a catamaran ride of about 20 minutes. The area is well-known for birdwaching. With a little luck, you can also observe crocodiles and elephants in the late afternoon.
What's not included
Entry fees of visiting site or activities
Extra person in vehicle other than those who booked
Extra excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
Food, meals other than lunch, beverages other than water
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
About Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and offers a rich cultural and historical experience.
Top Attractions
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura is home to ancient stupas, temples, and ruins that date back over 2,000 years.
Historical
Full day
Free
Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
One of the tallest stupas in the world, this iconic structure is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free
Sri Maha Bodhi
A sacred fig tree that is said to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Jethawanaramaya Dagoba
The tallest stupa in Anuradhapura, known for its impressive size and historical significance.
Historical
1 hour
Free
Isurumuniya Temple
A beautiful temple known for its rock carvings and serene atmosphere.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kottu Roti
A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot plate.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Hoppers
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs or sambal.
Breakfast
Vegetarian.
Rice and Curry
A staple Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Lamprais
A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Mihintale
Exploring Ritigala Forest Monastery
Tea tasting
Visiting temples
Exploring ancient ruins
Attending religious ceremonies
Witnessing the Esala Perahera festival
Best Time to Visit
January to March
This is the best time to visit Anuradhapura as the weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for exploring the ancient ruins and enjoying outdoor activities.
28-32°C
82-90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Sinhala, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time Zone
UTC+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Anuradhapura is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure.
- • Use reputable tour operators.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.
Getting there
By air
- Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport • 200 km
By train
Anuradhapura Railway Station
By bus
Anuradhapura Bus Stand
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport and cover most areas of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Sacred City
New Town
Tuktukaraya
Day trips
Mihintale
12 km • Half day
A sacred mountain site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka, featuring ancient ruins and temples.
Ritigala Forest Monastery
30 km • Full day
A UNESCO-listed forest monastery with ancient ruins and a rich biodiversity.
Avukana Buddha Statue
50 km • Full day
A colossal Buddha statue carved out of a single rock, standing 40 feet tall.
Festivals
Esala Perahera • July/August (full moon day)
Poson Festival • June (full moon day)
Vesak Festival • April/May (full moon day)
Pro tips
- Visit the Sacred City early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the historical sites.
- Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
- Respect the religious customs and traditions when visiting temples.
- Carry a water bottle and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
![Minneriya National Park Safari [Morning / Evening]](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-674x446/15/1f/89/35.jpg)
