Day-trip Anuradhapura and Thanthirimale - Heritage Tour

Anuradhapura , Sri Lanka

Day-trip Anuradhapura and Thanthirimale - Heritage 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

This is a combination of highlights of Anuradhapura with a less-visited charming site further northwest, Thantirimale being an interesting heritage destination for several reasons. It has the second-largest reclining Buddha, a very unique specimen of a Bo-tree, and pre-historic cave paintings. Moreover, the sacred area of Thanthirmale is situated in a very pleasant and somewhat strange setting.

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 Anuradhapura and Thanthirimale - Heritage Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Total Parking charges

Knowledgeable English speaking driver

Road Tax & Insurance Tax

1000 ml bottled drinking water per person

Air-conditioned vehicle

Passenger Insurance cover 500,000 LKR P.P

Total fuel cost

Replacement vehicle in case of unlucky events - with new driver

Detailed itinerary

Thanthirimale is the location of Sri Lanka's most famous love story, the island's version of Romeo and Juliette. It's a romantic site indeed. What visitors can see at this pilgrimage site are a large reclining and a smaller seated Buddha in the style of Polonnaruwa. The ancient Bo-tree grows atop a large turtleback rock. This is considered to be a natural miracle. Though Thanthirimale is a very charming place and of some historical significance, it is still not crowded with tourists.

On the way back from Thanthirimale we stop at the modern temple of Nellikulama, which has become a noticeable site recently, as life-size sculptures of the 500 Arahats or disciples of the Buddha are standing here in a long line one after another.

In the afternoon we will first visit the most famous places of Anuradhapura, namely the famous Bo-tree and the nearby pillars of the Brazen Palaca and the refectory hall of the Mahavihara complex and the large white dome of the Ruwanweli stupa. We also visit the world's largest surviving stupa, which is known as Jetavanarama Dagoba. It's also the world's largest bakestone building. The Thuparama is the oldest stupa in Anuradhapura, adorned with several circles of carved pillars and two moonstones.

In the late afternoon, we visit three more historical sites in the very soith of Anuradhapura, namely the Isurumuniya rock temple, which is famous for its rock carvings, the Goldfish Park called Ranmasu Uyana in Sinhala, which has the most enigmatic and mysterious carving of Sri Lanka, and the very ancient monastic rock shelters of Vessagiriya, where traces of rock paintings from the Anuradhapura period can still be seen. You can enjoy sunset at Tissa Wewa.

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 beverages than water

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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