Anuradhapura Full-Day City Tour
Step into the heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient splendor with our exclusive Anuradhapura full-day city tour. Guided by an expert English-speaking storyteller, this immersive journey transcends mere sightseeing, offering profound insights into the city’s timeless history, breathtaking architecture, and rich cultural heritage. At CCT Sri Lanka, we blend deep historical knowledge with exceptional service to craft an experience that lingers long after your visit.
Highlights of Your Tour
Embark on a journey through time as you explore Anuradhapura’s most revered landmarks:
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – The sacred fig tree that has flourished for over two millennia, a living link to Lord Buddha himself. Isurumuniya & Ranmasu Uyana – Where spirituality and artistry merge amidst ancient rock carvings and serene royal gardens.
Maha Viharaya & Ruwanweliseya – A sacred sanctuary crowned by a resplendent stupa, radiating devotion through the ages.
Jethawanaramaya Monastery & Museum – Home to one of the tallest brick structures in the ancient world, a testament to engineering brilliance.
The Citadel & Abhayagiriya Monastic Complex – A marvel of architecture and spiritual enlightenment, echoing stories of a golden era. …and a treasure trove of other wonders waiting to be discovered.
Stories That Come to Life
As you traverse these sacred grounds, our guide will unveil the hidden narratives etched into their stones:
The Rise of Buddhism – How Anuradhapura became the heart of Sri Lanka’s spiritual awakening.
Masterful Water Management – Ingenious irrigation systems that sustained a flourishing empire.
Architectural Brilliance – A showcase of artistic mastery and engineering ingenuity.
A Timeline of Civilizations – Tracing history through ancient inscriptions and archaeological marvels.
Healing Traditions – The origins of Sri Lanka’s early hospitals and wellness practices, reminiscent of modern spa treatments.
A Legacy Carved in Stone
Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage City, stood as Sri Lanka’s third capital, thriving from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. Before this, Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara were the island’s first two capitals. In its golden age, Anuradhapura was among South Asia’s most prosperous cities, renowned for its advanced urban planning, spiritual significance, and architectural marvels.
Yet, history took its course. South Indian invasions and internal conflicts led to the city’s decline. King Pandukabhaya (437–367 BC) meticulously designed Anuradhapura as the capital, with structured city gates, bustling trade hubs, and the Basawakkulama reservoir. Under his grandson, Devanampiya Tissa (307–267 BC), Buddhism took root in Sri Lanka—236 years after the passing of Lord Buddha.
According to the Thirumagal Inscription, Anuradhapura fell in 993 AD when Raja Raja Chola I invaded, leading to the capital’s shift to Polonnaruwa. It wasn’t until 1070 AD that King Vijayabahu I reunited the island, reviving its lost grandeur.
A Walk Through History
What remains today is a silent yet eloquent testament to Anuradhapura’s former glory. Stand before the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) and witness the astonishing craftsmanship that defined an era. Every stone, every carving, every ancient pathway tells a tale waiting to be heard.
💡 Travel Tip: If exploring independently, take time to read about each site beforehand to truly grasp its significance.
Embark on this journey with CCT Sri Lanka—where history is not just told but experienced. Book your Anuradhapura full-day city Tour today and immerse yourself in the wonders of a bygone era.
Name - Thusitha Wagalawatta (Dr. rer. nat).
Education - PHD from Freie Universität Berlin.
Work experience - Research Assistant at Department of Archaeology, University lecturer and a writer.
Field experience - Thusitha has worked over 25 excavation sites in management capacities since 2001.
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Anuradhapura (අනුරාධපුරය) ancient city complex - (BC 377 - AD 1017)
One of King Vijaya's, so-called founding father of this Island, commanders named Anuradha had made this city his home in 5 century BC, according to Mahavamsa Chronicle.
However, it is in 377 BC the King Pandukabhaya, 437 – 367, made the Anuradhapura capital of this Island.
Next significant period is of the King Devanampiya Tissa, 306 BC – 266 BC, in Anuradhapura. It is while he was in reign, Mahinda Thera brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 236 BC. Same year, the Theravada Buddhism was established. First ever Theravada Buddhist monastery, Mahaviharaya, and Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, sacred Bo tree, was planted.
Ever since, the religion and politics go hand in hand in this nation too.
According to 'Thiruvalangadu Copper-Plate Inscriptions' the year 993 marked the demise of Anuradhapura Kingdom. Grand city of Anuradhapura was ruined by the Raja Raja Chola I's invasion. In 991, Mahinda’s army mutinied by Raja Raja Chola I with the help of mercenaries from Kerala. Mahinda sought refuge in the southern region of Ruhuna. King Mahinda V was the last King in Anuradhapura with Sinhala lineage. The capital of Rajarata was moved to Polonnaruwa by Chola I.
What now you go there to see is the leftover from this-was majestic grand city. It is an impressive site!
Observe Kuttam Pokuna to understand the tedious attention given to architectural details in this period.
Read about each separate site before you go there if you want to enjoy them.
We keep updating our site often with all those interesting facts.
Basawakkulama (බසවක්කුලම) or Abhaya Wewa (අභය වැව)
Basawakkulama reservoir was built by King Pandukabhaya, 437 BC to 367 BC.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (ජය ශ්රී මහා බොධිය)
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was planted by King Devanampiya Tissa in 288 BC.
This Sacred Bo tree holds the record to be the first ever recorded tree planted in human history.
The right (south) wing branch of the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitha Thera, the daughter of Emperor Asoka. She is also the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns in Sri Lanka.
Today visitors from all over the world come to visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and offer their due respect regardless of their religious affiliations.
Isurumuniya Temple (ඉසුරුමුණිය පන්සල)
King Devanam Piya Tissa built this Temple to house 500 Buddhist monks.
At his time, when Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka, 30,000 young men were ordained to this newly found religion. Among them was this high born 500 children.
This temple is famous for three stone carved figures. It believes one of those carvings, the couple in love, represents Saliya and Asokamala. Prince Saliya is a son of King Dutugemunu. Asokamala is a low caste maiden. Prince Saliya had to given up the throne to marry Asokamala. The second carving is of the Royal Family and the last one is above the pond outside, the carving elephants.
Thuparamaya (ථුපාරාමය)
Thuparamaya was built by King Devanam Piya Tissa.
Thuparamaya is considered to be the first ever stupa built in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism.
At a request of Mahinda Thera King Devanampiyatissa built this Thuparamaya.
Vessagiri Monastery (වෙස්සගිරි විහාරය)
Vessagiri Monastery was built by King Devanam Piyatissa.
It is situated near south of Issarasamanaka Vihara.
Ruwanwelisaya (රුවන්වැලි සෑය)
It was commenced by King Dutugemunu, 161 BC to 137 BC, who defeated Chola King, Elara.
King Dutugemunu, however, did not live to see Ruwanweliseya completed. He passed away just before plastering work was finished.
The Mahavamsa, historical conical, states that dying king is taken by palanquin to the vicinity of the incomplete stupa. Then he listens to a monk, Theraputtbhya, his old colleague. It says, after some discussion of the mortality of men, with his old friend/monk the aged monarch passed away in 137 BC.
However, a folk tale carries that dying King was told that Ruwanweliseya was completed in order to keep him happy. Then King Dutugemunu asked to be shown the finished building. His brother, Saddhatissa, had the entire building draped in white cloth to present the illusion of whitewash, and due to his failing eyesight Dutugemunu did not spot the difference and he convinced that the building was finished.
King Saddhatissa completed the remaining work at the Great Stūpa.
This stupa belongs to Solosmasthana (the 16 places of veneration) and the Atamasthana (the 8 places of veneration) in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura.
The Kaunghmudaw Pagoda in Sagaing in Myanmar is modeled after this stupa.
Loha Prasada / Lova Maha Prasada (ලෝහ මහා ප්රසාධය)
Lovamahapaya was built by King Dutugemunu, 164 BC – 140 BC.
Loha Pasada had nine stories and had 1,000 rooms. Read Mahavamsa
This place was built for as a Buddhist monastery. It included a refectory, communal kitchen, and the uposathagara, disciplinary place for monks. There was also a Simamalakaya too, a place for Sangha to assemble on Full Moon days to recite the dahma.
One side of the building was 120m in length. There are 40 rows, each row consisting of 40 stone pillars and a total of 1,600 stone pillars were used for the building. It is believed that it took 6 years for the construction of the building and the plan was brought from the heavens. The building was destroyed by fire during the reign of King Saddhatissa, 137-119 BC, and it was built to seven storeys. King Sirinaga II, 240-242 AC, restored this building again to five storeys. King Jettatissa, 266-276 AC, once again raised the size of the building to seven storeys.
Then King Mahasena, 277-303, completely demolished this building and gave the material to the Abayaghiri Viharaya due to a conflict with the monks in the Mahavihara. His son Sirimeghavanna rebuild this mansion again and was destroyed again by the Pandayns from South India who invaded the city in the 9th century and was rebuild again in the same century by king Sena II.
Again the Colas from India invaded the city in 10th century and plundered the city of its all valuables which finally saw the fall of the Anuradhapura as the capital of Sri Lanka after over 1400 years.
The great king Parakramabhu I who reigned from Polonnaruwa (1153-1186 AC) raised again the 1600 pillars and partly restored it. This is what you see today.
As the roof was covered with tiles made of bronze, this was known as the Brazen Palace.
Mirisawetiya (මිරිසවැටිය)
King Dutugamunu (161 BC to 137 BC) built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara.
After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre, King Dutugamunu had gone to Tissa Wewa for a bath leaving the sceptre.
After the bath King returned to the place where the sceptre was placed, and it is said that it could not be moved. The stupa was built in the place where the sceptre stood. It is also said that he remembered that he partook a chilly curry without offering it to the sangha. In order to punish himself he built the Mirisavetiya Dagaba. The extent of this land is about 50 acres (20 ha). Although the king Kasyapa I and Kasyapa V renovated this, from time to time it was dilapidated.
Abhayagiri Monastery (අභයගිරිය ආරාමය)
Abhayagiri Monastery was built by King Vattagamini or Walagambahu, 104 BC – 77 BC.
This monastery stands majestically at a 235 hectare land. This monastery is a collection of large buildings, assembly halls, resident halls, kitchens, ponds to bath for bikkus (monks) and ponds to bath elephants and so on. Click on the image to see its full scale.
Abhayagiri Dagoba, Kuttam Pokuna, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Lankarama Dagaba and Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery are only few of the points we have access to today. Observe them in Goolge Map.
The long story short goes like this, King Walagambahu's army, in 104 BC, was defeated by an Damila army, invading South Indian army, and the King made the decision to flee. After seen the King was fleeing, the chief ascetic of the Tittharama, named Giri yelled at the King 'Maha Kala Sihala is fleeing' (Black Sinhala King is fleeing). Hearing the words of Giri, King said to himself that one day he would build a vihara at the location of Tittharama.
After 15 years of planing and coordination he fought the South Indian invaders to become the King of whole Sri Lanka for the second term, 89 BC – 77 BC. Therefore, the King Walagamba is a legendary leader in Sinhala history.
As he made the promised to himself he demolished the Tittharama and built the Abhayagiri Monastery in that place.
But notice this monastery was established as a Mahayana Monastery, favoring King's good friend, bhikku Mahatissa.
Sri Lankan Government official only accommodates Theravada Buddhism.
Abhayagiri Dagoba (අභයගිරිය දාගැබ)
Abhayagiri Dagoba was built by King Walagambahu, 104 BC – 77 BC.
It is 115 m in height and considered on of the largest Stupa in the world. It is among the largest structure in the world with Kufu’s Pyramid, Kafre’s pyramid and red pyramid.
The long story short goes like this, King Walagambahu's army, in 104 BC, was defeated by an Damila army, invading South Indian army, and the King made the decision to flee. After seen the King was fleeing, the chief ascetic of the Tittharama, named Giri yelled at the King 'Maha Kala Sihala is fleeing' (Black Sinhala King is fleeing). Hearing the words of Giri, King said to himself that one day he would build a vihara at the location of Tittharama.
After 15 years of planing and coordination he fought the South Indian invaders to become the King of whole Sri Lanka for the second term, 89 BC – 77 BC. Therefore, the King Walagamba is a legendary leader in Sinhala history.
As he made the promised to himself he demolished the Tittharama and built the Abhayagiri Monastery in that place.
But notice this monastery was established as a Mahayana Monastery, favoring King's good friend, bhikku Mahatissa.
Sri Lankan Government official only accommodates Theravada Buddhism.
Nuwara Wewa (Lake) (නුවර වැව)
Nuwara Wewa was attributed to King Walagamba.
This 100 BC reservoir has a capacity of 1,500 million cubic ft and a surface area of 3,180 acres.
Nuwara wewa has an embankment of three miles. Height of the embankment varies from 37 ft to 12 ft depending upon the elevation of the ground. Top of the embankment is 12 to 16 ft wide. The embankment is sloped at 3 horizontals to 1 vertical. Two sluices (one at low level and another at high level) have been provided for water discharge.
Bricks used in sluices of Nuwara Wewa are 9.85 inches wide and 3.15 inches thick. The size of bricks used at Abhayagiri Dagaba is identical with these bricks.
Eth Pokuna (ඇත් පොකුණ)
Eth pokuna was built by King Walagambahu, 104 BC – 77 BC. It is part of the Abayagiri Monastery.
Kuttam Pouna (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
Kuttam (twin) Pokuna was built by King Walagambahu, 104 BC – 77 BC. It is part of the Abayagiri Monastery.
These are the best specimen of bathing pools in ancient Sri Lanka, if not in the entire planet.
Craftsmanship of these ponds point to significant achievements in the field of hydrological engineering, architecture and artistic creations in ancient history.
The larger pool of two is 132 ft by 51 ft. The smaller pool is 91 ft by 51 ft. The depths of the two pools is 14 ft and 18 ft respectively.
Jethawanaramaya (ජේතවනාරාමය)
Construction of Jethawanaramaya was initiated by King Mahasena, 277 – 304 AD. His son Maghavanna I completed the construction of the stupa.
The conflict existed between Buddhist sects brought this stupa into being. A brief note into this long story as follows;
At the time of King Mahasena's coronation a monk Samghamitta who came from India to conduct coronation ceremonies put a word to the king that `the dwellers in the Mahavihara do not teach the true vinaya (disciplines), and we are the only ones who teach the true vinaya'. So, the king established a royal penalty, `whosoever gives food to a Bhikkhu dwelling in the Mahavihara is liable to a fine of a hundred pieces of money.’ Read Mahavamsa. The bhikkhus in the Mahavihara had to abandon the Mahavihara. The unwise thera persuaded this unwise king to destroy the Mahavihara. And this Samghamitta set on people to do so. Samghamitta and his associates destroyed the building complex attached to Mahaviharaya including splendid Lohapasada, which was seven stories high at the time.
Increasing resentment against this king resulted one of king's ministers, Meghavannábhaya, to rebel against the king. But the night before the battle Meghavannábhaya wanted to share splendid meat and drink he possessed with the King. So he approached the king with them. The King who enjoyed this feast asked Meghavannábhaya why he rebels against him. Meghavannábhaya explains that Mahavihara is to be re-established. King agrees.
One of the king’s wives, who is also the daughter of a Meghavannábhaya, assassinates Samghamitta.
King Mahasena initiated the construction of Jetavanaramaya. The height of the stupa is 122 m, making it the tallest stupa in the ancient world. It is still the largest the structure as such with a base-area of 233,000 m2. Approximately 93.3 million baked bricks were used in its construction.
Mihintale Monastery (මිහින්තලය පන්සල)
Mihintale rock (Cetiya-pabbata) Monastery and cave complex were initially constructed by King Devanam Piya Tissa.
It is located about fifteen KMs east of Anuradhapura.
This is where King Davanam Piya Tissa was approached by the Mahinda Thera.
Buddhist viharas complex was gradually built by coming kings and princes. Read Mahavamsa. A hospital, a Refectory and Naga and Singha Pokunɑ are part of the monastery complex.
You could ascend to the peak of Mihintale by way of a large number of steps.
Dwarfs
Some gaurd stones depict dwarfs, in fact two dwarfs.
They were the bodyguards of Kuvera, the god of wealth. They were called Sanka and Padma. These dwarfs were believed to be safeguarding the wealth and the place of Kuvera. They were the sole protectors of everything entrusted to them.
So, with those dwarfs at the forefront of entrances the owners expect those characters to be indicative.
Moonstone / Sandakadapahana (සදකඩ පහන)
Though described as the moonstone due to its shape and design, it is really a semi-circular stone doorstep set up at the entrance to a stupa, vihara and palaces.
During the Anuradhapura period it was found at the entrance to king Mahasena’s palace and during the Polonnaruwa period it was found at the entrance to king Parakramabahu’s council chambers also.
Dr. Senerat Paranavitana describes the general characteristics in the design ornamenting a moonstone. Paranavitana's version is as follow;
The Elephant - Represents birth / The Lion - Represents disease / The Bull - Represents decay / The Horse - Represents death / The Geese - Represents good and bad / The Lotus - Represents purity - Paranavitana does not say this. But the lotus is regarded as a sacred flower by the Buddhists. For example, soon after the Buddha (then Prince Siddartha) was born he walked seven steps. For each step one lotus sprang into bloom at the feet of Prince Siddartha.
“A conventional half-lotus in the centre enclosed by concentric bands which, proceeding outwards, are decorated respectively with a procession of geese, an intricate foliage design, a procession of the four beasts and an outermost band of stylized flames. The various elements of the design are skillfully integrated into a very effective whole. The motifs which constitute the design are symbolic”, Dr. Paranavitana. Furthermore, Dr. Paranavitana considered it depicts a passage to nirvana through the cycles in sansara (ever lasting life and death circle to enlightenment).
Dr. D. Devendra, however, considered it to be an ancient decorative doormat.
Question - Great questions remain however as to why Paranavitana interprets the symbol of lion as the representation of disease when it represents Sinhala nation. Read dissenting points, 1.
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