The Sacred Ancient Capital of Sri Lanka
Step into Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura served as the island’s royal capital for over 1,400 years, leaving behind an extraordinary collection of sacred Buddhist monuments, colossal dagobas, magnificent monasteries, royal gardens, and one of the world’s most sophisticated ancient irrigation systems.
More importantly, Anuradhapura is regarded as the spiritual heartland of Theravada Buddhism, the oldest surviving tradition of Buddhism still practised by millions across Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. At the centre of the Sacred City stands the revered Sri Maha Bodhi—the world’s oldest historically documented tree—grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi Tree beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago. Nearby, discover the magnificent Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiri Monastery, Thuparamaya, Isurumuniya Temple, and the sacred mountain of Mihintale, where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC.
Beyond its remarkable heritage, Anuradhapura offers peaceful reservoirs filled with lotus flowers, scenic cycling routes through ancient ruins, authentic rural villages, and easy access to Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park, renowned for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and exceptional birdlife. At CCT Sri Lanka, we make your journey effortless with private airport transfers, charter flights, helicopter transfers, chauffeur-driven vehicles, expert-guided heritage tours, and personalised holiday planning—allowing you to experience the birthplace of Sri Lankan civilisation in complete comfort.
Destination Highlights
UNESCO Heritage | Sacred Buddhist Sites | Sri Maha Bodhi | Ruwanwelisaya | Ancient Dagobas | Mihintale | Ancient Engineering | Royal Reservoirs | Archaeology | Wilpattu Safari | Cycling | Rural Villages
▼ Getting There
Chauffeur Transfers
Travel across Sri Lanka in comfort with a private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy reliable door-to-door transport for stress-free journeys and complete peace of mind.
Luxury Travel | Chauffeur Driven
Scheduled Flights
Reach Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations quickly aboard scheduled domestic flights while enjoying spectacular aerial views and avoiding long road journeys across the island.
Fast Travel | Scenic Flights
Helicopter Transfers
Travel between Sri Lanka’s finest destinations by private helicopter, combining luxury travel, breathtaking aerial scenery, rapid transfers, and unforgettable experiences above the island.
Helicopter | Aerial Views
Private Charter Flights
Charter a private aircraft for the fastest and most flexible way to explore Sri Lanka, enjoying exclusive travel, direct routes, and exceptional comfort throughout your journey.
Private Aviation | Time Saving
▼ Signature Experiences
Half-Day Anuradhapura Heritage Tour
Discover the magnificent Sacred City of Anuradhapura, exploring ancient monasteries, towering dagobas, sacred temples, royal gardens, and remarkable hydraulic engineering with an experienced local guide.
Ancient City | Buddhist Heritage
Full-Day Anuradhapura Heritage Tour
Spend a rewarding day exploring Anuradhapura’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, uncovering ancient monasteries, royal palaces, reservoirs, sacred shrines, and over two thousand years of Buddhist history.
UNESCO Site | Guided Exploration
Half-Day Safari in Wilpattu National Park
Explore Wilpattu National Park, famous for its natural villus, or water ponds, while searching for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife with experienced local safari guides.
Leopards | Half-Day Safari
Full Day Safari in Wilpattu National Park
Spend a full day exploring Wilpattu National Park, maximising opportunities to encounter leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and remarkable birdlife across diverse habitats.
Leopards | Full-Day Safari
Sri lankan Cookery Lessons
Learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes using fresh local ingredients, traditional recipes, and hands-on guidance before enjoying your homemade meal together with fellow travellers.
Authentic Cuisine | Local Family
Vankalai Birding Expedition
Explore the internationally important Vankalai Wetland Sanctuary, searching for migratory waterbirds, flamingos, waders, and rich wetland biodiversity alongside experienced local birding guides.
Birdwatching | Wetlands
Self-Drive Car Hire
Explore Sri Lanka independently with a quality self-drive vehicle, enjoying complete travel freedom, flexible itineraries, and the convenience of discovering hidden destinations at your own pace.
Freedom | Self Drive
Bicycle Hire
Hire a quality bicycle and discover Sri Lanka’s quiet villages, scenic countryside, ancient ruins, coastal roads, and hidden attractions comfortably at your own relaxed pace with complete freedom.
Village Roads | Freedom
Tuk Tuk Hire
Experience Sri Lanka like a local by hiring your own tuk tuk, enjoying ultimate freedom, scenic backroads, authentic villages, and unforgettable adventures across the island at your own pace.
Local Adventure | Freedom
Plan Your Journey
You’ve explored the highlights of this destination. Now let us help you get there comfortably, safely, and with complete peace of mind.
Founded in 1979, Cross Country Travels is personally managed by the second generation, continuing a long tradition of introducing visitors to the very best of Sri Lanka. Over the years, we’ve supported internationally recognised wildlife expeditions—including assisting the BBC Planet Earth team—and guests travelling with us have captured underwater photographs later featured by Red Bull, Dive Photo Guide, and the Daily Mail (UK).
Whether you need an airport transfer, a chauffeur-driven tour, or transport between destinations, our Sri Lanka Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs and modern vehicles ensure every journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Choose your preferred vehicle below and begin your journey to Hambantota.
