Day Trip to UNESCO City Anuradhapura From Colombo

Explore the ancient wonders of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom on a captivating day trip from Colombo to the UNESCO-listed city of Anuradhapura. This 15-hour journey immerses travelers in a world of rich Buddhist heritage, where the legendary Sri Maha Bodhi tree and the majestic Ruwanweliseya Dagaba stand as testaments to the island’s enduring spiritual legacy. With a comfortable shared transfer, an English-speaking driver, and a knowledgeable local guide, visitors can uncover the historic significance of these remarkable sites, while marveling at the scenic landscapes that dot the route. Prepare to be transported back in time as you discover the timeless allure of this ancient kingdom.

Good To Know

• Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Sri Lanka’s first known kingdom, offering visitors a profound connection to the country’s ancient Buddhist heritage.
• The day trip from Colombo to Anuradhapura is approximately 15 hours long, including 4-hour drives each way, and covers key attractions like Mihintale Temple and Ruwanweliseya Dagaba.
• The tour package includes pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, entrance fees, and a local guide, but excludes food, drinks, and gratuities.
• Visitors must adhere to a modest dress code with covered shoulders and knees when entering sacred temples, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and is generally suitable for most individuals, though may pose challenges for pregnant women and those with heart issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

This day trip to the UNESCO city of Anuradhapura from Colombo is priced at ₹10,484 per person.

The 15-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, allowing them to secure their place without an upfront payment.

The trip features transportation from Colombo, with a 4-hour drive each way. Visitors will explore key attractions like the Mihintale Buddhist Temple, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya, and Isurumuniya, all while experiencing the cultural and religious significance of this ancient kingdom.

Itinerary and Transportation

The day trip whisks travelers from Colombo to the historic city of Anuradhapura, a journey that takes approximately 4 hours each way. Along the way, the group makes several key stops to explore the region’s renowned cultural and religious sites. These include the Mihintale Buddhist Temple, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the Ruwanweliseya, and the Isurumuniya. Travelers arrive at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, and the operator will reconfirm the pickup details. Additional charges may apply for different drop-off locations.

Pickup Location	Travel Time	Main Stops	Transfer Type
Colombo	4 hours to Anuradhapura, 4 hours return	Mihintale Buddhist Temple, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya, Isurumuniya	Shared transfer

Anuradhapura: Sri Lanka’s First Kingdom

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first known kingdom, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates visitors with its rich cultural tapestry and enduring spiritual essence.

Once the heart of an ancient civilization, this remarkable city boasts an array of legendary sites, including the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred bodhi tree that traces its roots back over 2,000 years.

Travelers can explore the impressive Ruwanweliseya Dagaba, a towering stupa that exemplifies the architectural prowess of the Anuradhapura era, and marvel at the Brahmin rock carvings of Isurumuniya.

This historic destination offers a profound connection to Sri Lanka’s storied past, inviting visitors to enjoy the timeless traditions of this remarkable UNESCO-listed destination.

Key Attractions and Cultural Significance

Amid the storied ruins and sacred relics of Anuradhapura, visitors uncover a tapestry of cultural and religious significance that has endured for centuries.

The city’s key attractions, such as the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, over 2,000 years old and said to be a sapling of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, offer a profound connection to the nation’s Buddhist heritage.

The towering Ruwanweliseya Dagaba and the immense Jetawanaramaya dagobas stand as testaments to the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient Sri Lankan civilizations.

Through these majestic monuments, Anuradhapura’s enduring legacy as Sri Lanka’s first known kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site is vividly brought to life.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions and Exclusions

Typically, the day trip to Anuradhapura includes pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, entrance fees, and a local guide.

However, food and drinks not explicitly mentioned are excluded. Plus, gratuities aren’t included in the package price.

It’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users due to the moderate walking involved.

Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Bringing pets, smoking, and carrying large bags aren’t allowed. Visitors should also be prepared to adhere to the dress code required for entry into the temples.

Important Recommendations for Visitors

When visiting Anuradhapura, travelers should come prepared with the right attire and essentials. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the ancient sites require extensive exploration.

Sunglasses and a sun hat will shield visitors from the Sri Lankan sun. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is required when entering the sacred temples.

Avoid bringing large bags or luggage, as they’re not permitted on the premises. Smoking is also prohibited.

While a valid passport is needed, the trip is generally suitable for most, except those with heart conditions or mobility limitations.

Following these simple recommendations will ensure a smooth and enjoyable day discovering Anuradhapura’s rich cultural heritage.

Booking Details and Cancellation Policy

Booking this day trip to Anuradhapura is a straightforward process. The price is ₹10,484 per person, which covers pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, entrance fees, and a local guide.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later. The trip duration is 15 hours, including 4 hours of travel time each way.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. However, the trip is subject to weather conditions, and cancellations due to poor weather can be rescheduled.

Additional Considerations for the Trip

Aside from the convenient booking process, there are a few additional considerations travelers should keep in mind when planning this day trip to Anuradhapura.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the tour involves moderate walking between sites. Visitors should also pack sunglasses and a sun hat to protect against the Sri Lankan sun.

Strict dress codes apply at the temples – shoulders and knees must be covered, and footwear removed. Smoking and bringing pets or large luggage aren’t allowed.

While the trip is generally suitable for most, it may pose challenges for pregnant women, heart patients, and wheelchair users.

Travelers should also be prepared for potential weather-related cancellations or rescheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Trip Suitable for Children?

The trip may not be suitable for young children as it involves moderate walking and dress code requirements for temples. However, older children who can follow instructions and handle the duration may find the cultural sights engaging.

Can We Customize the Itinerary?

The trip itinerary can be customized to an extent, but major changes may incur additional costs. Travelers can request to add or remove certain stops based on their interests, though the core sights are generally included.

What Is the Dress Code for the Temples?

The dress code for the temples requires visitors to remove their footwear and cover their shoulders and knees. This respectful attire helps maintain the sacred nature of these ancient cultural sites.

Are Vegetarian/Halal Meal Options Available?

Vegetarian and halal meal options are not explicitly included in the tour package. However, the operator may be able to accommodate such dietary requirements if requested in advance. It’s best to inquire about meal options when booking the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks or Water?

While travelers can bring their own snacks and water, the tour operator provides bottled water. To maintain the site’s cultural integrity, outside food and large bags aren’t permitted, ensuring a seamless and respectful experience.

The Sum Up

This captivating day trip from Colombo to Anuradhapura offers a unique opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. Visitors can explore the ancient city’s remarkable sites, including the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree and the majestic Ruwanweliseya Dagaba, while enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. With a comfortable shared transfer, an English-speaking driver, and a local guide, this journey promises an enriching cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: