Anuradhapura Sacred City 3-Day Tour

For more than a thousand years Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka, and its sacred precinct remains one of the most important pilgrimage places in the Buddhist world. At its heart grows the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, traditionally grown from a cutting of the tree in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and venerated here since the third century BC. Around it rise the immense Ruwanwelisaya, the Thuparamaya and the colossal brick domes of the Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri.

Exploring by bicycle makes the distances easy and lets you linger at quieter corners: the elegant Twin Ponds, the meditative Samadhi Buddha and the rock temple of Isurumuniya with its carving known as the Lovers. On the final day, Mihintale rises above the plains a short drive east. A long stairway leads to the rock where, according to tradition, the monk Mahinda met King Devanampiya Tissa, an event celebrated each June at the Poson festival.

Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required at the sacred sites, and white clothing is a respectful choice.

The route, pace and hotels shown here are a starting point to be shaped around your interests; nothing is booked until you have confirmed the itinerary.

Day 1 – Anuradhapura: Arrive, visit Isurumuniya and watch sunset over the Tissa Wewa reservoir.
Day 2 – Anuradhapura: A full day by bicycle around the Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayagiri, Jetavanaramaya and the Twin Ponds.
Day 3 – Mihintale: Early climb at Mihintale (about 20 minutes' drive), then return to Anuradhapura for departure.