Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours worth booking?
Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours is a 4-hour experience in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, from $42 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $42 per person
What makes us unique is we give our best service for our guests because we rely on on good recommendations and user friendly guiding method. we have done so many private tours and so many round tours in Sri Lanka so don'
What you get
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Parking fees
About this experience
What makes us unique is we give our best service for our guests because we rely on on good recommendations and user friendly guiding method. we have done so many private tours and so many round tours in Sri Lanka so don't hesitate to book us because you are going to miss a lifetime opportunity.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Parking fees
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Isurumuniya Temple
The Meghagiri Vihara is now commonly known as Isurumuniya Vihara or Isurumuniya and lies near Tissa Wewa of Anuradhapura. But the original Isurumuni Vihara is located few hundred metres away is now called Vessagiri Vihara. When this viharaya was discovered it would have been thought it to be the Isurumuniya mentioned in ancient texts even though no inscription’s has been found. Later when archaeologists found the real Isurumuni Viharaya few hundred meters away (with inscriptions identifying its name), the name Isurumuniya was already taken and and the site was called Vessagiriya.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Vessagiriya Ruins
Vessagiriya is located few hundred meters left to the current Isurumuniya on the old Anuradhapura-a-Kurunegala road. This temple complex is located in and around 3 beautiful bolder formations spread across a large area in front of the Tissa Weva. On one these is a remains of a dagaba. Remains of 23 caves with drip ledges which the monks used can be seen on two of the rock formations. Remains of many buildings had been found from around the site, among which there were remains of an image house (pilima geya), dagoba and refectory (monk’s dining room). Bricks recovered from the dagoba had Sinhalese characters belonging to the 10th and 11th centuries.
20 minutes here
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
After bringing Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thero in 250 BC Emperor Asoka in India sent his daughter Theri Sanghamitta to the island with a branch of the Sacred Bodhi obtained from the main stem of the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya under which Buddha attained enlightenment. King Tissa received the sapling and planted it at the present site in 249 BC. Taking this information to account today (in 2022) the Sri Maha Bodhi tree is exactly 2272 years old. Thus this tree is considered the oldest living tree in world in the recorded history.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Mirisaveti Stupa
Mirisawetiya Dagaba has been built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC) and this belongs to Mahavihara Complex. King Dutugamunu is the great king who defeated the Tamil invaders who ruled the country for 30 years and brought the country under one ruler. On the seventh day of the re-establishment of Anuradhapura as the Capital of Lanka after defeating Elara, the Indian invader who ruled Anuradhapura for 55 years, the King proceeded to the Tissa Wewa followed by a state retinue to celebrate an aquatic festival maintaining a custom observed by his predecessors.Kings attire and his imperial sceptre (kunta) which had a scared relic of Buddha inside, was kept at a place close the Tissa Wewa. When he returned to his surprise the sceptre was it was stuck to the ground and no one could retrieve it. So the king seeing this miracle decided to erect a stupa on that spot to enshrine the sceptre itself.
15 minutes here
Ruwanweli Maha Seya
The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Mahathupa (the Great Thupa) is a stupa (a hemispherical structure containing relics) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Two quarts or one Dona of the Buddha's relics are enshrined in the stupa, making it the largest collection of his relics anywhere.[1] It was built by Sinhalese King Dutugemunu in c. 140 B.C., who became king of Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elāra (Ellalan) was defeated. It is also known as Swarnamali Seya, Svaṇṇamāli Mahaceti (in Pali) and Rathnamali Seya.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Dagoba of Thuparama
his is the first stupa to be built in the country after the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Built in the time of king Devamnampiyatissa (250BC – 210BC) this was a stupa as well as an Aramic complex (monastery). “As Contemporary with Asoka ” (says Mr. Fergusson, in his History of Indian and Eastern Architecture ), “it belongs to the most interesting period of Buddhist history, and is older, or, at least, as old as anything now existing on the continent of India” (Smither and Wikramagamage, 1993).
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Abayagiriya Stupa
Abhayagiri stupa belongs to the aramic complex of Abhayagiriya Viharaya which was constructed in the reign of King Vattagamini Abaya (commonly known as King Valagamba) in the 1st Century BC. Today, the main attraction of this aramaic complex is the massive Abayagiri Stupa which stands at 74.98 meters to the tip of the damaged spire. It is the second largest stupa in the island today. According to the 5th century traveler Chinese monk Fa-Hsien’s descriptions, this stupa has been 400 feet (122 meters) in height and has been decorated with gold and silver and studded with all kinds of jewels. There also has been a 20 foot (6.1 meters) high Buddha statue made out of green jade.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Moonstone or Sandakada pahana
Although no monument has been clearly discovered which belongs to the period before Arahath Mahinda’s visit to the island in 3rd century BC, the chronicles record that the earliest form of Buddhist Architecture in Sri Lanka was the Mahiyanganaya and Girihadu Seya. Accrding to chronicals they have been built well before the parinirvana of Buddha in 543 BC. It is obvious that any elevated terrace requires a flight of steps to reach the surface level above. The steps of ancient buildings were individual stones cut in to shape. A pole or railing is required to hold and provide ease to the climb. Through the passage of time this rail would have developed into an abacus now known Korawakgala decorated with depictions of artistic stone carvings on it. This also provided the stability to the stone steps and stopped any erosion. However, it seems that this stony rail structure did not contain any structural support itself to avoid a sudden collapse or a slide towards its front. .
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Samadhi Statue
Lying between the gigantic Abhayagiriya Stupa and the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) belonging to the ancient Abhayagiri Monastery, Samadhi Statue is considered one of the greatest works of sculptural art of the early period of Anuradhapura era. It is thought to be done during the 3rd or the 4th century. It is made out of dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) in height. This statue was found in the present location in 1886 fallen to the ground with damages to the nose. It was then erected and the nose was reconstructed unsuccessfully. In 1914, it was found damaged by treasure hunters and re constructed again which still was eye sore.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
Kuttam Pokuna or the twin ponds are another hydrologic engineering marvels of the ancient Sri Lanka. These two ponds belong to the Abayagiri aramic complex and probably been used by the monks for bathing. The origins of these ponds are not known but it is thought to have been built during the reign of King Aggabodhi I (575-608).
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Abayagiriya Stupa
During the reign of king Gothabhaya (253-266 AC) a disagreement took place between the monks of Maha Vihara Monastery and the Abhayagiri Monastery regarding a Vetulya doctrine. The king Gothabhaya took the side of the Maha Vihara and banished 60 monks who had turned in the Vetulya doctrine from Abhayagiri Monastery. One of the disciples of the banished monks called Sangamitta thero decided to avenge the bikkus of Maha Viharaya. He came back to Sri Lanka and gained the favour of king Gothabhaya (253-266 AC) and was entrusted to teach his two sons prince Mahasena and Prince Jetthatissa. After their father’s death, the elder son prince Jetthatissa who was a supporter of the Mahavihara monks became the king and reigned for 10 years (266-276 AC). In 276 Mahasena (276-303) succeeded to the throne and he persuaded the king that the Mahaviharians laxed discipline and the monks of Abhayagiri vihara preached the true doctrine of the Buddha.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ashan Sri Lanka Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ashan is the best. Very helpful, kind, young and with a lot of local knowledge. Very well prepared!
Highly recommended! Local boy, always smiling, punctual: Service from 10 and praise. Thanks to his presence we were able to live unique and unforgettable local experiences. The bus with which we were taken to each location is super clean and comfortable, in fact we took numerous naps during the longer routes. Ashan is really good!
Response from the operator: Thank you so so much for the review Doctor Luca and Mangiare 😁😘🫶 this means the world to me 🙏🙏
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Extremely Pleasant Tour with a Great Driver
Driver was very flexible to substitute lesser known sites as I had visited most of the Temples on my own the day before. He added interesting details to what I already knew. Additionally, I really appreciated that he offered to take photos of the last site and send them to me after I shared how disappointed I was that my phone was dead. He did take the pics and he did send them to me. He was king and patient - I take a lot of photos. It was a great day and a comfortable van, with a safe and knowledgeable driver.
Response from the operator: Hey thank you so much for this review your possitive recommendation means so much to me. I really appreciate it. Thak you again and god bless you.
via Viator
Awesome Ashan!
Ashan is a great guy!We couldn't agree more with all of the above reviews! Very knowledgeable, super cool and smiling, good driver. He really made us feel comfortable, following our pace. Plus that, having a tour with an A/C vehicle, was definitely a game changer as it's really hot during the day. Thank you again Ashan for this amazing tour! All the best!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the time of yours for his amazing review. My first priority is you so wwhenever you are happy that means world to me. God bless you.
via Tripadvisor
Great guide, very accomodating
Ripper day with Ashan! Air conditioned car that is spacious. Ashan was great, offering insightful information and free rein time to explore by ourselves at our own pace. Throughout the day he helped us find food spots and helped us with suggestions for future restaurants. Such a great day that we even booked a transfer with him the next day that included a few stops along the way that others previously couldn’t offer us.
Response from the operator: Hey thank you so much for this amazing review. Whenever you are happy with everything ,that makes me happy too. God bless you.
via Tripadvisor
We highly recommend Ashan!
Ashan drove and guided us through the ancient city of Anaradhapura en to Sigirya. We would love to hire him for the rest of our trip if that was possible! Ashan is very reliable, relaxed and fun to be with. He liked to think along with us and showed us things he knows and likes along the way. We would highly recommend him!
Response from the operator: Hey you guys ❤️😊 thank you for this lovely recommendation. I did my very best for you even though it was a limited time. This recommendation means world to me so thanks again and god bless you all ❤️😊
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anuradhapura.
How much does Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours cost?
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Prices start at $42 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Anuradhapura usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Anuradhapura is not rushed.
Is Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Anuradhapura, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Anuradhapura can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Anuradhapura and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Anuradhapura ancient city tour with Travandgo tours start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Anuradhapura within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Anuradhapura?
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On Outty we rank every Anuradhapura experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura, Mountain Bicycle Group Tour Anuradhapura & History with Buddhism, Anuradhapura Heritage Mountain bike / bicycle Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Anuradhapura?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Anuradhapura?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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