Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo
Traveler rating
3.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo worth booking?
Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo is a 10-hour experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from $94 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 3/5 (1)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $94 per person
Friendly driver will greet at Your Hotel and your journey will commence at approximately 5:00 AM.After a scenic 5-hour drive, you will reach your first destination, the ancient city of Anuradhapura. There, you will embark on a sightseeing tour, visiting prominent sites such as Mihintale, Jaya Sri Mahabodi, Isurumuniya, Jethawanaramaya Stupa, and Ruwanweliseya. Following the sightseeing adventure in Anuradhapura, you will indulge in a delicious local village lunch before returning to your hotel.
What you get
About this experience
Friendly driver will greet at Your Hotel and your journey will commence at approximately 5:00 AM.After a scenic 5-hour drive, you will reach your first destination, the ancient city of Anuradhapura. There, you will embark on a sightseeing tour, visiting prominent sites such as Mihintale, Jaya Sri Mahabodi, Isurumuniya, Jethawanaramaya Stupa, and Ruwanweliseya. Following the sightseeing adventure in Anuradhapura, you will indulge in a delicious local village lunch before returning to your hotel.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- English Speaking Driver
- Seasonal Fruits
- Transport by Air Condition vehicle
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Entrance Fees
What you'll see and do
Mihintale
Mihintale is a significant historical and religious site in Sri Lanka. Located near the city of Anuradhapura, Mihintale holds great importance in Buddhist tradition as the place where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka.According to legend, in the 3rd century BCE, the Indian Emperor Ashoka's son, Mahinda, arrived in Mihintale and met King Devanampiya Tissa of Sri Lanka. Mahinda, who was a Buddhist monk, converted the king to Buddhism, thereby establishing Buddhism as the state religion of Sri Lanka.Mihintale is home to several ancient structures and monastic complexes, including stupas, caves, and ponds. One of the prominent attractions is the Maha Stupa, a large brick stupa believed to enshrine the relics of Mahinda. The Aradhana Gala, or the "Rock of Invitation," is another significant site where Mahinda is said to have preached his first sermon.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
The revered bodhi tree holds paramount significance in Anuradhapura, both spiritually and physically. This ancient tree originated from a sacred cutting transported from Bodhgaya, India, and is widely acknowledged as the oldest historically verified tree globally. For over two millennia, it has been diligently nurtured by a continuous lineage of custodians. Presently, the site attracts countless devotees who flock to make devout offerings, particularly on poya days (full moon) and weekends. A visit during sunset bestows a truly enchanting experience.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Ruwanweli Maha Seya
Ruwanweliseya, also known as the Great Stupa, is a revered religious monument in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was built in the second century BCE and stands as a symbol of faith and veneration. This iconic stupa stands approximately 338 feet (103 meters) tall and features intricate stone carvings and decorative motifs. Ruwanweliseya is a significant pilgrimage site that attracts devotees who come to pay homage, offer prayers, and participate in religious ceremonies. It is an architectural masterpiece as well as a revered spiritual landmark in Sri Lanka.
40 minutes here · Admission not included
Abayagiriya Stupa
The Jethawanaramaya Stupa, also known as Jetavanaramaya or Jetavanaya, is a renowned Buddhist stupa located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the tallest ancient structures in the world and holds immense historical and religious significance. Constructed during the 3rd century CE by King Mahasena, the Jethawanaramaya Stupa was built to enshrine the relics of the Buddha. It stands at an impressive height of approximately 122 meters (400 feet) and covers an area of over 23 acres, making it one of the largest brick structures of its time.Despite the passage of time and the ravages of nature, the Jethawanaramaya Stupa continues to be a remarkable testament to ancient engineering and a cherished landmark in Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Isurumuniya Temple
The Isurumuniya Temple, also known as the Isurumuniya Vihara, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is situated near the Tissa Wewa reservoir and holds both religious and archaeological significance. The temple dates back to the 3rd century BCE and is believed to have been built by King Devanampiya Tissa. It is known for its rock-cut architecture and exquisite stone carvings, showcasing the artistic mastery of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen. The main feature of Isurumuniya Temple is the rock-cut image house, which houses several Buddhist statues. The most famous sculpture within the temple is the "Isurumuniya Lovers," also known as the "Lovers of Isurumuniya." This intricate carving depicts a couple in an embrace, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and artistic expression.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, ta, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- OTN WORLD PVT LTD
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- littering & smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle
- Please dress appropriately
- Cameras/video recorders if necessary.
- Bring a Passport, ID card, Comfortable Walking shoes, Sunglasses ,Sun hat
- Deposit trash in designated receptacles
- A moderate amount of walking is involved
- Please observe proper dress code when visiting the temples as a form of respect. The basic rule is to wear clothing that covers the shoulders, and knees (Participants are advised dress appropriately for this activity (long pants, long-sleeved shirt or scarf to cover shoulders, and closed shoes)
- Our tours from Colombo include an English-speaking driver throughout. In Anuradhapura, a knowledgeable guide will explain the city's sights upon arrival.
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
More clarity on timings needed
Didn't clarify how long will be the travel time and the consequent time that would be available for the different sites, on a single day tour to Anuradhapura. I traveled out from Colombo at 7am and was expected to be back by 7pm. Not done, given the slow traffic speed on this route and makes no allowance for things like rain. Need to be upfront
Response from the operator: Dear Ms. Neeta Prasad, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We appreciate your comments regarding the travel timings. As per your request, we understood the importance of arriving early in Colombo, and we made every effort to ensure the schedule aligned with your preferences. Our team worked diligently to maximize your time during the Anuradhapura day tour and provide you with a memorable experience. We sincerely value your input and will take your feedback into consideration to improve communication regarding travel times and scheduling for future guests. Thank you once again for choosing our service. We look forward to welcoming you on another tour in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $94 to $188
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by OTN WORLD PVT LTD, who run 97 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.3.
See everything OTN WORLD PVT LTD runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Colombo.
How much does Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo cost?
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Prices start at $94 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Colombo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Colombo is not rushed.
Is Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Colombo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo?
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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 Day Tour From Colombo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo?
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Around 0 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 Colombo 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 Colombo and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo 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 Colombo 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 Colombo?
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On Outty we rank every Colombo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Flexi dates on all 5 to 7 days packages for car and English speaking driver, Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle, Private Multi Day Sri Lanka Tour with Chauffeur. 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 Colombo?
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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 Colombo?
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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.
What is included in Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; On-board WiFi; Bottled water; English Speaking Driver; and Seasonal Fruits. Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified; Gratuities; and Entrance Fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 238 listed pickup locations in and around Colombo. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French, Tamil and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Infants must sit on laps. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Anuradhapura Day Tour From Colombo if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Colombo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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