
Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo worth booking?
Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo is a 12-hour experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from $190 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $190 per person
Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura on a guided tour. Discover the sacred Bo tree, grand stupas, and historical sites while learning about the city's rich history.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura on a guided tour. Discover the sacred Bo tree, grand stupas, and historical sites while learning about the city's rich history.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Entrance fees
- English Speaking Driver
- All taxes and service charges
- Bottle Water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel Pick up and drop off
Not included
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Breakfast
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Abayagiriya Stupa
Abhayagiri Monastery is situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura and is credited to King Vattagamini Abaya, popularly known as King Walagamba (103 BCE, 89-77 BCE). Proof has been found that a Jain temple existed on this land in the 5th century BCE during the rule of King Pandukabaya (437-367 BCE).
30 minutes here · Admission included
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a historical sacred bo tree (Ficus religiosa) in the Mahamewuna Garden in historical city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This is believed to be a tree grown from a cutting of the southern branch from the historical sacred bo tree, Sri Maha Bodhi, which was destroyed during Emperor Ashoka the Great time, at Buddha Gaya in India, under which Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) attained Enlightenment. The Buddhist nun Sangamitta Maha Theri, a daughter of Indian Emperor Ashoka, in 288 BC, brought the tree cutting to Sri Lanka during the reign of Sinhalese King Devanampiya Tissa. At more than 2,300 years old, it is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date
60 minutes here · Admission included
Ruwanweli Maha Seya
This is a Stupa in Anuradhapura District in North Central Province of Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the World. It was built by the great King Dutugemunu (164 BC – 140 BC), who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated. The Mahathupa or Ruwanweliseya is known by several other names as well. It is also called Maha Stupa / Mahathupa (the great Dagoba), Rathnamali Stupa / Rathnamali Dagaba, Suvarnamali Mahaceti (in Pali) and Swarnamali Stupa / Swarnamali Chaitya has been the most adored, most venerated among the great ancient Stupas (Dagobas) of Sri Lanka. The name Mahaseya or Mahathupa (the Great Tope) was used in the Golden Age of Anuradhapura. Ruwanweliseya Stupa is one of the “Solosmasthana”, the 16 sacred religious locations in Sri Lanka and the "Atamasthana".
60 minutes here · Admission included
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 a few hundred meters away and is now called Vessagiri Vihara. When this viharaya was discovered it would have been thought to be the Isurumuniya mentioned in ancient texts even though no inscriptions have been found. Later when archaeologists found the real Isurumuni Viharaya a few hundred meters away (with inscriptions identifying its name), the name Isurumuniya was already taken and the site was called Vessagiriya.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Mirisawetiya Stupa
More than 2100 years old, Mirisawetiya is one of the most ancient Dagabas in Sri Lanka . Built by the great king Dutugemunu, this Maginficant Structure is a must see for any visitor to the sacred city of Anuradhapura . It is believed that the great king Dutugemunu made many wishes here that have come true during his lifetime. King Dutugemunu built it as a Dagoba of the “Mahavihara” fraternity but as the monks started living there, it sees that Mirisawetiya developed as a separate monastery.
60 minutes here · Admission 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
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Nelum Holidays
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent day trip
The tour to Anuradhapura was fantastic and Chatu, the tour guide we had, was fantastic. He made it really interesting with all the information he shared and all the places we went to. We appreciated his friendly and warm personality and we enjoyed the stories he told which made the history come alive. His knowledge and his experience made the tour a very memorable experience. Thank you very much, Chatu!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $190 to $360
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Nelum Holidays, who run 5 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.9.
See everything Nelum Holidays runsWhy this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Colombo.
How much does Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo cost?
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Prices start at $190 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 Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo take?
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Plan for about 12 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 Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Colombo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins 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 Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins 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 Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo?
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Included: Private transportation; Entrance fees; English Speaking Driver; All taxes and service charges; and Bottle Water. Not included: Lunch; Snacks; Breakfast; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 53 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 Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins 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 Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins from Colombo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Anuradhapura Guided Day Tour of Ancient Ruins 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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