Anuradhapura: Tuk Tuk Tour at Ancient City with Audio Guide

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Isurumuniya Temple

   Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family.

   20 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Ranmasu Uyana

   Ranmasu Uyana is a park in Sri Lanka containing the ancient Magul Uyana. It is situated close to Isurumuni Vihara and Tissawewa in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It sits on approximately 40 acres, and is a noted example of Sri Lankan garden architecture of the pre-Christian era

   40 minutes here · Admission not included

3. Mirisaveti Stupa

   The Mirisaweti Stupa is situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. King Dutugamunu built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre, he had gone to Tissa Wewa for a bath leaving the sceptre.

   10 minutes here · Admission not included

4. Sri Maha Boodhi Temple

   The oldest tree known to have been planted by a human rather than by natural seeding is a 2,300-year-old sacred fig or bo-tree (Ficus religiosa) that has been named Sri Maha Bodhiya, and stands in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was planted there in 288 BC.

   20 minutes here · Admission not included

5. Ruwanweli Maha Seya

   The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa, a hemispherical structure containing relics, in Sri Lanka, considered sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu c. 140 B.C., who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Ellalan, was defeated.

   20 minutes here · Admission not included

6. Dagoba of Thuparama

   Thuparamaya dagoba has been built in the shape of a bell. This dagoba was destroyed from time to time. During the reign of King Agbo II it was completely destroyed and the King restored it. What is seen presently is the construction of the dagoba, done in 1842 AD

   10 minutes here · Admission not included

7. Lankarama Sthupa

   Lankarama is a stupa built by King Valagamba, in an ancient place at Galhebakada in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Nothing is known about the ancient form of the stupa, and later this was renovated. The ruins show that there are rows of stone pillars and it is no doubt that there has been a house built encircling the stupa (vatadage) to cover it.

   10 minutes here · Admission not included

8. Moonstone or Sandakada pahana

   The carvings of the semi circular stone slab were the same in every sandakada pahana (Moonstone). A half lotus was carved in the centre, which was enclosed by several concentric bands. The first band from the half lotus is decorated with a procession of swans, followed by a band with an intricate foliage design known as liyavel. The third band has carvings of four animals; elephants, lions, horses, and bulls. These four animals follow each other in a procession symbolizing the four stages in life: growth, energy, power and forbearance. The fourth and outermost band contains a carving of flames, usually interpreted as representing a fire altar. Sandakada pahana, also known as Moon-stone, is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka.

   10 minutes here · Admission not included

9. In the beginning, the Guardstones that supported the heavy stone balustrade were unadorned. Over time, they began to be carved with symbols representing prosperity and protection.

   10 minutes here · Admission not included

10. Main Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery

    Abhayagiriya Main Alms-Hall or The Main Refectory of Abhayagiriya is a ruined building located in the ancient monastery premises of Abhayagiriya in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was the place where the daily alms were provided for the monks who lived in the monastery. Located close to the Uttara Mula this is considered the main refectory of the Abhayagiri Monastery. This is a square building with 42.7m on one side. Four stages of construction from early as 1st century BC have been found during the excavation of the site. Danasalas were mostly built in the form of a rectangular structure. It consists of a single storied pillared building with a sunken central courtyard, three or more entrances, stone rice troughs and kitchen appurtenances, a drainage system leading the water out of the courtyard and in some examples, an attached scullery. The stone rice trough placed in a corner of the building can be identified as the most notable feature of Danasalas.

    20 minutes here · Admission not included

11. Abhayagiri

    Historically it was a great monastic centre as well as a royal capital, with magnificent monasteries rising to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay glazed in brilliant colors. To the north of the city, encircled by great walls and containing elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades and moonstones, stood "Abhayagiri", one of seventeen such religious units in Anuradhapura and the largest of its five major viharas. One of the focal points of the complex is an ancient stupa, the Abhayagiri Dagaba. Surrounding the humped dagaba, Abhayagiri Vihara was a seat of the Northern Monastery, or Uttara Vihara and the original custodian of the Tooth relic in the island

    30 minutes here · Admission not included

12. Samadhi Statue

    The Samadhi Statue is a statue situated at Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Buddha is depicted in the position of the Dhyana Mudra, the posture of meditation associated with his first Enlightenment. Whether the Buddha's Enlightenment was the experience technically called samadhi, or some other phenomenon, may depend upon the philosophical allegiance of the believer. In the Dhyana Mudra the Buddha sits cross-legged with his upturned palms placed one over the other on his lap. This position is universally known throughout the Buddhist world, and this statue is therefore one of the most typical pieces of Buddhist sculpture. It is not to be confused with the very similar "Earth-Touching Mudra," which depicts the simple action the Buddha took to fend off the illusions projected by Mara, who was desperate to prevent the Buddha from realizing that his, Mara's, projections, and with them the entire world, are an illusion. This statue is 8 feet in height and carved from granite.

    10 minutes here · Admission not included

13. Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)

    One of the best specimen of bathing tanks or pools in ancient Sri Lanka is the pair of pools known as Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds/Pools). The said pair of pools were built by the Sinhalese in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura. These are considered one of the significant achievements in the field of hydrological engineering and outstanding architectural and artistic creations of the ancient Sinhalese.

    20 minutes here · Admission not included

14. The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument, located in the ruins of Jetavana monastery in the world heritage city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. At 122 metres (400 ft) it was the world's tallest stupa and the third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301).

    20 minutes here · Admission not included

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Afternoon Tuk Tuk Ride

  Duration: 4 hours Tuk Tuk: Maximum 3 passengers allowed for single Tuk Tuk (3 Wheeler). This tour does not include entry or admission fees. Audio Guide app for 14+ sites Pickup included

• Morning Tuk Tuk Ride

  Duration: 5 hours: Spend a delightful morning exploring Ancient City sights with morning sunshine, which help to avoid heat of the daytime. Tuk Tuk: Maximum 3 passengers allowed for single Tuk Tuk (3 Wheeler). This tour does not include entry or admission fees. Audio Guide app for 14+ sites Pickup included

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 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

RAJARATA ANCIENT City

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• 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
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Explore 14+ Sites with our Audio Guide App

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Traveler reviews

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