Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa 2 Day Tour From Negombo

Itinerary

Day 1: Negombo - Anuradhapura

Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most ancient trees which are living even today standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.
This ancient Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree has been protected and cared for by many years by the ancient kings and queens as well as the Buddhist monks.
Sri Maha Bodhi tree in the morning when one can make the most of the visit by participating in the rituals and also witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over the city.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Thuparamaya Dagaba, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Thuparamaya, also known as Thuparama, is the first stupa which was constructed in Sri Lanka after the introduction to Buddhism and is in the beautiful city of Anuradhapura. The ancient stupa of Thuparamaya was built during the reign of the King Devamnampiyatissa somewhere in the 3rd Century BCE and is said to enshrine the right collar bone of Gautama Buddha. The ruins of the complex today cover an area of approximately three and a half acres of land.
The shape of the stupa was initially of a paddy rice shape which was later restored to a conventional bell shape in the year 1862. There were several changes to Thuparama, but some of the most significant changes were first in the 7th Century BCE when the stupa had gold and silver castings, further changes also took place in the 10th Century BCE, to the final renovations in 1862 which completely changed the structure of the stupa.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Square Stupa Abhayagiri Monastery, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The Abhayagiri Vihara is one of the most beautiful and exciting structures which is in the atmospheric setting of Anuradhapura.
Abhayagiri Vihara is not just a beautiful stupa but is also the place where a fraternity of Buddhist monks who maintain their records, traditions and way of life. The Abhayagiri Monastery was established in the 2nd Century BCE by King Valagamabau in the celebration of his victory against the Indian Chola invaders. The main stupa was constructed over the footprint of Gautama Buddha, making it the second-largest stupa on the island.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Samadhi Statue, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura served as a city of peace and protection against wars and disharmony. Samadhi Buddha statue is one of such marvels. Placed in Mahamevnāwa Park, this 4th-century statue is considered the best works of Buddha.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Mihintale, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Mihintale in the Sinhalese language means Mahinda’s hill – a Buddhist monk in the 11th century. This city was declared a wildlife sanctuary more than 2,200 years ago, making it the oldest of shelters in the world.
Buddhism saw its conception in Sri Lanka in the rocky hills of Mihintale when King Devanampiya Tissa met monk Mahinda on the hilltop.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at 3 star Hotel in Anuradhapura

Day 2: Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa

Stop At: Thuparama, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
The Thuparama is estimated that it has been survived for over 900 years. The semi cylindrical shaped roof is attractive. The walls of the Thuparma are approximately 7’’ in thickness. You will find that this was fully built of bricks. Some believe that Thuparama was built by a minister of King Parakramabahu, called Mahinda to house the tooth relic. Another belief is that this was built by king Vijayabahu. Yet this big image house found, some parts of the site are still not excavated.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Rankoth Vehera, Ancient Bhikku Hospital, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka where a number of great kings were originated. Rankoth Vehera or the Gold Pinnacle is a dagoba which was built by King Nissankamalla (1187-1196). It is the 4th largest stupa in Sri Lanka and has a 55 m height of and circumference of 185 m. A rock inscription has been erected by King Nissankamalla to the east from the Dagoba elaborates the work carried out by the King and his supervision.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sacred City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Is the Vatadage of Polonnaruwa, North central province of Sri Lanka. The ancient stupa was built by King Nishshankamalla (1187-1196). The structure is being recovered by a roof. At the center of the Stupa, to the four sides, fabulously carved Buddha images of Lord Buddha can be found. The roof is supported by two stone pillars and rests are fallen down.
King Nisshankamalla had just renovated the Vatadage and was built by King Parakramabahu during the 12th century. However, this unique building is was later attacked with the South Indian Dravidian attacks. So that Vatadage seems to be neglected with the change of the kingdoms. In 1903, the department of Archeologists started to excavate the site and today the quadrangular area is open to the public. While the base diameter is about 27 feet the two leveled Vatadage terrace or platform is one of the well-preserved Vatadage buildings of Sri Lanka.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Gal Vihara, 440/225 Palm Grove State Minuwangoda road, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
The Gal Viharaya, rock temple located at Polonnaruwa in the north central province of Sri Lanka was originally built by King Parakramabahu 1 around the 12th century.
The rock behind the statue is embellished with carvings of ‘vimana’. The 15 feet high statue of Buddha is guarded by another two statues of Gods.
You will find the 80 feet long reclining statue of Buddha.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Hetadage, Hwy A11, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Among them, Hatadage in Polonnaruwa is an ancient relic chamber where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha was kept. This is a masterpiece of King Nishshankamalla(1187-1196) made by full of stones, brick, and wood. Anyway, stone and brick items are rescued.
Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: No Accommodation