Day tour to Anuradhapura from Negombo

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Mihintale, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka

Mihintale is one such place, its various shrines connected by a total of some 1,840 steps that ultimately lead to the summit – steep enough to require deep breaths and a meditative pace. They were built in the reign of Bhathika Abhaya (22 BC–AD 7), although a later paved road provides a short cut up to the first level. According to legend, it was at Mihintale – literally “Mahinda’s Hill” – that the Indian missionary Mahinda, met and converted King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BC, establishing Buddhism as the island’s state religion. Mahinda was the son of the great Mauryan emperor Asoka, sent by his father to bring word of the Buddha’s teachings to Sri Lanka. Buddhism was immediately embraced with fervour by the Sinhalese people and soon became firmly established in the island – unlike in India, its birthplace, where it would subsequently fall into terminal decline.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka

It is also known as Jaya Sri maha Bodheen wahanse, Udamaluwe Bo Sami and Jaya siri maha Bo Hamuduruwo. Even today it is being worshipped and respected by the Buddhists from all around the world. This Branch was brought to Sri Lanka by their, Sangamitta daughter of the King Dharmashoka and his son. King Dharmashoka presernt this sacred plant to Sri Lanka. It was planted at Mahamega vanaya in Anuradhapura under the guidance of Sri Lankan King Devanampiya tissa. According to the written facts the present age of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is about 2248 years.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka

The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by Gamini Abhaya, who became lord of Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated. It is also known as Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya, Suvarnamali Mahaceti (in Pali) and Rathnamali Dagaba.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Isurumuniya Temple, At Royal Pleasure Gardens, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka

The Isurumuniya Viharaya was constructed during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa who governed in Anuradhapura, the country’s capital. During his reign 500 high caste children were ordained, and Isurumuniya was built as a monastic complex to house all of them. Thereafter it was renovated by King Kasyapa (473 – 491 AD) who renamed it “Boupulvan Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera” – a combination of his name along with his two daughters’. Connected to the Temple is a cave with a cliff above it. A small Dagoba was built on this cliff during a later period. At the picturesque entrance to Isurumuniya a rock can be seen either side of a crevice, and this rock seems to rise out of a pond.

Duration: 30 minutes