Tour Description

Discover Sri Lanka's ancient heritage on this private day tour from Polonnaruwa to the magnificent Aukana Buddha Statue and the sacred city of Anuradhapura, one of the island's most important historical and religious destinations. Explore Sri Lanka's first ancient capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with remarkable stupas, sacred temples, ancient monasteries, and extraordinary architectural achievements.

Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle with your professional English-speaking chauffeur while enjoying the scenic landscapes of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. This cultural journey offers a unique opportunity to explore over 2,000 years of history while visiting some of the country's most revered Buddhist landmarks.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the impressive Aukana Buddha Statue, a magnificent 12-metre granite masterpiece carved from a single rock during the 5th century. Continue to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, where you will discover the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Temple, home to one of the world's oldest documented trees, and explore iconic monuments including Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Thuparamaya, and Mirisawetiya Stupa.

Continue exploring Anuradhapura's remarkable engineering and artistic achievements with visits to the beautifully preserved Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna) and the intricately carved Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana). These ancient landmarks showcase the advanced skills, creativity, and spiritual devotion of Sri Lanka's early civilizations.

Perfect for couples, families, solo travellers, photographers, and history enthusiasts, this private day tour provides an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka's ancient kingdoms while offering personalized service, comfortable transportation, and a deeper understanding of the country's cultural heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Visit the magnificent Aukana Buddha Statue, one of Sri Lanka's finest ancient sculptures
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura
• Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Temple and ancient Bodhi Tree
• Discover the iconic Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
• Explore Jetavanaramaya, Thuparamaya, and Mirisawetiya Stupa
• Admire the ancient Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
• See the beautifully carved Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana)
• Learn about Sri Lanka's ancient Buddhist heritage and architecture
• Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking chauffeur
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Polonnaruwa included

Tour Itinerary

Hotel Pickup – Polonnaruwa

Meet your professional English-speaking chauffeur at your hotel in Polonnaruwa and begin your private journey towards Sri Lanka's ancient capital.

Scenic Drive to Aukana

Enjoy a relaxing drive through Sri Lanka's countryside, passing traditional villages, paddy fields, and beautiful rural landscapes.

Aukana Buddha Statue

Visit the magnificent Aukana Buddha Statue, a 12-metre granite masterpiece carved from a single rock and considered one of Sri Lanka's greatest examples of ancient Buddhist sculpture.

Arrival at Anuradhapura Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Explore Sri Lanka's first ancient kingdom, a remarkable city filled with sacred temples, giant stupas, monasteries, and archaeological treasures dating back more than 2,000 years.

Sri Maha Bodhi Temple

Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, believed to have grown from a branch of the original Bodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Ruwanwelisaya

Explore the magnificent Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, one of Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist monuments and a masterpiece of ancient stupa architecture.

Jetavanaramaya

Discover the impressive Jetavanaramaya, once one of the tallest brick structures in the ancient world and an important centre of Buddhist learning.

Thuparamay a

Visit Thuparamaya, Sri Lanka's first Buddhist stupa, believed to enshrine the sacred collarbone relic of Lord Buddha.

Mirisawetiya Stupa

Explore the historic Mirisawetiya Stupa, built by King Dutugemunu and one of Anuradhapura's most significant religious monuments.

Lunch Break (Optional)

Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant serving authentic Sri Lankan cuisine or international favourites (meal not included unless stated).

Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)

Admire the beautifully preserved Twin Baths, an extraordinary example of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering and architectural design.

Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana)

Discover the intricately carved Moonstone, featuring symbolic designs that represent Buddhist philosophy and ancient Sri Lankan artistic excellence.

Return Journey to Polonnaruwa

Relax on the scenic drive back to Polonnaruwa before being dropped off at your hotel, concluding your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka's ancient heritage.

Why You'll Love This Tour

✅ Visit the spectacular Aukana Buddha Statue, one of Sri Lanka's finest ancient masterpieces

✅ Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura

✅ Discover iconic monuments including Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Thuparamaya, and Mirisawetiya

✅ Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, one of the world's oldest documented trees

✅ Admire the ancient Twin Baths and beautifully carved Moonstone

✅ Experience over 2,000 years of Sri Lankan history, culture, and Buddhist heritage

✅ Travel comfortably with a private English-speaking chauffeur

✅ Perfect for couples, families, solo travellers, photographers, and history enthusiasts seeking an authentic cultural experience