Discover the rich heritage of Sri Lanka with our Aukana, and Anuradhapura Tour. Our friendly driver will pick you up from your stay in Polonnaruwa, ensuring a seamless start to your journey. After a scenic 2-hour drive, you'll arrive at the awe-inspiring Aukana Raja Maha Viharaya, where you can marvel at the majestic Aukana Buddha statue. Continue your exploration as you visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura, home to sacred sites like Ruwanweliseya, Sri Mahabodi, and isurumuniya. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, witness ancient architectural wonders, and feel a deep connection to the country's cultural roots. This tour offers a unique blend of historical discovery, religious significance, and cultural immersion, allowing travelers to experience the grandeur of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization. Book this tour to create cherished memories, explore sacred landmarks, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural tapestry that defines Sri Lanka.
Aukana and Anuradhapura Cultural Heritage Tour from Polonnaruwa
About This Tour
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation
- All Parking Fees
- Food & drinks
- WiFi
Exclusions
- Entrance Ticket – Anuradhapura
- Entrance Ticket - Aukana
Tour Plan
The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet, was carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved.
The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa and 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 King of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elāra was defeated
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree in the Mahamewna Gardens, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is said to be the southern branch from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment.
Ancient City Of Anuradhapura
Ancient City Of Anuradhapura
Itinerary
The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet, was carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved.
Ruwanweli Maha Seya is a towering stupa in Anuradhapura, built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC. Revered as one of the most sacred Buddhist monuments, it enshrines the largest collection of Buddha’s relics and stands as a symbol of ancient Sinhalese architecture and spiritual devotion2.
The Sri Maha Bodhiya is the oldest historically documented tree in the world, grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Planted in 288 BC, it is a sacred pilgrimage site and a cornerstone of Buddhist heritage in Sri Lanka.
Jethawanaramaya is one of the tallest brick structures in the ancient world, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD. This massive stupa once stood over 120 meters high and was part of the Jetavana monastery, symbolizing the power of Theravāda Buddhism.
Thuparamaya is the first stupa built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism. Constructed by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC, it enshrines the right collarbone relic of the Buddha and marks the beginning of Buddhist architecture on the island.
Mirisawetiya Stupa was built by King Dutugemunu to enshrine his battle spear containing Buddha’s relics. Legend says the king forgot to offer his meal to monks and built the stupa as penance. It’s one of Anuradhapura’s earliest and most revered stupas.
Kuttam Pokuna, or the Twin Ponds, are ancient bathing tanks showcasing advanced hydraulic engineering. Built for Buddhist monks, these symmetrical stone pools reflect the sophistication of Anuradhapura’s water management systems.
The Anuradhapura Moonstone is a semi-circular stone slab found at the entrance of ancient temples. Intricately carved with symbolic motifs, it represents the cycle of life and is a hallmark of Sinhalese artistry and Buddhist symbolism.
Meeting / Pickup
Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
Please Note
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Wheelchair accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- We pick up All Travelers From All Hotels Around Polonnaruwa.
Cancellation Policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
Reviews
Comments are closed.
Save 11%
🎁 First Time Booking-
Limited Time Offer: All Dates, All Destinations
3 Comments
4.2
We had a fantastic day visiting some incredible cultural sites, with the colossal statue being an unforgettable highlight for the whole family. The stories shared by our guide truly brought the heritage to life, making the ancient ruins feel vibrant and meaningful. One small drawback was the heat during our outdoor explorations, but it only slightly overshadowed the richness of our experience.
4
Our day spent visiting Aukana and the ancient sites of Anuradhapura from Polonnaruwa was truly enriching, filled with deep cultural insights and stunning visuals of Sri Lanka’s heritage. The transportation provided was comfortable, allowing us to relax between the sites, although the driver could have shared more stories about the history we were seeing. Overall, it was a memorable experience that left us appreciating the beauty and significance of these remarkable locations.
4.2
Exploring the stunning Aukana statue was definitely a highlight for me, showcasing the incredible artistry of Sri Lankan heritage. However, I wish the tour had allowed a bit more time at Anuradhapura, as I felt rushed through some fascinating sites.