Embark on a captivating journey through history and spirituality with our Aukana, and Anuradhapura Tour. Our friendly driver will meet you at your hotel in Polonnaruwa, ensuring a seamless start to your day. After a scenic two-hour drive, you'll arrive at the awe-inspiring Aukana, where you can witness the magnificent Aukana Buddha statue. Next, explore the iconic Ruwanweliseya and Sri Mahabodi, sacred sites that hold deep spiritual significance. Finally, immerse yourself in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, where you'll discover its rich historical treasures and architectural marvels. This tour offers a unique blend of spirituality, cultural exploration, and historical discovery, allowing travelers to witness the grandeur of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization. Book this tour to delve into the fascinating heritage of the region, creating cherished memories and a profound connection to the country's rich past.
Aukana & Anuradhapura Day Tour from Polonnaruwa: Explore Sri Lanka's Ancient Wonders
About This Tour
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- WiFi on board
- Private transportation
- Entrance Ticket - Aukana Rajamaha Viharaya,Samadhi Statue
- Entrance Ticket -Ruwanwelisaya, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Sandakada pahana
- Entrance Ticket -Isurumuniya Temple,Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
- Lunch
- All Inclusive Tour
- Food & drinks
- WiFi
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.
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.
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 it was the world's tallest stupa and the third tallest structure in the world when it was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura.
Sandakada pahana, also known as Moon-stone, is a unique feature of the Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances.
One of the best specimen of bathing tanks or pools in ancient Sri Lanka is the pair of pools known as Kuttam Pokuna. The said pair of pools were built by the Sinhalese in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura.
The Samadhi Buddha is a famous 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.
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
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
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3 Comments
4.4
We had a fantastic day delving into the wonders of Anuradhapura and the stunning Aukana statue. The ancient ruins were mesmerizing, and we loved learning about the rich history while wandering through the sacred city. Though the day felt a bit packed, it was well worth it for the incredible sights and experiences we shared together.
4.8
I had an incredible time delving into the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura during my day trip from Polonnaruwa. The highlight for me was standing before the Aukana Buddha statue; its sheer size and the intricacy of the carving left me in awe. The guide was knowledgeable and shared fascinating stories about the history that shaped Sri Lanka, which really enhanced the experience. However, I felt the pace was a bit rushed at times, making it hard to soak in all the sights. Overall, it was a memorable adventure that I would recommend to anyone keen to explore the rich past of this beautiful country.
4.4
Exploring the towering ancient statues left me in awe, especially the impressive craftsmanship that truly showcases the island’s rich history.