About Ancient City Tour

This tour has been design especially for clients who like to discover Beauty of Sri Lanka ancient cities history/ Archaeological relics.
In this tour plan we have included all Activities/Sightseeing/Things to do in each locations which we believe suitable for tour heading according to clients interest and requirement we can add or remove Activities/Sightseeing/Things to do.

According to clients arrival and departure flight details tour plan can be changed as client’s requirements.

Tour Highlights

 

Day 01-Arrive at Colombo International Airport

Our arrival assistant will welcome with Sri Lankan hospitality and assist you with all your needs at the airport. The chauffeur will be introduced by the assistant. Transfer to hotel in Colombo.

Colombo city excursion

According to the arrival time, Colombo city full or half excursion will be done. Colombo is located in the west coast of the island. The city of Colombo offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, festivals and events, fine dining, and shopping. With so much to see, do, and experience in Colombo. Modern Colombo city has many reminders of its European colonial past. We have done all arrangements you may need to make your visit to Colombo a memorable and enjoyable one.

National Museum

National Museum, which has a good collection of historical works, the Art Gallery, which focuses on portraiture and temporary exhibits by local artists, and the city’s many mosques and Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Gangaramaya Temple

Don Bastian (de Silva Jayasuriya Goonewardane, Mudaliyar), a famous 19th-century shipping merchant who was looking for suitable land to build a temple for the Matara Sri Dharmarama Thero, He bought a beautiful piece of land that belonged to three Moors, He filled and prepared the land at a great expense. The land bordered on two sides by the Moragoda Ela and the Pettigala Ela was used to build the temple, which was subsequently named the Padawthota Gangaramaya Viharaya. The Mudaliyar, with the assistance of the people, built a great ‘Chaitya’ (Dagaba) of 30 Riyans

 

Dutch Reform Church

Dutch Reformed Church was introduced to Sri Lanka by the VOC with its First church ministrations held in Galle on 6th October 1642, almost 360 years ago. Its consistory in Colombo was established in 1658 marking the beginning of the protestant church or what they called ‘True Christian Reformed Church’ Subsequently, church councils were formed in Colombo.

 

Independence Square

Independence Commemoration Hall is located in the Independence Square known as one of the most prominent locations in Colombo. It is commonly used as a place where Sri Lankans get together in unity for significant national celebrations and cultural activities.

 

B.M.I.C.H congress hall

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall is the very first purpose-built convention centre in Asia, combines the best of professional conference facilities with the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit an island known as the Paradise on earth – Sri Lanka!

View of Parliament Complex at Kotte

The construction of the New Parliament at Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, where the palace of King Vikramabahu III’s powerful Prime Minister Nissaka Alakesvara was situated, began in 1979 and was completed in 1982. Mr. Geoffrey Bawa of Edward Reid and Begg was accepted as the architect and a Japanese consortium of 2 Mitsui Companies was contracted for the construction of the new building complex.

National Zoological Garden

National Zoological GardenGarden situated only 9.5 kilometres from Colombo City is a place that will excite both young and the old when they explore through gardens filled with beautiful birds and fierce animals.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is a beautiful stretch of land around 1/2km by the sea, that’s mostly used as a public walkway, located at the heart of Colombo. It’s situated right in front of the old Parliament of Sri Lanka and most of the best star class hotels are situated around it. Galle Face Green also boasts Colombo’s largest and most elegant promenade which is always bursting with activities in restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques.

Main Shopping Centers- Odel / House of Fashion / Majestic City / Lakmedura & Etc

Day 02 proceed to Anuradhapura (Route :Colombo-Anuradhapura)

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, a Sri Lankans political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dark forest for many years, the magnificent site, with its palaces and monuments, is now reachable once again. The Anuradhapura city is one of the most important holy places of Buddhism. Anuradhapura demonstrates in a unique and specific way to the Sinhalese civilization. On several occasions the city was submitted to the attacks from southern India – Tamils, Cholas, etc. It stands as a permanent manifesto of the culture of Sri Lanka. The holy city exerted a considerable influence on the development of architecture during several centuries. It includes amazing monuments, mainly the Dagabas of gigantic size, placed on rounded foundations and surrounded by a ring of huge columns, characteristic of the Sinhalese stupas.

Srimaha bodiya

After getting Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thero in 250 BC Emperor Asoka in India sent his daughter Theri Sanghamitta to Sri Lanka with a branch of the Sacred Bodhi attain from the main stem of the Bodhi tree in Buddha Gaya under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. The King Tissa received the sapling and planted it at the present site in 249 BC. Taking this information to account today (in 2012) this tree is exactly 2260 years old. This tree is the oldest tree in world in the documented history.

Twin ponds (Kuttam Pokuna)

Twin ponds also called Kuttam Pokuna another engineering masterpiece of the ancient Sri Lanka. These two ponds belong to the Abayagiri Complex and probably been used by the monks for bathing. The origins of these ponds are not known but it is thought to have been built during the reign of King Aggabodhi I (575-608) Ponds are connected through a pipeline underneath. The Northern pond is 91 feet (28 meters) long and the other 132 feet (40 meters) . Water is supplied through underground pipelines and the water is sent through many filtering chambers before it falls on to the Northern pond through a mouth of a dragon.

Guard stone and Moonstone

The guard stones or “Muragal” were one of a connection of three characteristics of sculpture that garlanded the entrance to the buildings in ancient times, the other two were the Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) and Balustrade (Korawak Gala).
The Guardstones, which supplied a support to the heavy stone Balustrade, were plain in the beginning. Later they came to be sculptured with symbols significant for prosperity and protection.

Samadi Statue

Samadhi Statue is considered one of the top sculptures in the Anuradhapura time. It is thought to be done during the 3rd or the 4th century. It is made out of Dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) in height. This statue was found in the present location in 1886 fallen to the ground with damages to the nose. It was then erected and the nose was reconstructed. In 1914, it was found damaged by treasure hunters and re constructed again.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya is the most famous for the stone carving of a couple located there. This carved stone was found in the Royal Pleasure Garden and brought here. There are many descriptions for this carving. Isurumuniya Lovers built in the 3rd century B.C. is noted for its rock carvings. it is believed that the carving may characterize Saliya, and the low-caste maiden whom he loved. Saliya was the son of the king Dutugamunu.

Tissa Tank

Also called Tissa Wewa (or Tisa Wewa) was made by King Devanampiya Tissa.(250-210 BC).The mound of Tissa Wewa is 11,000 feet long (Two miles) and 25 feet high. The width of the top of the tank was found to be 12 feet to 18 feet. Base of the mound is 160 feet. Tissa Wewa probably has an area of 550 acres. Experts say with little maintenance this bund will last forever. Just as commented, the Tissa Tank continues to feed water to Anuradhapura even today.

Nuwara Tank

Nuwara Wewa is believed to be built by King Vattagamini Abaya also known as King Valagamba in the first century BC. The mound (Bund) is 3 miles long and 37 feet high. The water height is about 23 feet the tank spreads 3180 hectares and holds about 1500 million cubic feet of water. There has been a dam built across Malwathu Oya to divert water to the Nuwara Wewa.this is good example to prove the ancient Sri Lankan Technology.

Abhayagiriya Sthupa (Pagoda)

Abhayagiriya Sthupa (Pagoda), made by king Valagambahu, built in the 1st century BC it stands at 74.98 meters to the tip of the damaged spire. It is the second largest sthupa in the country today.

Jethawanaramaya

The biggest dagaba in the world, made in 3rd century A.D. by King Mahasena. Probably 400 feet high and located in Nandana Uyana (garden), Anuradhapuraya.

Day 03 Morning proceed to Polonnaruwa (Route: Anuradhapura-Polonnaruwa)

Parakramabahu Statue

This brilliantly carved statue stands 11½ feet (3.5 meters) in height and is carved into a semi-circular rock. Belief is the statue of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186). This is a quite beautiful and unique statue showing the highest level of craftsmanship of the rock carving engineers of ancient Sri Lankans. This statue can be reached by travelling about 1 ½ kilometres along the Parakrama Samudraya dam. There is a small unknown and destroyed Chethya near this statue. Some believe that this is the graveyard of king Parakramabahu and this Stupa holds the remains of the King.

Gal viharaya

The Gal Viharaya is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North-Central Sri Lanka. It was built in the 12th century by the great King Parakramabahu. The central feature of the temple has four images of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another, the smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure and a reclining figure. These are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpting and carving arts, and have made the Gal Vihara one of the most visited places in Polonnaruwa. The statues of Gal Vihara show a different style than the images of the previous Anuradhapura period and show some important differences.

Parakrama Samudraya

The Parakrama Samudra was built by the great King Parakramabahu who declared, “Not even a single drop of water from the rain must flow into the ocean without being made useful to mankind.”To put his words into reality, he built the (6000 acres) of irrigation reservoir. This is another good example to prove ancient Sri Lankan technology.

The palace of King Parakramabahu-I

Built in the 12th century, with its large court and peripheral guardrooms, spreads an area of nearly 10 acres. The structural techniques of this period were the same as those of the Anuradhapura period, but there was a greater use of lime mortar, which enabled the building of brick structures of dimensions never before attempted

Stone Book

Also called Gal Potha. This is a giant 25+ foot piece of rock that sits off to the side of Hetadage in Polonnaruwa. Sri Lankan believe is that King Nissankamalla recorded his deeds on this slab of stone.

Watadageya

The formation of Watadageya is another part of the city’s great engineering done by King Parakramabahu. One remarkable feature of this structure is that there are four pillars of Guardians at its entrance, of which one pillar has been taken off by the Department of archeology for exhibition purposes at the Museum in Colombo.

Hatadage

Hatadage is an ancient artefact temple in the city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Hatadage was made by great King Nissanka Malla, and had been used to keep the Relic of the Tooth of the Buddha. The Hatadage had been built using stone, brick and wood, only a few parts of the brick and stone walls now remain. Three Buddha statues carved out of granite rock are located within a chamber of the shrine.

Atadage

This is the house of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha made by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110). This temple is built on 54 stone pillars. The tooth relic has been kept on the second floor. The entrance to the second floor is through a granite stair case. Few steps still remains of this staircase

Pothgul Viharaya

The Pothgul Viharaya was made by Great king Parakamabahu (1153-1185 AD). This was renovated by Queen Chandrawathi. a consort of King Parakarmabahu. This is the oldest library compound in Sri Lanka. Pothgul means a place to store books.

Alahana Piriwena

A basic university. The area spreads over 80 hectares. Excavations have reviled some of the most unique and important buildings of the Polonnaruwa era. The brick-built image house of Lankathilaka with its 41-foot Colossal Buddha statue occupies the center of this space. Is without doubt one of the most impressive ruins of this ancient city.

Tiwanka Image

Tivanka means “3 bends” and is named for this statue which is bent at 3 places: shoulder, hip and knee. Built by great King Parakramabahu(1153-1186A.D).The image house are famous for its 12th century paintings.

Lankatilaka Viharaya

Lankatilaka Vihara is one of the most symbolic structures of the ancient empire of Polonnaruwa. Two great walls, each with a thickness of 4m and height of 17m form a narrow aisle leading to a very extraordinary, Buddha statue still stands, over 14m high. Built by great King Parakrabahu, the temple is an exact difference in terms of Buddhist architecture: as a replacement for of the abstract representation of the Stupa (dagoba) the consideration is focused on the massive statue of the Buddha, which fills up the entire space within the temple.

Route-Polonaruwa-Sigiriya (3rd day night out Sigiriya)

Day 04 Morning proceed to Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla (Route: Sigiriya-Dambulla-Colombo-Airport)

Sigiriya fortress

Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destination is ‘Sigiriya’ – A 5th-century rock fortress created like a crouching lion. The name Sigiriya comes from the Sinhalese word “Singha Giri” or “Lion Rock” Sigiriya has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, Sigiriya marks everything from ancient Sri Lankan history, such as culture, art effects, architecture, views of nature. Sigiriya is also the location for Arthur C Clerks ‘Fountains of Paradise’. According to Sri Lankan history Sigiriya was made by King Kassapa I (477 – 495 AD). Kassapa was the son of King Dhatusena(Anuradhapura 459 to 477 AD). King Dhatusena was removed from power and walled in, alive by Kasyapa in 473 AD. Mogallana, Dhatusena’s son of the real queen escape to India, promising revenge. Kasyapa fearing promising revenge built this secure fortress at Sigiriya. Sigiriya is the best example as an architectural wonder and the best example of ancient Sri Lankan civil engineering. The designs of parks, ponds, and pavilions are brilliant. This is also a good example of eco-designs.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Named as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, Dambulla Cave Temple also named the Golden Temple of Dambulla is the prime and best-preserved cave temple compound in the island. Placed in Dambulla, Dambulla Cave Temple has 5 important caves, each cave contains statues of the Buddha and historic artwork describing the Buddha’s life. The largest cave carries some 48 statues of Lord Buddha . with some statues of Hindu Gods., when Hinduism took root in Sri Lanka and started influencing the arts Dambulla Cave Temple is a good example of it. The history of the caves goes back to the 2nd or 1st century B.C., when King Valagam Bahu who was escaping the invading army that drove him out of Anuradhapura, took refuge in these caves.

Proceed to Airport

Meet the Departure Assistant and Give ideas of your tour