Anuradhapura is a city in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province’s Anuradhapura District. Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns, carried a cutting from the “tree of enlightenment,” the Buddha’s fig tree, to this hallowed city in the third century B.C. Following an invasion in 993, Anuradhapura, the political and ecclesiastical center of Ceylon for 1,300 years, was abandoned. The magnificent site, with its palaces, monasteries, and monuments, is once again accessible after spending many years hidden away in thick vegetation.

One of the oldest trees still standing today is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, which is located in Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura in the Mahamewna Gardens. A cutting that was transported from Bodh Gaya, India, the site of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment, is thought to have given rise to the tree. The tree is frequently regarded as the oldest tree in history with a known date of plantation since it is an actual, living link to Gautama Buddha.

The Ruwanweliseya is located in Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of the Sinhala people, in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. It was built by King Dutugamunu after King Dutugamunu (137 BC–119 BC) passed away, his younger brother King Saddhatissa finished the construction of the Ruwanwelisaya. The Ruwanweliseya is one of the world’s tallest ancient structures.

Wilpattu National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Sri Lanka, located in the northwest part of the country. Spanning over 1,317 square kilometres, it is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and remarkable wildlife. The park features a mix of dense forests, scrublands, open grasslands, and numerous natural lakes known as “villus.” These villus serve as vital watering holes for wildlife, attracting a wide range of animals, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, and various bird species.

The Afternoon Safari in Wilpattu National Park is another exciting wildlife adventure that takes place from 3 pm to 6 pm. This safari allows you to explore the park during the late afternoon hours when the temperature is slightly cooler and the wildlife becomes more active again.

Itinerary 

• Welcome by our representative & pickup from the hotel 
• Travel to Anuradhapura (73 km, 1h 20 min)
• Anuradhapura “Puja Nagaraya” visit (Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya etc.)
• Travel to Wilpattu (40km, 45 min)
• Wilpattu National Park evening safari (Price includes)
• Travel back to Sigiriya