Private day tour

Anuradhapura Day Tour

Spend a full day in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first great capital and a living pilgrimage city. Your driver takes you from Kandy along the main road north, and you explore the sacred precinct by car between sites. It's a long day, so we start early.

1 day (long)
Private vehicle & driver
Private day tour

Ask about this tour on WhatsApp

Tour at a glance

Length: 1 day (long)
Type: Private day tour
Starts from: Your hotel in Kandy
Places: Anuradhapura, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
Price: Personal quote based on dates, group size and hotels

Who it suits

Travellers based in Kandy who are short on time
History and Buddhism enthusiasts
Anyone who prefers a private vehicle to buses

Highlights

Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred fig tree
Ruwanwelisaya and the great stupas
Abhayagiri and Jetavana monastery ruins
Isurumuniya rock temple
Optional: Mihintale, if time allows

How the day runs

We leave Kandy early and drive north through Dambulla to Anuradhapura, which takes around two and a half hours. In the ancient city, visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, the great white stupa of Ruwanwelisaya, the monasteries of Abhayagiri and Jetavana, and the rock temple of Isurumuniya.

With time and energy, add Mihintale on the way back, or stop at Dambulla.

Good to know

It is a long day with a lot of driving. Many travellers prefer to stay overnight in Anuradhapura or near Sigiriya. Wear white or light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and bring socks for the hot ground at sacred sites, where shoes are removed.

What's usually included

Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Fuel, parking and tolls

Not included

Entrance and activity fees
Meals
Tips

Final inclusions are confirmed in writing with your quote.

Getting there

Travel times and transport options for this trip:

Kandy to Sigiriya Kandy to Anuradhapura

More ideas: all day tours from Kandy.

Places on this route

Cultural Triangle

Anuradhapura

The first great capital, with giant white stupas and a sacred Bodhi tree still at its heart.

Cultural Triangle

Dambulla Cave Temple

Five painted cave shrines filled with Buddha statues, high on a rock above the plains.

Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya

A fifth-century palace on top of a granite rock, with frescoes, water gardens and a view across the forest.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Anuradhapura from Kandy?

Roughly 130–140 km by road, usually around two and a half hours each way by car depending on traffic and stops.

Is a day trip enough?

A day covers the main sites. To include Mihintale and the monastery complexes at a slower pace, stay a night.

What should we wear?

White or light clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Shoes and hats come off at sacred sites.

What is included?

Usually: private air-conditioned vehicle with driver; hotel pick-up and drop-off; fuel, parking and tolls. Not included: entrance and activity fees; meals; tips. Final inclusions are confirmed in writing with your quote.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It's just you and your travel companions with your own vehicle and driver, so timings and stops can be adjusted to suit you.

How much does this tour cost?

It depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the hotels you choose. Send us an enquiry and we'll reply with a written quote.