Day-trip from Anuradhapura to Mihintale - Tuk Tuk Tour

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Duration8h - 9h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

There is much more to see in Mihintale than you find in most guidebooks. This tour is designed to see not only the famous pilgrimage site, where Buddhism was introduced in Sri Lanka, but also the nearby off-the-beaten path locations and some more highlights to the north of Mihintale. Local lunch is included.

Our experienced drivers are known for careful driving. They have been doing these tours for 5 years. Their cultural & historical expertise well-founded.

What's included

  • All Tuk Tuk transfers
  • Total Parking charges
  • Knowledgeable English speaking driver
  • Lunch at First House
  • Catamaran Boat Ride
  • Road Tax & Insurance Tax
  • Total fuel cost
  • Replacement vehicle in case of unlucky events - with new driver
  • 1000 ml bottled drinking water per person
  • Entry fees of visiting site or activities
  • Extra person in vehicle other than those who booked
  • Extra excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Food, meals other than lunch, beverages other than water

What to expect

  1. 4h · Admission ticket not included
    After pick-up at your hotel in Anruradhapura we will first visit the famous Ambasthala Dagoba below Aradhana Rock, where Mahinda, the Buddhist missionary from India, won over the Sinhalese king for Buddhism. Ambasthala is nicely located in a saddle of the Mihintale hills. The stairways to the sanctuary are an attraction in itself and many other remnants of significance are situated close-by, such as Mahinda's stone bed in a rock shelter, the white landmark dagoba known as Mahaseya, the Cobra Pond, the amazing view point at Eth Vehera, the refectory with rice boat, and inscriptions hall.
  2. Mihintale
    1h
    For lunch in a local style, you will be invited to First House Mihintale, for having an impression of how the cooking is done (demonstration in the kitchen) and enjoying the taste of original Sri Lankan cuisine. You will also be able to relax and refresh and First House, before starting your afternoon program.
  3. Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond
    1h 30m
    After lunch, you will first visit Sri Lanka's best preserved ancient dagoba which was excavated in its original shape, Kantaka Chetiya. This stupa is famous for its rich decorations in particular. Nearby is the so-called lion well known as Sinha Pokuna in Sinhala. You will also see the excavation of an ancient Ayurvedic hospital at the foot of the hills. Then we proceed to the quaint Darkwater Pond, Kaludiya Pokuna being an entire monastery in itself.
  4. 30m
    To the north of Mihintale, we will see the best preserved ancient stone bridge of Sri Lanka, the Gal Palama. Nearby is the Mahakandarawa Wewa, which is known as Crocodile Lake in English. Here you will enjoy a catamaran ride of about 20 minutes. The area is well-known for birdwaching. With a little luck, you can also observe crocodiles and elephants in the late afternoon.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We will be welcoming you in the lobby of your hotel or for your convenience at a meeting point of your choice in Anuradhapura New Town or Mihintale Town.

Departure time is immediately after pick-up time in case you reserved this tour exclusively (no other persons in the same vehicle that day)

Additional information

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Service animals allowed
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$160.00 per group
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Anuradhapura
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