Activities in and around Anuradhapura and Mihintale

Hiking in Mihintale - Wildlife safaris in Wilpattu - Excursions to Thanthirimale - or to Haththikuchchi - Picnic lunches - Cycling tours 
meeting point: First House Mihintale - office hours 8.00 to 9.00 a.m. daily (except from Fullmoon Day in June) - or pick-up at any place of your choice
Welcome to our page!
Although we recently changed our head office to Sri Lanka's central hill capital (920/A Peradeniya Road, Kandy 20000)
our Anuradhapura&Mihintale day excursions still start daily from the meeting point in First House Mihintale (87, Missaka Mawatha, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka; see location on the map below), which is the location of our branch office in Anuradhapura District.

Hiking in Mihintale

half-day excursion
Our guided Hiking Tour will show you all famous pilgrimage places in Mihintale. Additionally, you will see some rarely visited extras such as Et Vehera, Indikatuseya complex, Rajagirilena Rock. Highlight is the "Dark Pond", Kaludiya Pokuna.

Mihintale Sightseeing & Picnic

half-day tuktuk tour (or cycling)
The sightseeing part of the tour will be done by threewheeler. Alternatively, it can be arranged as cycling tour on your request (in this case please notify us at least 1 day in advance). The itinerary will show you off-the beaten-path attractions near Mihintale.
This picnic tour requires prior reservation

Mihintale Hiking & Sightseeing

full-day, hiking & tuktuk (or cycling)
There is enough to see in Mihintale to spend here a full day or even more. Our full-day package is a combination of hiking and driving (or cycling on your request).  Visit lots of less-known places such as Wassamale rock paintings and Gal Palama stone bridge.

Thanthirimale
& Anuradhapura West

half-day excursion by car
Thanthirimale is a splendid ancient heritage site in a charming setting, famous for its rock-cut reclining Buddha. On the way we will visit the 500 stautes of Nellikulama and two of the Western monateries. This tour requires booking at least 1 day in advance. 
Thanthirimale tour requires prior reservation

Hatthikucchi
& Anuradhapura South

half-day excursion by car
Hatthikucchi is a lovely small heritage site surrounded by rocks. It is believed to be the place where King Sirisanghabo sacrificed his life. On the way we visit less crowded sites of Anuradhapura such as Vessagiriya.  This tour requires booking at least 1 day in advance.
Hatthikucchi tour requires prior reservation

Wildlife safari
in Wilpattu National Park

half-day or full-day safaris
The tour includes transfers from your hotel in or near Anuradhapura and a jeep safari with a ranger. We can arrange half-day safaris to the centre of Wilpattu NP or full-day safaris also including the coast. Booking at least 1 day in advance is required. 
This safari tour requires prior reservation

Anuradhapura destinations off the beaten track

full-day guided tour by car, including short hikes to many tranquil sites and places other tourists usually don't see
Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's most important World Heritage Site and a must-see for cultural tourists. Many famous places such as Ruwanweliseya, Bo-Tree, Samadhi-Buddha and Queens Palace moonstone are visited by crowds of pilgrims and part of every Sri Lanka heritage round tour. However, ancient Anuradhapura is a vast excavation area. Still there are lots of tranquil places in Anuradhapura. So if you want to avoid the crowds, please don't hesitate to contact us and to enjoy our guiding servives. All tours are done by car. Please let us know in advance your choice: do you prefer a combination of famous sites and hidden gems. Be aware, that a one day excursion in this case has to start at your hotel early in the morning and will be fully packed! Or do you like to have a more relaxed tour visiting less well-known places only, maybe because you already know the big attractions or want do visit them on another day separately.   
Anuradhapura's second moonstone
Yes, this is an Anuradhapura moonstone. No, this is not the famous moonstone visited by every busload of tourists. Sri Lanka's most famous - and indeed most elaborate - moonstone can be seen at the ruins of the Mahasena Palace, also called Queen's Palace, which belongs to the Abhayagiri monastic complex. But only few travellers know: There are altogether half a dozen excellent classic moonstones in Anuradhapura, one of which is of almost the same size and equal beauty as the famous one. A nice little hike with our guide will show you the place and some more hidden treasures like this...

Full-day excursions from Anuradhapura or Mihintale by car

Besides outdoor activities near Anuradhapura and half-day trips mentioned above, we offer lots of full-day excursions by car. You can find a list here...

Interested in doing something special during your stay in Anuradhapura?

... then let's meet at our office in Kandy or at First House Mihintale ...

    Contact us
Starting point of half-day hiking or full-day hiking & threewheeler tours is
our branch office within First House Mihintale,
87, Missaka Mawatha, Mihintale 50300, Sri Lanka
(find the location on the map below)

Meeting time is between 8.00 am and 9.oo am daily
(except from Fullmoon Day in June)

In case of prior reservation we will confirm exact timings 1 week prior to tour.

Your day trip will start from the above address or from any place of your choice in Mihintale (e.g. cental bus station or Mihintale Kanda ticket office). If you require a different start location please contact us, as we are able to arrange transportation for your convenience.


You can also visit our head office in Kandy during opening hours
9.oo-10.00 am daily,
office address: 920/A Peradeniya Road, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka

Or please call me: 071 6097795
Please note: For all tours with pick-up service from your hotel or guesthouse and for cycling and picnic arrangements, prior notice is required:
In these cases (car excursions, safaris, picnics, cycling) please inform us at least 1 day in advance, using the contact form or calling me or sending a mail to lankaexcursionsholidays@gmail.com or nuwan.gajanayaka@gmail.com

Meeting Point for Anuradhapura Outdoor Activities is our branch office in First House Mihintale

FIRST HOUSE MIHINTALE - 87, Missaka Mawatha, Mihintale 50300, Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka