Imagine exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient sites, bustling cities, and scenic landscapes all in one day, with a personalized touch. This tour from Anuradhapura, led by Ashan, offers the freedom to choose your destinations—be it Kandy, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, or beyond—all for just $115 per group (up to six travelers). It’s perfect if you crave a customized, hassle-free day with local insights and comfortable transportation.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized itinerary based entirely on your preferences—no cookie-cutter tours here. Second, the enthusiastic reviews praising the professional guidance, safe driving, and genuine friendliness of Ashan, who’s known for going above and beyond.
A potential consideration? Since the tour is flexible and personalized, it relies heavily on your planning and communication—so come prepared with your preferred destinations and timing.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a tailored, local experience—whether you want to revisit ancient ruins, explore vibrant cities, or simply enjoy scenic drives. It suits those who appreciate authentic interactions and value-driven adventures over scripted sightseeing.
Key Points

- Flexible Itinerary: Pick your favorite cities or attractions from a list of Sri Lankan highlights.
- Private Experience: Only your group participates—more personalized service and flexibility.
- Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from Anuradhapura.
- Experienced Guide: Ashan is praised for knowledge, friendliness, and safety.
- Affordable Value: For just $115, you get a tailored day of sightseeing with a local guide.
- Ideal for Personalization: Perfect for travelers who want to craft their own Sri Lankan story.
An Introduction to the Private Day Tours from Anuradhapura
When visiting Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, many travelers find themselves eager to explore beyond the city’s ruins. This private tour offers a chance to do just that—customize your day trip from Anuradhapura to other iconic sites or cities, all within a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
For $115 per group, you get the flexibility to decide your route, with Ashan taking care of the driving and logistics. His reputation among past travelers is sterling—always punctual, safe, and full of local tips and recommendations. Plus, with pickup available directly from your accommodation, it minimizes hassle and maximizes your time.
Two things we especially like: First, the personalized approach means your day can be as relaxed or as packed as you like. Second, the diverse reviews highlight Ashan’s warm personality and knowledge—a combination that makes for a memorable experience.
One thing to keep in mind: since the tour is entirely customizable, it’s best to have a rough idea of what you want to see beforehand. The flexibility is a strength, but it does require some planning on your part.
This experience is particularly well-suited to independent-minded travelers or groups looking for a tailored day trip that touches on Sri Lanka’s cultural, historical, and scenic highlights. If you value authentic local insights and flexible scheduling, this tour could be your perfect match.
Planning more time in Anuradhapura? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Detailed Review of the Experience

Starting Point: Anuradhapura at 7:00 am
The day begins with a prompt pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Anuradhapura, a city renowned for its ancient stupas, monasteries, and archaeological sites. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially given Sri Lanka’s warm climate.
Since the tour is tailored to your preferences, the driver—Ashan—acts more as a local guide than just a driver. Past travelers describe him as knowledgeable and friendly, often sharing cultural insights and helpful tips throughout the day. One review notes, “Ashan was a wonderful guide and driver. We spent 4 days with him from Anuradhapura down to Kandy and he was very helpful throughout, and even checked in on us during the rest of our trip in Sri Lanka.”
The Flexibility of Destinations
You tell Ashan where your interests lie. Whether you wish to revisit the ancient city of Anuradhapura, or venture further afield to Kandy, Sigiriya, or Trincomalee, he will arrange the route accordingly. Many travelers have appreciated this customized approach, especially those who want to avoid generic bus tours or overcrowded spots.
For example, one group from Spain describes a multi-city trip: “We started from Anuradhapura, traveled to Trincomalee, Sigiriya, and finished in Kandy. The time we spent was memorable.” The reviews consistently praise Ashan’s local recommendations—from restaurants to hidden viewpoints—making the experience richer than just sightseeing.
Visiting Key Sites: What Travelers Can Expect
- Ancient Ruins & Monuments: If you stay in Anuradhapura, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Jetavanaramaya, and the Ruwanwelisaya stupa. These monuments are awe-inspiring, showcasing Sri Lanka’s historic architectural prowess. Past reviews mention being taken to all touristic places and receiving explanations of each monument’s significance.
- Scenic Drives and Local Flavor: The journey itself offers beautiful rural landscapes and lush scenery. Many travelers mention the comfortable vehicle, which allows for a relaxing ride with panoramic views.
- Cultural Insights: Ashan’s reputation for going above and beyond means you’re likely to learn interesting facts about Sri Lankan culture, religion, and history. One reviewer notes, “He explained us lots of things about Sri Lankan culture and with him, we discovered many places we wouldn’t have visited alone.”
- Additional Stops: Depending on your choice, you could include a visit to Dambulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa, or a scenic stop for photos. It’s all about what you value most.
- From Anuradhapura: Ancient City of Anuradhapura by Bike
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- Anuradhapura Private Ancient City Day Tour
- Evening Safari at Minneriya National park with Hotel Pickup
- Minneriya National Park Private Jeep Safari Sri Lanka
- Habarana Eco Park Safari with Jeep & Entrance Fee
The Review Highlights: Authenticity, Comfort, and Safety
Reviews frequently mention Ashan’s safe driving and friendly demeanor—“Ashan is a super friendly and safe driver,” says one traveler. Another praises his timeliness and local recommendations, emphasizing that “he is always on time, very clean bus, and very helpful.”
Travelers also appreciate the personalized attention—this isn’t a large group tour. Instead, you get individualized service, which makes the entire experience feel more like visiting a trusted friend than being on a bus with strangers.
Duration and Flexibility
The tour duration varies from 1 to 9 hours, tailored to your preferred pace and destinations. Whether you want a quick half-day or an entire day of exploration, Ashan can accommodate. The start time of 7:00 am gives you a full day, but you can discuss your schedule to maximize your experience or fit it into your plans.
What’s the Value?

For $115 per group, this tour delivers personalized service, local insights, and the convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off. It’s a cost-effective way to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse sites without the hassle of organizing transportation or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Many reviews mention the excellent service, with travelers feeling they received more than just a ride—they received a deep, authentic experience. The guide’s knowledge and friendliness are often highlighted as the main reasons why this tour is worth considering.
Practical Considerations and Tips
- Bring your own snacks and water, especially if you plan for a longer trip or multiple stops.
- Communicate your preferred destinations ahead of time to ensure Ashan can tailor the route.
- Remember, parking fees are not included, so allow a small budget for that if visiting sites with entrance fees.
- Since the tour is private, you can adjust the pace and spend more time at places that interest you most.
The Sum Up

This private day trip from Anuradhapura offers a flexible, personalized way to discover Sri Lanka’s highlights. Whether you’re into historic ruins, scenic drives, or local culture, this experience adapts to you. The high praise from past travelers about Ashan’s knowledge, friendliness, and reliable service makes it a strong choice for those wanting a trustworthy guide.
It’s especially suited for independent travelers or small groups who prefer customized itineraries over pre-packaged tours. If you value authentic local insights, comfort, and flexibility, this tour could be your ideal introduction to Sri Lanka outside the usual tourist spots.
For those who want to maximize their time, enjoy a tailor-made journey, and have a trusted local guide by their side, this tour offers genuine value. It’s not just about ticking boxes but about creating memories with a friendly host who truly understands the meaning of Sri Lankan hospitality.
FAQ

Can I choose the destinations I want to visit?
Yes, the tour is flexible and based on your preferences. You tell Ashan what sites or cities interest you most, and he will arrange the route accordingly.
How long can I customize the trip to last?
The tour duration ranges from about 1 to 9 hours, so you can plan for a quick half-day or a full-day adventure—just discuss your timing with Ashan in advance.
Is the vehicle comfortable?
Absolutely. Past travelers emphasize the air-conditioned, clean vehicle that makes long drives more pleasant, especially in Sri Lanka’s warm weather.
Are the guides knowledgeable about the sites?
Yes, Ashan is praised for his local insights, explanations of historical and cultural significance, and friendly demeanor, making your experience both educational and enjoyable.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers private transportation and pickup from Anuradhapura. Parking fees are not included, so budget accordingly if you plan to visit sites with entrance or parking fees.
Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s especially good for those who want a personalized experience. If you love authentic, local interactions and custom routes, this tour is a great fit.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. Just make sure to confirm your plans in advance to avoid penalties.
This flexible, personalized tour from Anuradhapura embodies the best of Sri Lankan hospitality and cultural richness. Whether you’re a history buff, scenery lover, or simply seeking a tailored adventure, this experience promises personalized service, genuine insights, and an unforgettable day.
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- Polonnaruwa Ancient City and Wildlife Safari from Dambulla
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