Description
Embark on a profound and culturally enriching expedition through our Buddhist Temples Tour in Sri Lanka, where spirituality intertwines with history and artistry. This immersive journey takes you to some of the country’s most revered sites, including the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, where the venerated tooth relic of the Buddha resides, emanating a sense of sacredness during ritualistic ceremonies.
Delve into the artistic splendor of the Dambulla Cave Temple, known as the Golden Temple, where a complex of cave temples houses an impressive collection of Buddha statues and intricately adorned murals, showcasing the rich heritage of Buddhist artistry. Traverse the ancient city of Anuradhapura to witness the grandeur of the Ruwanwelisaya, an expansive stupa and pilgrimage site steeped in historical significance.
In Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple beckons with its harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements, offering a unique perspective on contemporary Buddhist architecture. As the tour unfolds, immerse yourself in the serenity of Mihintale, often revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where ancient ruins and meditation sites echo with the tranquility of spiritual contemplation.
Our expert guides, well-versed in Buddhist history and culture, curate a tailored experience, providing insightful narratives and facilitating moments of reflection and connection with the profound spirituality that defines each sacred site. This tour promises not only a journey through Sri Lanka’s religious heritage but also an opportunity for cultural immersion, fostering a deep understanding of the traditions that have shaped the island’s identity.
Choose our Buddhist Temples Tour for a transformative exploration that transcends typical travel experiences, offering a gateway to the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka.
Cultural & Heritage Tour of Sri Lanka
Destinations: Colombo – Anuradhapura – Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya – Kandy – Hatton – Colombo
Duration: 05 Nights / 07 Days
- DAY 01 - ARRIVE COLOMBO
Meet and assist on arrival at airport by local ground representative A traditional Sri Lanka welcome marks the start of your magnificent journey, drive to leave for Negombo. Arrive Colombo and Check in at your Hotel.
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
- DAY 02 - COLOMBO – ANURADHAPURA
After Breakfast we will depart for Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is the first capital of Sri Lanka located in north central province of Sri Lanka. It is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka which was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Due to its ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization UNESCO named it as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982 under the name of Sacred City of Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is greatest monastic city of the ancient world that dates back to 5th Century BC remained the majestic seat of the kingdom of Sri Lanka until the 11thcenturyA.D. Anuradhapura flourished as the Capital of Lanka from 377 BC to the end of the reign 1017 AD and was the Royal Seat for 1400 years under 130 kings as the capital of the Country.
The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Mahathupa (the Great Thupa) is a stupa (a hemispherical structure containing relics) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was built by Sinhalese King Dutugemunu in c. 140 B.C., who became king of Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elāra (Ellalan) was defeated.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred bo tree in the Mahamewna Gardens, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is the southern branch from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Buddha attained Enlightenment.
Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa (Tisa tank) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family. The ancient Meghagiri Vihara or Meygiri Vihara is presently identified as the Isurumuni Vihara.
Mihintale is a hill peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is assumed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist hermit Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, which inaugurated the appearance of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage place and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.
- DAY 03 - ANURADHAPURA – POLONNARUWA – DAMBULLA - SIGIRIYA
After Breakfast we will proceed to Polonnaruwa. Ancient City of Polonnaruwa – UNESCO World Heritage – Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. From here, free-marketers haggled for rare goods and the pious prayed at any one of its numerous temples. The glories of that age can be found in archaeological treasures which give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday.
Later depart for Dambulla. Afternoon we will Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (ALSO KNOWN AS THE GOLDEN TEMPLE) first came to use as a refuge for King Valagambahu in 1st century BC. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues.
Later proceed to Sigiriya for overnight stay at the hotel
Meal Summary: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
- DAY 04 - SIGIRIYA – MATALE– KANDY
After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya Rock.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky’ which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. On its summit once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the staircase the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness.
Later proceed Kandy En-route visit the Spice Gardens of Sri Lanka are among the best on the island. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.
Kandy including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum Kandy the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic- ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and it is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession.
JBy the night experience a colourful show where you will be taken to mind blowing Sri Lankan culture extravaganza…Get ready for Heavy drumbeat and acrobatic act.
Overnight stay at the hotel
- DAY 05 - KANDY – HATTON
After breakfast we will visit commence city tour of Kandy
Kandy including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum Kandy the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today.
Later we depart to Hatton.
On arrival check in to hotel.
After dinner around midnight climb the Adams Peak.
Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak is an ancient pilgrimage site, which has long attracted thousands of pilgrims from all faiths. This conical mountain is 7,360 feet (2,250 meters) high, soaring clear above the surrounding mountain ranges. The mountain is located in the southern reaches of the Central Highlands in the Ratnapura District and Nuwara Eliya district of the Sabaragamuwa Province and Central Province —lying about 40 km northeast of the city of Ratnapura and 32 km southwest of the city of Hatton. The surrounding region is largely forested hills, with no mountain of comparable size nearby.
Meal Summary: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
- DAY 06 - HATTON – COLOMBO SIGHTSEEING – AIRPORT
After witnessing the Sunrise climb down to the base.
After breakfast at hotel, we will depart for the capital city of Sri Lanka Colombo a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha & the Independence Square.
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the oldest and most well-known Buddhist temples in Colombo, started by the famous scholar monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th Century.After the Venerable Sri Sumangala, his chief pupil Devundera Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera took on the administration of the temple. It was he who laid the foundation to convert the little temple to an institute of international reckoning. It’s exceptionally beautiful with the Beira Lake on one side and statues & carvings paving the way inside. The main sanctuary has a huge Buddha statue while the ceilings portray his stories.
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, seven miles from Colombo. The Chief Incumbent is Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera. Buddhists believe the temple to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of the Lord Buddha
- DAY 06 - HATTON – COLOMBO SIGHTSEEING – AIRPORT
After witnessing the Sunrise climb down to the base.
After breakfast at hotel, we will depart for the capital city of Sri Lanka Colombo a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha & the Independence Square.
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the oldest and most well-known Buddhist temples in Colombo, started by the famous scholar monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th Century.After the Venerable Sri Sumangala, his chief pupil Devundera Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera took on the administration of the temple. It was he who laid the foundation to convert the little temple to an institute of international reckoning. It’s exceptionally beautiful with the Beira Lake on one side and statues & carvings paving the way inside. The main sanctuary has a huge Buddha statue while the ceilings portray his stories.
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, seven miles from Colombo. The Chief Incumbent is Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera. Buddhists believe the temple to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of the Lord Buddha
to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment. Its history would thus go back to before 500 BCE. The temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Gautama Buddha and paintings by the native artist Solias Mendis which depict important events in the life of the Buddha, in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, also incidents from the Jataka tales.
From buzzing bazaars to stylish boutique outlets, Colombo is increasingly becoming a popular shopping destination within Asia.
Late evening enjoy a Lagoon Crab Dinner in Colombo.
After Dinner Drop at Airport
Meal Summary: Breakfast + Lunch + Lagoon Crab Dinner
- DAY 07: ARRIVAL IN Katunayaka