Sri Lanka Buddhist Tour 9 days

An enchanting tour of Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. Get up close to the culture and practice of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Visit historical sites where Buddhism began in Sri Lanka 2500 years ago. Partake in the ceremonies and rituals at temples very sacred to Buddhists. Visit a buddhist hermitage or monastery. Get inspired and gain an insight into Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

CODE: STLW100BUD9D

Sri Lanka BUDDHIST TOUR 9 DAYS

For your convenience we have divided accommodation categories into Budget, Standard & Luxury options. You may select the accommodation option from the price chart below and let us know before confirming with us.
Travellers arriving late night will have to book accommodation a day earlier before commencement of tour.
Airport arrivals before 2:00 pm will be picked up and transferred to Anuradhapura.

DAY 01 - ANURADHAPURA

On arrival at airport, you will be met by our representative at the airport arrival lounge. You will then be transferred to the historical Buddhist town of Anuradhapura.

Program for the day

Pick up from airport on arrival or
Pick up from hotel in Negombo.
Proceed to Anuradhapura
Lunch at a local restaurant
Check into your hotel in Anuradhapura & refresh
Visit Ruvanvelisaya
Visit Jetavanaramaya
Visit Sacred Bo-Tree

Accommodation type
Budget: Rajarata/Miridiya Lake/Alakamanda
Standard: Heritage/Forest Rock Garden
Luxury: Palm Garden Village/Wasala Leisure
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner ( Depending on your time of arrival)

Anuradhapura is the most renowned of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. This historic city's dome shaped dagabas constructed of small sun-dried bricks are still reminiscent of its past glory. The Ruvanveli dagaba which dates back to the 2nd Century BC & 300ft in diameter is mostly visited by locals. The Jetawanarama stands 370ft tall and the nearby Thuparama enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha. The city’s most revered relic is the sacred Bo-Tree which is said to have grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. This Bo-tree is presumed the oldest historic tree in the world dating back 2500 years.

RUWANVELISEYA DAGOBA

JETAVANARAMA DAGOBA

SACRED BO-TREE ANURADHAPURA

dAY 02 - ANURADHAPURA

Program for the day

Early breakfast
Proceed to Mihintale
Visit Mihintale Temple
Climb to the summit
Visit Ritigala forest Monastery if time permits
Lunch at a local restaurant
Return to Hotel & relax

Accommodation type
Budget: Rajarata/Miridiya Lake/Alakamanda
Standard: Heritage/Forest Rock Garden
Luxury: Palm Garden Village/Wasala Leisure
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Mihintale is a mountain peak in close proximity to Anuradhapura. This site (believed by Buddhists) is a meeting place between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa who is believed to have spread the message of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. You will see several religious monuments and abandoned structures in the area.

Ritigala forest monastery brings to light the story of an ancient monastery built for the Pansukulika buddhist monks who wanted to observe strict austerity measures by living a hermit life away from the city monks and the general community. This jungle monastery was built by King Sena of the kingdom of Anuradhapura in around (377-307 BC)
According to the Mahavamsa, the great historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, Ritigala was known by the name of “arittha-pabbata” and was believed to have been inhabited during the 1st century BC during the reign of Pandukabhaya (377-307 BC), the third king of Sri Lanka.
Rock inscriptions and remaining ruins and 70 rock caves tell the story of life back then for these Pansukulika monks.

day 03 - sigiriya/polonnaruwa

Program for the day

Early breakfast
Proceed to Sigiriya
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock
Lunch at a local restaurant
Check into your hotel & refresh
Proceed to Polonnaruwa
Visit Ruins at Polonnaruwa
Return to your hotel & relax

Accommodation type
Budget: Sigiriya Village/Saunter Paradise/Sigiriyana
Standard: Amaya Lake/Deer Park/The Paradise
Luxury: Heritance Kandalama/cinnamon lodge/sigiriya jungles
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Sigiriya - The 5th century rock fortress is a world heritage listed site, built by King Kashyapa in
(477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock' as it is called is a citadel of great beauty rising 200 meters from amidst the scrubs. Sigiriya was once a 70-hectare established fortress. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the much talked about water gardens surround the base of this rock. You will see the world-renowned frescoes of the "Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, sheltered along the rock wall which is approachable via a spiral stairway. These frescoes are believed to be painted in earth pigments plastered on the wall. After decent continue your journey to Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa - the capital of Sri Lanka dates back from 11th -13th century A.D. The monuments at Pollonaruwa have been well preserved. The circular relic house (Vata- da-ge) Lankathilaka, Thuparama, Royal Palace, Rankoth vihara and Galvihara with the beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues are amazing works of art.

day 04 - dambula/kandy

Program for the day
Early breakfast
Visit Dambulla cave temple
Visit spice garden
Lunch at a local restaurant
Proceed to Kandy
Check into hotel & refresh
Visit Sacred Temple in the evening
Attend a cultural show
Return to your hotel & relax
Accommodation type
Budget: Hotel Suisse/Royal Kandyan/Topaz
Standard: Cinnamon Citadel/Randhoole/Amaya Hills
Luxury: Golden Crown/Grand Kandyan/Earls Regency/Jetwing Kandy
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Dambulla stands as an isolated rock mass 500ft high and a mile around the base. This rock temple dates back to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of rock temples in Sri Lanka, at this site.

Kandy - Sri Lanka's hill capital. Once a stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is a very beautiful town. It is 488 meters above sea level and next to Colombo is Sri Lanka's most visited place. The main attraction of this town is without doubt the golden roofed sacred temple where the tooth relic of the Buddha is enshrined. There are many shrines and temples in and around Kandy, showcasing rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings.

DAY 05: KANDY

Program for the day

Early breakfast
Do a city tour
Visit Galadeniya Temple
Visit Maha Vishnu Devalaya
Lunch at a local restaurant
Visit Bambaragal Viharaya
Visit Embekke Davalaya
Visit Bahirawa Kanda Devalaya

Return to you hotel & relax

Accommodation type
Budget: Hotel Suisse/Royal Kandyan/Topaz
Standard: Cinnamon Citadel/Randhoole/Amaya Hills
Luxury: Golden Crown/Grand Kandyan/Earls Regency/Jetwing Kandy
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Galadeniya Temple

Maha Vishnu Devalaya

Bambaragala Viharaya

Embekke Dewalaya Kandy

Bahirawa Kanda Devalaya

DAY 06: ADAMS PEAK

Program for the day

Early breakfast
Proceed to Nuwara Eliya
Lunch at Damro Labookellie tea factory
Take the scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Hatton (Time permitting)
Chauffeur will pick you up from Hatton
Travel to Dalhousie
Check into your hotel & relax

Accommodation type
Budget: Punsisi Resort, Nallathanniya-budget
Budget: Queensark Hotel, Nallathaniya
Budget: Subash Hotel,Nallathaniya
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Adam’s Peak, commonly known as "Sri Pada (holy footprint)" to all Sri Lankans is a 2,243m (7,359 ft) mountain in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Adams peak is a very important pilgrimage site that draws the attention of Buddhists, Hinduism muslims and christians, most of them attributing ownership of the footprint found on the summit. According to legend, Buddhists claim the footprint to be that of the Buddha. Hindus believe the footprint belongs to Lord Shiva and Christians consider the footprint to be that of the biblical Adam who was exiled from the garden of Eden. Muslims consider Sri Lanka as the original garden of Eden and that Adam set foot on this summit.
This is a very popular mountain for Sri Lankan pilgrims and tourists alike. It is best to start your climb around 2:00 am in time to watch the sunrise from the mountain peak. During the pilgrimage season (December to May), the trail leading to the summit is illuminated with sparkling lights that are normally visible from a distance. It is best to avoid the climb on a Poya day (Buddhist public holiday), as crowds of pilgrims gather here for the climb which could take you more than the normal 2.5 hour duration. There are about 5200 steps to get to the summit. It is a steep climb. Comfortable footwear is recommended and warm clothing too is needed because it is generally very cold on the mountain peak.

DAY 07: ADAMS PEAK/COLOMBO

Program for the day

Packed breakfast
2:00 am start
Climb Adams peak
Watch the sunrise
Descend Adams Peak
Return to your hotel and refresh
Check out of hotel
Proceed to Colombo
Lunch at a local restaurant
Check in to your hotel in Colombo & relax

Accommodation type
Budget: The Ocean Hotel/Cinnamon Red/Steuart by Citrus
Standard: Galadari/Marino Beach/Cinnamon Lakeside/Mt Lavinia
Luxury: Shangri-la/Hilton/Kingsbury/Galle Face Colombo
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

DAY 08: KELANIYA TEMPLE

Program for the day
Early breakfast
Visit Kelaniya Temple for a pooja ceremony
Visit Gangarama Temple
Lunch at a local restaurant
Do a city tour of Colombo
Return to your hotel and relax
Accommodation type
Budget: The Ocean Hotel/Cinnamon Red/Steuart by Citrus
Standard: Galadari/Marino Beach/Cinnamon Lakeside/Mt Lavinia
Luxury: Shangri-la/Hilton/Kingsbury/Galle Face Colombo
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Kelaniya Temple - Buddhists believe this temple to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment. Its history goes back to before 500 BCE. Records in the Mahawamsa indicate that the Buddha sat and preached at this temple. The temple and its lands were subject to pillage during the Portuguese and Dutch occupation and was refurbished under the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe. The paintings depict important events in the life of the Buddha and the image of the reclining buddha is revered by worshippers. You will also see an 18-foot stone statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara very prominently erected here.

Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who are destined to become buddhas but postpone that final state in order to help humanity.
The name Avalokiteshvara means “Lord who looks down with compassion.” Avalokiteshvara is shown here sitting on a lion throne and arrayed in jewels like a prince.
Source: Wikipedia

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

day 09: departure airport

Program for the day

Breakfast at the hotel
Free to do your own thing
Check out time 11:00 am
Proceed to airport for your departure

End of tour

INCLUSIONS

COST INCLUSIONS

Accommodation on FB basis (Breakfast,lunch,dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary.
Transportation with an English speaking chauffeur
02 Pax – A/C Car 02 pax – 06 Pax – A/C Van
07 Pax – 10 Pax – A/C Mini Coach with English Speaking National Guide
Entrance fees to site mentioned in the itinerary

COST EXCLUSIONS

Tips and gratuities.
Expenses of personal nature (Telephone calls, Laundry etc.)
Any items specifically not mentioned in the itinerary.
Video and Camera permits.
Lunch, Dinner & Mineral water or other beverages.

Expenses of personal nature (Telephone calls, Laundry etc.).
Tips and gratuities.
Any items specifically not mentioned in the itinerary.
Video and Camera permits.
Lunch, Dinner & Mineral water or other beverages throughout the tour.

Booking Conditions:

Hotel availability is subject to change at the time of confirming this booking.
Booking process will begin after 100% payment of the total invoice is payed.
In the case the above hotels are not available, an alternative option or the next best available option will be offered.
Full payment should be settled prior to arrival date.
Up 100% Cancellation charges will be applicable
Child rates 1 - 2.9 years will be FOC
child from 3 – 11.99 year will be charged 50% from the adult rate
child of 12 years and above will be considered as an adult.
We will not be held responsible for any shopping done in Sri Lanka. Any purchase is the sole decision and responsibility of the client.
No amendments to confirmed bookings will be accommodated.
Any amendment to a booking which is confirmed is subject to additional fees/ charges.