Sri Lanka Buddhist Tour Package

At. (Your Arrival Time): Welcome to Sri Lanka! Or Sree Lankavata Saadarayen Piliganimu! Upon arrival at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will ensure your transfer to your pre-booked hotel in Sigiriya, situated in the Matale district.

After reaching your accommodation, complete the check-in procedure and take some time off to relax and de-stress. If you happen to arrive early, feel free to wander and discover the local areas nearby your accommodation. After you’ve explored a little bit on your own, return back and enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Not Included.

At. 08:00 AM: After having a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, you’ll leave for the Anuradhapura district from Dambulla, which can take around 1-2 hours to reach. Nestled in the north central province, this sacred city is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, as it is home to many renowned Buddhist monasteries, dagobas (stupas) and temples.

Here, you will visit the Avukana Buddha statue (located in Kekirawa, near Anuradhapura), believed to have been established during the 5th century by King Dhatusena. Measuring at a staggering height of 46 ft, you’ll see a statue of Lord Gautam Buddha in a samabhanga pose, which is meant to symbolize peace, equilibrium and serenity in the Buddhist religion.

Carved out of granite rock, many pilgrims also leave flowers, fruits and sweets as offerings to the god, which you can do as well at your own personal cost. After seeking blessings and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of this destination, you’ll then be taken back to your hotel in Sigriya, where you can enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: After having a hearty breakfast, you’ll be touring two of the nation’s prominent attractions, starting with Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, this national monument holds immense significance in Sri Lanka, as it has helped preserve the nation’s thriving historical legacy for decades.

The rock fortress served as the royal residence for King Kashyapa during the 5th century and is mainly divided into two major regions namely the royal gardens (located at the lower levels) and the ancient remains of the palace (at the highest level). 

As the fort sits at an elevation of 1144 feet above sea level, you’ll have to climb more than 1200 plus steps to reach the peak! While making your way to the summit, you’ll get to see various beautiful frescoes painted onto the fortress walls along with serene views of surrounding mountains and lush green trees. 

Tip: Make sure that you wear comfortable walking shoes this day of the tour.

The royal gardens situated at the base consist of three types - water, terraced and boulder that feature fountains, bathing pools and a variety of vibrant flowers and trees that will leave you astonished for sure! As you continue walking and make your way to the base of the summit, you’ll also get to see statues of two gigantic paws of a lion with a narrow staircase in the middle.

Fun Fact: There was actually a full lion statue located here and not just the paws, but unfortunately it collapsed due to erosion. 

You’ll then make your way through the staircase and finally reach the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of vibrant green trees, nearby lakes and mountains.

Additionally, other points of interest here include the ruins of the ancient palace that once stood here along with a royal pool. After a fascinating tour of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, you’ll then make your way to Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park, which functioned as the second capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura from the 11th to the 13th century.

Touring this park, will feel as if you have traveled back in time, as it features ancient ruins of Gal Viharas (rock monasteries), royal palaces and ancient water systems. Additionally, many monuments featured in this city follow a blend of South Indian chola architecture and Buddhist Sinhalese designs.

Tip: Make sure to carry an umbrella for maximum sun protection and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Additionally, you can also rent bicycles and tour the archaeological park at your own personal cost. 

After learning about this iconic destination, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Sigiriya, where you can unwind and enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: After breakfast, you’ll head over to Dambulla Cave Temple from Sigiriya, which can take around an hour to reach. Established in the 1st century, the Dambulla Cave Temple is dedicated to Buddha and consists of 5 ancient caves that house a number of Buddha statues, religious paintings and ancient stupas. 

Cave 1 (also known as Devraja Lena) is often the first stop that visitors explore, as it features a 14 meter reclining statue of Buddha, which was believed to have been carved out of a single rock. 

Similarly, Cave 2 (also called Maharaja Lena) has over 50 Buddha statues along with statues of Sri Lankan kings and Hindu deities. The remaining caves (3, 4 and 5) namely Maha Alut, Pachima and Devana Alut, also have many statues of Buddha.

After touring this ancient temple, you’ll then proceed towards Kandy and enroute visit a spice garden where you’ll get to see how local spices (like cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg) are grown and harvested. 

After a quick tour of the vibrant garden, you’ll be taken to Nelligala International Buddhist Centre. Unlike most Buddhist centered attractions that follow traditional architectural styles, Nelligala follows a modern approach; it was only constructed in 2015 and beautifully bridges the gap between old and new. 

Located on top of a hill, the exterior of the temple has several statues of Gautam Buddha along with a white colored stupa (Sri Shakya Sinha Maha Seya). On the other hand, the interior features relics and paintings of the Buddha. 

After all your sightseeing activities are over, you’ll be driven to your hotel in Kandy, where you’ll need to complete the check-in procedure and then can enjoy your overnight stay. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: After breakfast, you’ll visit the popular Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy’s most prominent Buddhist site. This historical landmark is known for housing the left canine tooth of Buddha when he was cremated in Kushinagar after gaining mahaparinirvana (freedom from the continuous cycle of life, birth and suffering).

Additionally, the temple also organizes various religious ceremonies throughout the day where monks offer food/flowers to the god and chant prayers. The inner sanctum of the temple has the left tooth of Buddha that is kept preserved in a golden casket and is not kept out in the open for the public to view. You’ll surely feel a deep sense of peace while touring the temple and get to witness many pilgrims also offering lotus flowers, incense and fruits to the deity.

After a full day of exploration, you’ll then attend a cultural show and then be taken back to your hotel (the same one you stayed in yesterday) and spend the rest of the night.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: Start your day by having a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, as you’ll need a lot of energy this day to reach Adam’s Peak (Sri Paadha). Located at an elevation of 2243 meters from sea level, this attraction will require you to climb more than 5000 steep steps. 

Note: Many pilgrims start the climb pretty early in the morning (at 2:00 AM), so they’re able to catch the sunrise from the peak. If you’d like to get an early start as well, please provide us with prior notice. 

Though the climb to the summit may seem a bit daunting at first, we suggest you participate in this activity, as the view from the peak is nothing short of spectacular. One of the main focal points of this attraction is the large footprint shape (situated at the summit), which many Buddhist pilgrims believe to be of Buddha, whereas other religions have their own interpretations. 

Though you might be able to see the footprint, as it’s kept protected in the inner sanctum area, you can pay your respects from the outside. 

Feel free to light butter lamps, ring bells and seek blessings from the guardian deity Saman (Sumana Saman) as these activities will help you fully soak in this destination’s spiritual atmosphere. Likewise, during clear weather, you’ll also get to witness nearby lush green hills and tea estates from the summit!

After you’ve explored Adam’s Peak, you’ll make your way down to the base, where you’ll be picked up and driven back to your accommodation in Nallathanniya, and upon arrival will need to complete the check-in procedure and then can enjoy your overnight stay. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: After having breakfast, you’ll be taken to Ella from Nallathanniya (via road), which can take around 4 to 5 hours to reach. 

Enroute, you’ll also pass Nuwara Eliya city, known for its vibrant tea plantations, pleasant climate and colonial architecture.

Upon reaching Ella town, you’ll get to see Nine Arches Bridge, which is this historical bridge that connects Ella and Demodara railway stations. Also nicknamed as the “bridge in the sky”, this attraction was constructed using materials like rocks and bricks and no steel/metals.

Standing at a height of around 24 meters, you’ll get to see the bridge features nine scenic arches that are set against dense jungles and misty mountains. If luck is on your side, you’ll also witness those old style classical trains passing through the bridge as well. 

After all your sightseeing activities are over, you’ll be taken to your pre-booked hotel in Ella, where you can complete the check-in procedure and then can enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: Begin your day by having a satisfying breakfast at the hotel and then begin your sightseeing tour by visiting Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery. 

This historical landmark was established to spread the teachings of Buddha and is an active place of worship and meditation for many monks residing in Kumbalwela. 

Situated on a hill top, the monastery features white colored stupas, smaller shrines, statues of Buddha and open air meditation pavilions where visitors can learn about this spiritual practice. 

After this visit, explore the scenic Ravana Falls (locally known as Ravana Ella), standing at a height of around 25 meters. This attraction has played a significant role in the prestigious Hindu book, Ramayan. Legend has it that the demon king Ravan kidnapped Goddess Sita and hid her in one of the caves located behind the waterfall. 

Following this, you’ll be heading to Tissamaharama and upon arrival at your prebooked hotel in this town, complete the check-in procedure and enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: After breakfast, you’ll be touring Kataragama Kirivehera Temple dedicated to Buddha. Built during the 3rd century, this landmark is considered to be one of the sixteen “solosmasthana” (sacred Buddhist pilgrimage spots) in Sri Lanka. 

Just outside the temple complex, you’ll also find many local shops selling colorful garlands, fragrant incense and oil lamps that you can buy (at your personal cost). The 29 meter majestic Kiri Vehera stupa functions as the heart of the temple, as it is located just at the center. You can partake in pradakshina (walk clockwise) around this monument, as it is believed to bring positive energy and remove negative karma from one’s life. 

Likewise, there are also smaller shrines and temples dedicated to other local deities like Ganesh, Vishnu and Kali. To make the most out of your trip, you can light oil lamps, offer flowers at the base of the Kiri Vehera stupa/other shrines and spend a few moments taking in the spiritual ambience of this attraction. 

After spending a memorable day here, you’ll leave for Bentota (or Beruwala) and upon arrival can complete the check-in procedure and then enjoy your overnight stay. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: After a delicious breakfast, you’ll then head to Kande Viharaya Temple from Bentota (or Beruwala) which can take around 30 - 45 minutes to reach. Featuring many prominent sites like the Samadi Buddha statue, Bodhi tree, relic chamber and image house among many others, visiting this temple complex will help you gain insights into Buddhist philosophies and religious traditions followed here. 

The main point of interest is the Samadi Buddha statue measuring around 46 meters (including the lotus platform at the base) which strikes a meditative pose. Also, visit the relic chamber which has many religious artifacts along with the image house that contains various Buddha statues, murals and paintings. 

After exploring this site, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation in Bentota (or Beruwala), where you can enjoy your overnight stay. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: Once breakfast is over, you’ll begin your Colombo temple tour where you’ll explore two of this city’s most renowned Buddhist temples. Though both these landmarks are highly sacred, they offer a completely different atmosphere in terms of architecture, history and ambience.

Firstly, you’ll visit Gangaramaya Temple, one of the capital’s oldest religious landmarks established in 1885. This site has been an active place of worship for many Buddhist pilgrims as it is dedicated to Buddha and carries various religious activities. 

In terms of architecture, this landmark follows a mix of Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian and Chinese designs and comprises three levels. Additionally, the main features of this ancient temple are the Bodhi tree, Seema Malaka shrine, relic chamber, the Vihara temple, a museum and library among others. 

To get the fullest experience visit the Seema Malaka Shrine where monks gather to perform sacred ceremonies or the relic chamber that houses artifacts like the sacred bone fragments of Buddha, ancient manuscripts and Buddha statues. 

Then, move on to Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, believed to be the spot where Buddha preached his sermons when he visited Sri Lanka for the third and last time. A few major highlights can be seen inside the image house of the temple like the beautifully decorated frescoes with depictions of Buddha’s life along with his reclining statue.

Additionally, Kelaniya stupa and Bodhi tree are other two prominent attractions visited by pilgrims during their visit here. Once all sightseeing activities are over, you’ll then be dropped off at your accommodation in Colombo, where you can enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 08:00 AM: After having a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, get ready to head to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Safe travels and we hope you made lots of wonderful memories along this journey! 

Note: We advise you to travel to the airport 3 hours before your flight schedule. Additionally, when visiting temple sites, we advise you to wear modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.