Majestic Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa with golden spire amidst lush trees under a clear blue sky.

Buddhist Tour in Sri Lanka - 07 Days 06 Nights

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Overview

With a heritage history of more than 2000 years, our Island of Sri Lanka has proudly preserved the religion of Buddhism after the Parinirvana (Death) of Lord Buddha. With a Buddhist population of nearly 74%, the unmatched history of Sri Lanka witnesses the ruins of historical events from the past in our heritages sites of Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and more. The culture, which is impacted by the massive historical and religious values, dominates the majority of the population. This increased the percentage of tourists attracted to witness these values and beliefs in the recent past.

DayLocationActivities
1NegomboArrival, rest at hotel
2Negombo → AnuradhapuraExplore Anuradhapura's ancient ruins and temples
3Anuradhapura → SigiriyaVisit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple
4Sigiriya → PolonnaruwaTour Polonnaruwa's historical sites and ruins
5Polonnaruwa → KandyTemple of the Tooth and more
6Kandy → ColomboKelaniya and Gangaramaya Temples
7Colombo → AirportBrief Colombo tour, departure

Exploration Blueprint

Day 01 - Arrival to Sri Lanka - Negombo

Arrival in Negombo

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Negombo, where you will rest and relax prior to commencing your spiritual tour.

Overnight: Hotel in Negombo
Meals included: Breakfast

Colorful fishing boat on Negombo Beach at sunset, with golden sand and serene ocean views.
Colorful fishing boat on Negombo Beach at sunset, with golden sand and serene ocean views.

Day 02 - Negombo - Anuradhapura

City Tour in Anuradhapura

After breakfast, you'll head to Anuradhapura, an ancient capital known for its well-preserved ruins. Some of the significant places you'll visit include:

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

A sacred fig tree, the Southern Branch of the Mahabodhi at Bodh Gaya in India. It is believed that prayers made here are fulfilled. Many pilgrims visit annually to pay homage.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple with visitors at the entrance amidst lush trees.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple with visitors at the entrance amidst lush trees.

Ruwanweliseya

This stupa, one of the largest ancient monuments in the world, houses relics of Lord Buddha and is a significant religious site for Buddhists globally.

Majestic Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa with golden spire amidst lush trees under a clear blue sky.
Majestic Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa with golden spire amidst lush trees under a clear blue sky.

Jetavanaramaya

Once the third tallest structure in the world, this stupa housed 10,000 monks and was made from crushed dolomite, limestone, clay, and bricks.

Massive Jetavanaramaya stupa under a clear blue sky.
Massive Jetavanaramaya stupa under a clear blue sky.

Lankarama

This renovated stupa has fewer traces of its original form, but it is believed to have been surrounded by a house (Vatadage) to protect it.

Lankarama stupa with golden spire and ancient columns amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Lankarama stupa with golden spire and ancient columns amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Nellikulama Temple

Built in 2006, this temple is famous for its 500 statues of Buddha’s disciples.

Nellikulama Temple with a staircase lined by red-robed Buddha statues amidst lush greenery under a clear sky.
Nellikulama Temple with a staircase lined by red-robed Buddha statues amidst lush greenery under a clear sky.

Abhayagiri Vihara

An extensive vihara that has grown to be an international center for Buddhist philosophy.

Ancient Abhayagiriya stupa under a clear blue sky.
Ancient Abhayagiriya stupa under a clear blue sky.

Samadhi Buddha Statue

A 7 ft 3 inch statue carved from dolomite marble, this statue is regarded as one of the finest on the island.

Samadhi Buddha Statue in a stone pavilion adorned with flowers amidst lush greenery.
Samadhi Buddha Statue in a stone pavilion adorned with flowers amidst lush greenery.

Thuparamaya

A bell-shaped dagoba with a rich history, now renovated with granite.

Thuparamaya stupa with golden spire and ancient columns under a clear blue sky.
Thuparamaya stupa with golden spire and ancient columns under a clear blue sky.

Kuttam Pokuna

Twin ancient ponds showcasing the high level of hydrological engineering of the time.

Ancient Kuttam Pokuna with stone walls amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Ancient Kuttam Pokuna with stone walls amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Mirisawetiya Vihara

A stupa built by King Dutugemunu that houses Lord Buddha’s relics. It’s a famous site for offerings and worship.

Mirisawetiya stupa with golden spire amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Mirisawetiya stupa with golden spire amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Isurumuniya

Known for carvings of lovers, elephants, and the royal family, this sacred site is also associated with King Ravana.

Serene Isurumuniya temple with traditional architecture reflected in a pond amidst lush surroundings.
Serene Isurumuniya temple with traditional architecture reflected in a pond amidst lush surroundings.

Avukana Buddha Statue

A 40 ft high statue of Lord Buddha carved from granite, known for its size and the competition between master and pupil during its creation.

Towering Avukana Buddha Statue carved in rock with raised hand amidst ancient stone structures and lush greenery.
Towering Avukana Buddha Statue carved in rock with raised hand amidst ancient stone structures and lush greenery.

Lovamahapaya

A bronze-roofed building between Ruwanweliseya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. It is famous for having 1600 stone pillars and is used for reciting sutras during full moon nights.

Lovamahapaya with a wooden structure on ancient stone pillars under a clear sky.
Lovamahapaya with a wooden structure on ancient stone pillars under a clear sky.

Overnight: Hotel in Anuradhapura
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 03 - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya

Day Tour in Sigiriya

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a day tour in Sigiriya with visits to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

This ancient rock column, nearly 660 ft high, was built by King Kashyapa as his capital and paradise. The frescoes here play a vital role in adding color to the fortress. After the king's death, it was abandoned and transformed into a monastery. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Majestic Sigiriya Rock with ancient ruins and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Majestic Sigiriya Rock with ancient ruins and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Dambulla Cave Temple

The largest cave temple on the island, Dambulla features over 80 caves, with the main attractions spread over five caves. It holds 153 Buddha statues, along with other statues of gods and kings, making it a historical marvel.

Spend your night in Sigiriya.

Overnight: Hotel in Sigiriya
Meals included: Breakfast

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple with white structures under a rock overhang.
Dambulla Royal Cave Temple with white structures under a rock overhang.

Day 04 - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa

Day Tour in Polonnaruwa

Prepare for an exciting day tour around Polonnaruwa, a world heritage site with numerous historical landmarks.

The World Heritage Site

Polonnaruwa was declared a world heritage site in the 10th century and was the capital of the Chola dynasty post-invasion. It is the second ancient and large kingdom after Anuradhapura. The city is home to many ruins, allowing us to relive those historical moments.

Vatadage

Dating back to the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, this Vatadage is considered the finest of all. It was built for the protection of the small stupa. The circular-shaped Vatadage, surrounded by stone pillars and an entrance with Sandakada Pahana, represents architecture at its best.

Ancient Polonnaruwa Vatadage with intricate stone architecture and central stupa amidst lush greenery.
Ancient Polonnaruwa Vatadage with intricate stone architecture and central stupa amidst lush greenery.

Lankathilaka Vihara

Built on natural rock with South Indian architectural influence, the image house here is the main attraction. Despite the eight-story structure now reduced to three, its outstanding architectural features still draw attention.

Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya temple with intricate architecture and red-tiled roof amidst trees under a cloudy sky.
Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya temple with intricate architecture and red-tiled roof amidst trees under a cloudy sky.

The Royal Palace

Built by King Parakramabahu I, the seven-story palace is now in ruins, but the remains provide a glimpse of great engineering skills from that era.

Ancient ruins of the Palace of King Parakramabahu with tall brick walls and a central staircase amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Ancient ruins of the Palace of King Parakramabahu with tall brick walls and a central staircase amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Rankoth Vihara

This sacred ground, built in accordance with the traditions of the stupas in Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya, resembles Ruwanweliseya. Made entirely of brick, it holds many flower offerings.

Ancient Rankoth Vehera stupa and spire amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Ancient Rankoth Vehera stupa and spire amidst lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

Gal Vihara

The four rock relief statues of Lord Buddha in seating, standing, and reclining positions showcase Sri Lankan sculpting, carving, and art skills from the 12th century.

Ancient rock-carved Buddha statues of Gal Viharaya, including a reclining Buddha, set against a stone backdrop under a partly shaded canopy.
Ancient rock-carved Buddha statues of Gal Viharaya, including a reclining Buddha, set against a stone backdrop under a partly shaded canopy.

Pothgul Viharaya

This is considered the oldest library in the country, built in a circular structure entirely of bricks. The ruins also include four stupas.

Ancient ruins of Pothgul Viharaya in Polonnaruwa, featuring weathered brick walls and a central entrance, surrounded by lush trees under a clear sky.
Ancient ruins of Pothgul Viharaya in Polonnaruwa, featuring weathered brick walls and a central entrance, surrounded by lush trees under a clear sky.

Spend your night in Polonnaruwa.

Overnight: Hotel in Polonnaruwa
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 05 - Polonnaruwa - Kandy

Kandy City Tour

Today, enjoy a city tour in the golden city of Sri Lanka, Kandy. Known for its rich history and pride, Kandy is filled with incredible landmarks.

Matale Aluvihare

This magnificent cave temple is honored for being the first to write the Pali Canon completely on palm leaves. The temple features images and paintings of hell punishments, the Himalayan Mountain Range, and a sleeping Buddha statue.

Row of Buddha statues with raised hands, set against colorful backdrops at Aluvihare.
Row of Buddha statues with raised hands, set against colorful backdrops at Aluvihare.

Temple of the Tooth

Located in the former royal palace complex, this sacred temple was initially used for the King’s recreational activities but later became the home of the Tooth Relic. It’s a peaceful and sacred place to worship and pray.

Ornate Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic with white walls and visitors under a bright blue sky.
Ornate Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic with white walls and visitors under a bright blue sky.

Gadaladeniya and Lankathilaka Vihara

Gadaladeniya Temple, founded in 1344, has a Hindu architectural background and is one of the largest rock temples. Lankathilaka Temple, built during the Gampola era, is renowned for its magnificent architecture.

Gadaladeniya Raja maha viharaya with ornate domes and columns, surrounded by lush greenery and a cloudy sky.
Gadaladeniya Raja maha viharaya with ornate domes and columns, surrounded by lush greenery and a cloudy sky.

You will enjoy a city tour in Kandy and later rest and relax in your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Kandy
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 06 - Kandy - Colombo

Colombo City Tour

After breakfast, you will head back to Colombo, making stops at several temples for a visit.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

This ancient temple is believed to have once housed a gem-studded throne at the original stupa, where Lord Buddha used to sit and preach. It’s also famous for its image of the reclining Lord Buddha.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya with intricate stone architecture and red-tiled roof, surrounded by visitors under a partly cloudy sky.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya with intricate stone architecture and red-tiled roof, surrounded by visitors under a partly cloudy sky.

Gangaramaya Temple

Located by Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple is a magnificent blend of modern and traditional architecture, with Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese influences. It serves both as a place of worship and an educational center. The temple also plays an active role in charity work.

Interior of Gangaramaya Temple featuring a large golden Buddha statue with intricate decorations, colorful statues, and offerings.
Interior of Gangaramaya Temple featuring a large golden Buddha statue with intricate decorations, colorful statues, and offerings.

You will spend the night in Colombo.

Overnight: Hotel in Colombo
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 07 - Colombo - Airport

Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a short city tour in Colombo before you relax and prepare for your departure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Stunning Colombo city skyline at night with the illuminated Lotus Tower and modern skyscrapers.
Stunning Colombo city skyline at night with the illuminated Lotus Tower and modern skyscrapers.

Package Inclusions

  • Accommodation at 3-Star, 4-Star, or 5-Star Hotels
  • Food and Site visiting tickets
  • Breakfast

  • Transport in an Air-Conditioned Private Car / Van
    Accompanying English Speaking Chauffeur Guide Throughout the Tour

  • Return Airport Transfer
  • Unlimited Travel Distance
  • All Applicable Taxes

Package Exclusions

  • Visa Fees and Requirements
  • Domestic Transfers and Flights Not Stated in the Deal Offer
  • Travel Insurances
  • Tips, Portage or Any Expense of Personal Nature
  • Camera and Video Permits to Certain Sites

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