Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour 11D 10N

Itinerary

Day 1
Meet and assist at Colombo Airport and proceed to Habarana – A village, rich in wildlife and perfect spot to explore cultural sites within the cultural triangle in Sri Lanka.

In the afternoon, Village Walk (1hr) – A place to understand the village life of Sri Lankans and bird watching.

Overnight stay at: Habarana
Travel Time: 3hrs 10min (approx.) – Bandaranayake International Airport to Habarana
Meal: –

Day 2
After breakfast, visit Anuradhapura – The political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years.

Explore Anuradhapura Ruins (4hrs) – The city was the political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years till the 11th century AD.

The attractions at Anuradhapura Ruins:
Sri Maha Bodhiya – The oldest living tree in the world with a written history. The tree is a branch from sacred Bodhi Tree under which The Buddha attained enlightenment and that has stood with pride for more than 2200 years. Ruwanweli Maha Stupa – A Dagaba monument built in 140 BC that embodies the culture, heritage, and supremacy of the strongest kingdom in Sri Lankan history. Brazen Palace – Once a magnificent structure was standing on 1600 pillars with bronze tiles covered roof, hence its name. Abhayagiri Dagaba – The second largest Dagaba in Sri Lanka. It is believed that the broader monastic complex, extending over 200 hectares, was once an important educational institution, which today features sculptures, statues and residential units. Isurumuniya Rajamaha Viharaya – A beautiful rock temple built in 3rd Century BC. The Moonstone – The Moonstone features realistic carvings that symbolize Samsara, the seven never-ending cycles of birth and death, and breaking the cycle which leads to Nirvana, a state of enlightenment and freedom from suffering. Kuttam Pokuna – The “Twin Ponds” is one of the best specimens of bathing tanks in ancient Sri Lanka.

Participate for Bodhi Pooja Ceremony (30min) – The veneration of the Bodhi-tree has been a popular and widespread ritual in Sri Lanka. Bodhi Pooja is performed fervently by devotees seeking blessings of the sacred Bodhi Tree. Devotees also offer flowers, fruits, milk rice, traditional medicine, as well as coins.

In the afternoon, visit Mihintale Mountain Peak (1hr 30min) – the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

The attractions at Mihintale Mountain Peak:
Kantaka Dagaba – The Dagaba is notable as it has the best and the most ancient ornamental frontispieces found in Sri Lanka. Ambasthale Dagaba and The Buddha Statue– According to the chronicles this dagaba was built enshrining the Buddhas hair relic between the eye brows.

Sinha Pokuna – The Lion Pond, it is an open-air bath which was probably used by the monks who were living in the caves of the neighborhood. Kaludiya Pokuna– The “Black Water Pond” is an archeological site with extensive ruins of a monastery belongs to 9th Century AD. Ancient Hospital Complex – One of the world’s oldest hospitals built in 853 AD.

In the evening, return back to the hotel.

Overnight stay at: Habarana
Travel Time: 1hr 20min (approx.) – Habarana to Anuradhapura
1hr (approx.) – Mihintale to Habarana
Meal: Breakfast

Day 3

Early morning, learn about the basics of Buddhist Meditation (1hr) – Meditation is a means of transforming the mind. Buddhist meditation practices are techniques that encourage and develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things. Spend your evening leisurely.

In the afternoon, experience Ayurveda Spa Session (1hr) – The natural way of feeling great.

Overnight stay at: Habarana
Travel Time: –
Meal: Breakfast

Day 4

After breakfast, leave for Polonnaruwa – A UNESCO World Heritage site declared in 1982.

In the morning, explore Polonnaruwa Ruins (4hrs) – Go back to the Medieval Capital of the 10th Century. Due to its archeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority, UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa as a World Heritage in 1982.

The attractions at Polonnaruwa:
The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu – Once a massive 7 stories building built in 12th century AD. Today, there are three levels of bricks that remain with holes dotted an equidistance around, which would have likely been used for wooden beams that would have delineated the different floors. King’s Audience Hall – The hall is made out of rock slabs and pillars with beautiful motifs on them. Kumara Pokuna – “The Prince Bath” a pond made out of large stone blocks. Shiva Devalaya – A Hindu Temple built with large stone slabs and blocks. Vatadage – It is a typical circular Buddhist structure constructed using stone and brick with intricate stone carvings and a wooden roof. Galpotha – “The Stone Book” is a colossal stone slab inscription. Sathmahal Prasadaya – The unique seven stories building believed to be a stupa. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya – A unique lotus shaped pillared structure is believed to be the recitation house for Buddhist chanting. Hatadage and Atadage – They are ancient relic shrines built with stone bricks and slabs. Rankoth Vehera Stupa – The stupa made with bricks is the largest in Polonnaruwa and the 4th largest in Sri Lanka built in the 12th Century AD. Thuparamaya and Lankathilaka Image House – Ancient Buddhist image houses with thick walls and the Buddha Statues. Kiri Vehera – This is 18 feet tall, whitewashed, peaceful stupa is the second largest stupa in the town. Gal Viharaya – The feature of this rock temple is the magnificent four statues of the Buddha carved in a huge rock. The Statue of King Parakramabahu – A large statue beautifully carved out of a rock. Pothgul Viharaya – This is the oldest library complex found in Sri Lanka is a great work of ancient architecture. Parakrama Samudraya – “The Ocean of King arakramabahu” is a huge man made reservoir. Learn basics of Buddhist Meditation (15min) – It is a technique that encourages and develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things.

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Polonnaruwa prior to visiting the ancient city, this will give you a better sense of the kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

In the afternoon, return back to Habarana

Overnight stay at: Habarana
Travel Time: 1hr 10min (approx.) – Polonnaruwa to Habarana
Meal: Breakfast

Day 5

After breakfast, leave for Kandy – The second largest city in Sri Lanka.

On the way, visit Historical Dambulla Cave Temple (1hrs) – The excellent painting works on the walls and the statues of five different caves all related to the Buddha’s life and tales of former lives of the Buddha. They are the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan art.

Thereafter, visit Spice and Herbal Gardens (1hr 30min) – Learn how the world’s best spices are made in Sri Lanka. During this visit don’t miss out on tasting a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry meal.

After lunch, visit Historical Aluviharaya Temple (40min) – The Rock monastery of Aluviharaya is an extremely picturesque setting. It is said that the doctrines of the Buddha were first recorded here, in the pail script, around the first century BC.

In the afternoon, Cultural Dance Show (1hr) – According to Sinhalese legends, Kandyan dances originated 2500 years ago and it is Sri Lanka’s primary cultural export
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Overnight stay at: Kandy

Meal: Breakfast
Travel Time: 2hrs 45min (approx.) – Habarana to Kandy

Day 6

Early morning, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (1hr 30min) – The most important Buddhist relic, constructed mainly during the reign of Kandyan kings from 1687-1707 and 1747-1782. Participate in Pooja Ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Back to the hotel and enjoy breakfast before go to explore the center of Buddhism and the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy city; surrounded by greenery and the great Mahaweli River. Visit the lively market places, Upper Lake drive which includes gems, antiques, and handicraft shops, among other fascinating sights.

Afterward, leave to learn the basics of Buddhist Meditation in a silent and peaceful Nilambe Medtation Center.

Overnight stay at: Kandy
Travel Time: Within the City
Meal: Packed Breakfast

Day 7, Day 8, Day 9

Master your mind.
Early morning, Guided Meditation (1hr) – You are also required to do a few chores that they refer to as working meditation. What’s is unique about this experience is just how immersive it is into the practice of the Dhamma.

The meditation center was established with the aim of disseminating The Buddha’s noble teaching to people of all race and religions. They have over 50 years of experience in meditation and specialize in Vipassana Meditation – a technique that allows a person to see the reality of life as it is.

Overnight stay at: Kandy
Travel Time: –
Meal: Breakfast

Day 10

After breakfast, leave for Colombo – The commercial capital of the country.

Afternoon Visit Gangarama Temple (1hr) – The oldest temple in the heart of Colombo has a 120-year history.

Thereafter, visit Galle Face Green Seaside Urban Park (1hr) – A place where can spend time with the friendly locals and experience the simple life in Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay at: Colombo
Travel Time: 3hrs 30min (approx.) – Kandy to Colombo
Meal include: Breakfast

Day 11

In the afternoon, leave for Colombo Airport for your Departure, visit Historical Kelaniya Temple (1hr 30min) – One of the most revered historic Buddhist temples of the orient.

Travel Time: 30min (approx.) – Colombo to Kelaniya
45min (approx.) – Kelaniya to Bandaranayake International Airport
Meal: Breakfast

* The given travel time depends on traffic and the condition of the road.
* The time given in ( ) shows the approximate time spend on the relevant attraction or activity.
* Sightseeing and activities will depend on the weather.