#Exploring Ancient Temples and Enlightening Destinations
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Sri Lanka, with its rich cultural heritage and profound spiritual significance, offers a captivating journey for those seeking Buddhist tours. Steeped in history and dotted with ancient temples and sacred sites, the island nation is a haven for spiritual seekers.Whether exploring ancient ruins, participating in meditation retreats, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, Buddhist tours in Sri Lanka offer a profound journey of spiritual discovery and cultural immersion.
One of the most prominent destinations is Anuradhapura, home to the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Pilgrims flock to the site to pay homage and meditate under its serene canopy. Another must-visit location is Kandy, renowned for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses a tooth believed to belong to the Buddha himself. The annual Esala Perahera festival, featuring majestic parades of elephants and traditional dancers, adds a vibrant cultural dimension to the spiritual experience. Additionally, Sigiriya’s ancient rock fortress, adorned with intricate frescoes and surrounded by lush greenery, offers a tranquil setting for reflection.
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Destination
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Departure
Main Street, Taiwan -
Departure Time
Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a departure at 9:30 AM. -
Return Time
Approximately 8:30 PM. -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat and light jacket. -
Included
5 Star AccommodationBreakfastDeparture TaxesPersonal Guide -
Not Included
Airplane TransportBawaCamping TentDinnerGolf ClubLunch
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Day 1: Negombo
While in Negombo, you can relax and prepare for the journey that is ahead of you. You can leisurely enjoy the sun and golden sandy beaches of Negombo which is very close to the city limits of Colombo. While here, you can engage in some water sports including diving near a shipwreck and swimming amidst the corals that are protected
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Day 2 - 3 : Anuradhapura
Your Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour will start off in Anuradhapura which was the center for Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Now it is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site with many ruins of ancient temples and newly renovated ones. Then you will visit Mihintale, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa which is the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
- Explore the Mystique of Anuradhapura's Ancient Ruins Journey amidst the vestiges of antiquity within the venerable ruins of Anuradhapura, once the paramount seat of power for over a millennium until the tenth century AD. Traverse the sprawling expanse adorned with pagodas, monastic edifices, and placid ponds strewn throughout. Explore eminent landmarks such as the towering Jetavanarama, once among the loftiest structures of antiquity, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, and the remnants of the colossal Abhayagiri Monastery. Immerse yourself in the annals of Sri Lanka's storied past as you tread the path of kings. Upon conclusion, retreat to your lodgings for a well-deserved respite.
- Ascend the Sacred Heights of Mihintale
- Discover the Timeless Charms of Polonnaruwa's Ancient City Embark on a sojourn to the time-honored enclave of Polonnaruwa, once the illustrious secondary capital of Sri Lanka. Stroll amidst the vestiges of a bygone era, when the city thrived during the zenith of its glory from the tenth to the thirteenth century AD. Behold the venerable relics such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the ethereal lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple, and the effigy of King Parakramabahu, whose reign epitomized the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Delve deeper into the annals of Sri Lanka's ancient lore and unravel the mysteries of yore.
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Day 4: Dambulla
Travelling to the center of the cultural triangle, you will be given the opportunity to climb and explore the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Then you will be visiting the Cave Temple in Dambulla where there are intricate paintings and figurines. To wind up your day, a cultural show with drum beats and fire dances will allow you to learn about our culture.
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress Journey through time on this captivating tour of Sri Lanka's cultural gems. Ascend the majestic 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, once the domain of King Kasyapa. Enter through the lion's paw gateway, a symbol of the fortress's name, "Lion Rock." Marvel at the vibrant, enduring murals that have made Sigiriya famous. Challenge yourself with the climb up the steep staircase, rewarded by breathtaking views of the terraced gardens and the intriguing, still-functioning cisterns. Explore the tunnels leading to the palace, transporting you back to a bygone era.
- Visit Cave Temple in Dambulla Delve into history at the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a network of caves dating back to the 1st century BC. Witness the ancient murals depicting the life of Lord Gautama Buddha. Be awestruck by the hundreds of Buddha figurines and other deities adorning the five main caves. Explore the Cave of the Divine King, the Cave of the Great King, and the Great New Monastery. Outside the caves, stand in awe of the monumental golden Buddha statue.
- The Kandy Cultural Show Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan traditions with the Kandy Cultural Show. This captivating hour-long performance showcases the island's most beloved art forms. Witness the dazzling fire and sword dancers, and be mesmerized by the graceful leaps of the colorful Kandyan dancers, as the rhythmic beat of drums fills the air.
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Day 5-6 : Kandy
Heading to the hills, you will first stop in Kandy, a religious city and the last ancient capital of Sri Lanka. The city is mainly known for Temple of the Sacred Tooth with its exquisite interiors and golden statues of Lord Buddha. In Kandy, you will explore the busy streets and enjoy a walk in the famous Royal Botanical Gardens.
- City of Kandy : You will jaunt through the lively streets of Kandy with their bright colors, delicious foods and deep history. Explore Kandy’s most important monuments. Try out yummy Sri Lankan street food in stalls. Enjoy watching garland makers ply their trade. Visit a beautiful Hindu Temple. Go on a short but fun three-wheeler ride.
- Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya : Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.
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Day 7 : Nuwara Eliya
To take a break, the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya will be the ideal travel destination. The central highlands of Sri Lanka are known for its picturesque tea growing hills, waterfalls and forest reserves. On the way, you will drop in by a tea factory where you will be educated about the entire process of manufacturing the renowned Ceylon Tea.
Visit a Tea Factory
Visit a Tea Factory and a plantation where you would see how the world’s famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. In 1824 a tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor was a British citizen who introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived to Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled down in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today even people who have never heard of Sri Lanka are familiar with Ceylon tea, which is known for its quality.
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Day 8: Udawalawa
From Nuwara Eliya, we head towards the Udawalawe National Park that acts as a sanctuary for wild animals that have been displaced during the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. You will enjoy a three hour safari where you can explore the park which consists of grasslands, forest areas and marshlands filled with elephants, water birds and many more.
- Udawalawa National Park
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Day 9 -10 : Bentota
- While travelling towards Bentota, you will visit Galle and discover the historical buildings of years gone by. The strong fortifications still stand tall against all odds while you can walk along the walls enjoying the view. Heading to Hikkaduwa, you will enjoy the sun, sand and surf, sea turtles and water sports. Finally you can enjoy some highlights of Colombo
- Visit the Galle Fort
- Hikkaduwa
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Day 11 : Colombo
Colombo City Tour
Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores. Enjoy the Daylife as you party till the morning.
Make Your Own Memories
Tour Review Scores And Score Breakdown
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History Of The City
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