About Buddhism Tour

This tour has been designed especially for clients who like to visit ancient temples, Architecture, archaeological relics and UNESCO world heritage. In this tour plan, We have included all Activities, Sightseeing  & Things to do in each location which we believe are suitable for tour heading according to the client’s interests and requirements we can add or remove Activities, Sightseeing & Things to do.
Also as per the client’s request more days can be added. According to the client’s arrival and departure flight details, the tour plan can be changed as the client’s requirements.

Tour Highlights

 

Day 01 Arrive at Colombo International Airport(Route: Airport-Colombo-Kelaniya)

Our arrival assistant will welcome with Sri Lankan hospitality and assist you with all your needs at the airport. The chauffeur will be introduced by the assistant.

Visit one of the most important temples in Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple

Don Bastian (de Silva Jayasuriya Goonewardane, Mudaliyar), a famous 19th-century shipping merchant who was looking for suitable land to build a temple for the Matara Sri Dharmarama Thero, He bought a beautiful piece of land that belonged to three Moors, He filled and prepared the land at a great expense. The land bordered on two sides by the Moragoda Ela and the Pettigala Ela was used to build the temple, which was subsequently named the Padawthota Gangaramaya Viharaya. The Mudaliyar, with the assistance of the people, built a great ‘Chaitya’ (Dagaba) of 30 Riyans

After visiting Gangaramaya temple visit the historic temple in Kelaniya

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most sacred worshipping places of the Buddhists of Sri Lanka since it is a site made hallowed by the visit of Lord Buddha. In the past Kelaniya itself was a large city and the Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya was one of the largest and one of the most beautiful temples of Sri Lanka.

After visiting the temple in Kelaniya proceed to Negombo
1st day Night out in Negombo

Day 02 Morning proceed to Anuradhapura(Route: Negombo-Anuradhapura)

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, a Sri Lankans political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in the dark forest for many years, the magnificent site, with its palaces and monuments, is now reachable once again. The Anuradhapura city is one of the most important holy places of Buddhism. Anuradhapura demonstrates in a unique and specific way to the Sinhalese civilization. On several occasions, the city was submitted to the attacks from southern India – Tamils, Cholas, etc. It stands as a permanent manifesto of the culture of Sri Lanka. The holy city exerted a considerable influence on the development of architecture during several centuries. It includes amazing monuments, mainly the Dagabas of gigantic size, placed on rounded foundations and surrounded by a ring of huge columns, characteristic of the Sinhalese stupas.

Srimaha bodhiya

After getting Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thero in 250 BC Emperor Asoka in India sent his daughter Theri Sanghamitta to Sri Lanka with a branch of the Sacred Bodhi attain from the main stem of the Bodhi tree in Buddha Gaya under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. King Tissa received the sapling and planted it at the present site in 249 BC. Taking this information to account today (in 2012) this tree is exactly 2260 years old. This tree is one of the oldest trees in the world in documented history.

Twin ponds

Twin ponds also called Kuttam Pokuna another engineering masterpiece of ancient Sri Lanka. These two ponds belong to the Abayagiri Complex and have probably been used by the monks for bathing. The origins of these ponds are not known but it is thought to have been built during the reign of King Aggabodhi I (575-608). Ponds are connected through a pipeline underneath. The Northern pond is 91 feet (28 meters) long and the other 132 feet (40 meters). Water is supplied through underground pipelines and the water is sent through many filtering chambers before it falls into the Northern pond through a mouth of a dragon.

Guard stone and Moonstone

The guard stones or “Muragal” were one of a connection of three characteristics of sculpture that garlanded the entrance to the buildings in ancient times, the other two were the Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) and Balustrade (Korawak Gala) .
The Guardstones, which supplied support to the heavy stone Balustrade, were plain in the beginning. Later they came to be sculptured with symbols significant for prosperity and protection.

Samadhi Statue

Samadhi Statue is considered one of the top sculptures in the Anuradhapura time. It is thought to be done during the 3rd or the 4th century. It is made out of Dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) in height. This statue was found in the present location in 1886 fallen to the ground with damages to the nose. It was then erected and the nose was reconstructed. In 1914, it was found damaged by treasure hunters and re constructed again.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya is the most famous for the stone carving of a couple located there. This carved stone was found in the Royal Pleasure Garden and brought here. There are many descriptions for this carving. Isurumuniya Lovers built in the 3rd century B.C. is noted for its rock carvings. it is believed that the carving may characterize Saliya, and the low-caste maiden whom he loved. Saliya was the son of the king Dutugamunu.

Tissa Tank

Also called Tissa Wewa (or Tisa Wewa) was made by King Devanampiya Tissa.(250-210 BC).The mound of Tissa Wewa is 11,000 feet long (Two miles) and 25 feet high. The width of the top of the tank was found to be 12 feet to 18 feet. Base of the mound is 160 feet. Tissa Wewa probably has an area of 550 acres. Experts say with little maintenance this bund will last forever. Just as commented, the Tissa Tank continues to feed water to Anuradhapura even today.

Nuwara tank

Nuwara tank or Nuwara Wewa is believed to be built by King Vattagamini Abaya also known as King Valagamba in the first century BC. The mound (Bund) is 3 miles long and 37 feet high. The water height is about 23 feet the tank spreads 3180 hectares and holds about 1500 million cubit feet of water. There has been a dam built across Malwathu Oya to divert water to the Nuwara Wewa. this is a good example to prove the ancient Sri Lankan Technology.

Abayagiriya

Abhayagiriya Sthupa (Pagoda), made by king Valagambahu, was built in the 1st century BC it stands at 74.98 meters to the tip of the damaged spire. It is the second-largest sthupa in the country today.

Jethawanaramaya

The biggest dagaba in the world, made in the 3rd century A.D. by King Mahasena. Probably 400 feet high and located in Nandana Uyana (garden), Anuradhapuraya.

2nd day Night out in Anuradhapura

Day 03 Morning proceed to Habarana via Mihintale(Route: Anuradhapura-Mihintale-Habarana )

Mihintale Mountain

With the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. But soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary housed a multitude of with monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas, bodhigharas- to serve the monks. Sixty-eight cave dwellings provided the monks shade and shelter. Mihintale, the sanctuary for many thousands of laymen as well as holy men, had all the facilities and amenities for basic living.

The Avukana statue

Is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet (12 m), has been carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved. Constructed during the reign of Dhatusena, it may have been made as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil. Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. It is now a popular tourist attraction in the country.

Habarana

Habarana is the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Located in the dry zone of Sri Lanka Habarana is the centre point from which guests could explore the glorious past and the historical myths of Sri Lanka. Culture tourists as well as wildlife enthusiasts are bound to find this location a haven to escape to. Habarana is closely located to the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks which are the transit points to hundreds of Asian elephants and other wildlife during the dry season. The sacred city of Anuradhapura, cave temples in Dambulla and Sigiriya the rock fortress are just few of the sites worthy of the attention of a history buff. The rest tourists could escape to the silence and stillness that Habarana, Sri Lanka has to offer; it is a place where tranquility is personified.

3rd day Night out in Habarana

Day 04 Morning proceed to Polonaruwa(Route: Habarana-Polonaruwa)

Parakramabahu Statue

This brilliantly carved statue stands 11½ feet (3.5 meters) in height and carved in to a semi-circular rock. Belief is the statue of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186). This is a quite beautiful and unique statue showing the highest level of craftsmanship of the rock carving engineers of ancient Sri Lankans. This statue can be reached by travelling about 1 ½ kilometers along the Parakrama Samudraya dam. There is a small unknown and destroyed Chethya near this statue. Some beliefs that this is the graveyard of king Parakramabahu and this Stupa holds the remains of the King.

Gal viharaya

The Gal Viharaya, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North-Central Sri Lanka. It was built in the 12th century by the great King Parakramabahu . The central feature of the temple has four images of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another, smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, and standing figure and a reclining figure. These are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpting and carving arts, and have made the Gal Vihara one of the most visited places in Polonnaruwa. The statues of Gal Vihara shows a different style than the images of the previous Anuradhapura period, and show some important differences.

Parakrama Samudraya

The Parakrama Samudra was built by the great King Parakramabahu I, , who declared, “Not even a single drop of water from the rain must flow into the ocean without being made useful to mankind.”To put his words into reality, he built the (6000 acre) irrigation reservoir. This is another good example to prove the ancient Sri Lankan technology.

The palace of King Parakramabahu-I

Built in the 12th century, with its large court and peripheral guardrooms, spreads an area of nearly 10 acres. The structural techniques of this period were the same as those of the Anuradhapura period, but there was a greater use of lime mortar, which enabled the building of brick structures of dimensions never before attempted

Stone Book

Also called Gal Potha. This is a giant 25+ foot piece of rock which sits off to the side of Hetadage in Polonnaruwa. Sri Lankans belief is that King Nissankamalla recorded his deeds in this slab of stone.

WATADAGEYA

The formation of WATADAGEYA is another part of the city great engineering done by King Parakramabahu. One remarkable feature of this structure is that there are four pillars of Guardians at its entrance, of which one pillar has been taken off by the Department of archeology for exhibition purposes at the Museum in Colombo.

Hatadage

Hatadage is an ancient artifact temple in the city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Hatadage was made by great King Nissanka Malla, and had been used to keep the Relic of the Tooth of the Buddha. The Hatadage had been built using stone, brick and wood, only a few parts of the brick and stone walls now remain. Three Buddha statues carved out of granite rock are located within a chamber of the shrine.

Atadage

This is the house of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha made by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110). This temple is built on 54 stone pillars. The tooth relic has been kept on the second floor. The entrance to the second floor is through a granite stair case. Few steps still remains of this staircase

Pothgul Viharaya

The Pothgul Viharaya was made by Great king Parakamabahu (1153-1185 AD). This was renovated by Queen Chandrawathi. a consort of King Parakarmabahu. This is the oldest library compound in Sri Lanka. Pothgul means a place to store books.

Alahana Piriwena

A basic university. The area spreads over 80 hectares. Excavations have reviled some of the most unique and important buildings of the Polonnaruwa era. The brick-built image house of Lankathilaka with its 41-foot Colossal Buddha statue occupies the center of this space. Is without doubt one of the most impressive ruins of this ancient city.

Tiwanka Image

Tivanka means “3 bends” and is named for this statue which is bent at 3 places: shoulder, hip and knee. Built by great King Parakramabahu(1153-1186A.D).The image house are famous for its 12th century paintings.

Lankatilaka Viharaya

Lankatilaka Vihara is one of the most symbolic structures of the ancient empire of Polonnaruwa. Two great walls, each with a thickness of 4m and height of 17m form a narrow aisle leading to a very extraordinary, Buddha statue still stands, over 14m high. Built by great King Parakrabahu, the temple is an exact difference in terms of Buddhist architecture: as a replacement for of the abstract representation of the Stupa (dagaba) the consideration is focused on the massive statue of the Buddha, which fills up the entire space within the temple.

In the evening proceed to Sigiriya Route(Polonaruwa-Sigiriya) 4th day night out Sigiriya

Day 05 morning proceed to Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla (Route: Sigiriya-Dambulla)

Sigiriya fortress

Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destination is ‘Sigiriya’ – A 5th century rock fortress created like a crouching lion. The name sigiriya comes from Sinhalese word “Singha Giri” or “Lion Rock” Sigiriya has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, Sigiriya marks everything from ancient Sri Lankan history, such as culture, art effects, architecture, views of nature. Sigiriya is also the location for Arthur C Clerks ‘Fountains of Paradise’. According to Sri Lankan history Sigiriya, was made by King Kassapa I (477 – 495 AD). Kassapa was the son of King Dhatusena(Anuradhapura 459 to 477 AD). King Dhatusena was removed from power and walled in, alive by Kasyapa in 473 AD. Mogallana, Dhatusena’s son of the real queen escape to India, promising revenge. Kasyapa fearing of the promising revenge built this secure fortress at Sigiriya. Sigiriya is the best example as an architectural wonder and the best example of ancient Sri Lankan civil engineering. Designs of parks, ponds, and pavilions are brilliant. This is also a good example for eco-designs.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Named as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, Dambulla Cave Temple also named the Golden Temple of Dambulla is the prime and best-preserved cave temple compound in island. Placed in Dambulla, ,Dambulla Cave Temple has 5 important caves, each of cave contains statues of the Buddha and historic artwork describing the Buddha’s life. The largest cave carries some 48 statues of Lord Buddha . with some statues of Hindu Gods., when Hinduism took root in Sri Lanka and started influencing the arts Dambulla Cave Temple is a good example for it. The history of the caves goes back to the 2nd or 1st century B.C., when King Valagam Bahu who was escaping the invading army that drove him out of Anuradhapura, took refuge in these caves.

In the evening proceed to Kandy (Route: Sigiriya-Kandy)5th day night out at Kandy

Day 06 Kandy

Kandy

Kandy-.Sri Lanka’s hill capital is situated 488 meters above sea level and in the center of the island and surrounded by the ranges of mountains. Kandy was established in the 14th century and became the nation’s capital in the 16th century. Was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings. Kandy is also known as mahanuwara, senkadagala pura. The name Kandy comes from the word kanda which means mountais,it got this name because of the geographical location.

Royal Botanical Garden (Peradaniya)

the largest of the Botanical garden in Sri Lanka. Above 500m from sea level. A 147-acre garden with more than 5000 species of trees and plants, beautiful orchid house and spice section. There are also many species of birds found in the park
British rulers of Ceylon made the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens.

Temple of Tooth Relic

Also named Dalada Maligawa, is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. A beautiful creation made in the 17th century, one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka.

Kandy Cultural Dance

This is a well-known Kandy cultural program. This is one of the famous destinations in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It starts in the evening and runs for more than 1 hr. The skills of the traditional musicians of Kandy, their drums and dance is all very much entertaining. Also includes an eye-catching fire show.

4th day night out Kandy

Proceed to Airport(Route: Kandy-Colombo-Airport)

Proceed to Airport to departure ,Meet the Departure Assistant and Give ideas of your tour