Sri Lanka reflects a deep-rooted Buddhist heritage spanning over 2,300 years. During the 3rd century BCE, when King Devanampiya Tissa ruled the country, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India, Arahant Mahinda, introduced Buddhism to the island. This was to be one of those moments that changed the fate of Sri Lanka in its relation to Buddhism and which would substantially mould Sri Lanka's culture and spirituality, as well as society itself.
Central to Sri Lankan Buddhism lies its unwavering adherence to the Theravāda tradition, one of the oldest schools of Buddhist thought. The island became a beacon of Buddhist scholarship-preserving ancient teachings and scriptures such as the Pali Canon and spreading its influence throughout Southeast Asia.
In Sri Lanka, its kings had played a significant role throughout history in fostering Buddhism. They built magnificent stupas, monasteries, and temples; many of which exist today as a testament to their dedication. The sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, and Dambulla stand as great examples of the architectural and spiritual prowess achieved by these ancient Buddhist kingdoms.
It has emerged over the years as the dominant faith of Sri Lanka and continues to influence its festivals, rituals, and daily life. Sacred relics, like the Buddha's Tooth Relic in Kandy, attract people from all corners of the world for pilgrimage, while the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura remains a symbol of enlightenment and hope.
Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage is not only a reflection of its rich past but also a living tradition. It offers global visitors a unique opportunity to explore the teachings of the Buddha while experiencing the island's serene landscapes and profound spirituality. Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage is not only a reflection of its rich past but also a living tradition. It offers global visitors a unique opportunity to explore the teachings of the Buddha while experiencing the island’s serene landscapes and profound spirituality.
Itinerary
11 Days | 10 Nights
Starting From
$2,275
per person on a double-sharing basis. Group discounts are available with more participants.
Worship and offerings accompanied by Buddhist Monks
Guided meditation programmes by Buddhist Monks
Thripitaka Sermons conducted by a Buddhist Monk
Hot Air Balloon Rides
High-quality professional photography and videography, including stunning drone shots
Kandy
Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa
Habarana
Anuradhapura
Kalpitiya
Distance
540 km
Total Destinations
6
Traveling Time
12h 30m
Key Package Benefits
Travel in style with VIP transportation, complete with an experienced and friendly chauffeur, included in the package.
Enjoy 4-5 star hotel stays with a Bed & Breakfast arrangement as part of the package.
Add professional photography and videography to your package with high-grade cameras and drones for a fair price. We’ll shoot and create mini documentary-style video reels and snapshots perfect for your social media accounts.
Itinerary Breakdown
Expand to see more details
Buddhist Heritage - Itinerary
Starting From
$2,275
Book Now!
Inclusive Tour Highlights
Guided sacred site visits
UNESCO heritage historical site visits
Jeep Safari into the wild
Serene Freshwater Boat Rides
Campfire evening by the lakeside
Interact with indigenous tribes
Hiking the iconic Sigiriya Lion’s Rock
Exclusive Add-Ons
Worship and offerings accompanied by Buddhist Monks
Guided meditation programmes by Buddhist Monks
Thripitaka Sermons conducted by a Buddhist Monk
Hot Air Balloon Rides
High-quality professional photography and videography, including stunning drone shots
Kandy
Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa
Habarana
Anuradhapura
Kalpitiya
Distance
540 km
Total Destinations
6
Traveling Time
12h 30m
Key Package Benefits
Travel in style with VIP transportation, complete with an experienced and friendly chauffeur, included in the package.
Enjoy 4-5 star hotel stays with a Bed & Breakfast arrangement as part of the package.
Add professional photography and videography to your package with high-grade cameras and drones for a fair price. We’ll shoot and create mini documentary-style video reels and snapshots perfect for your social media accounts.
Day
01
Airport
to
Matale
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, transfer to the hotel in Matale, which is famous for its proud history, reflecting remarkable ancient technology, architecture, and Buddhist heritage.
Day
02
Matale
to
Kandy
Following breakfast, tour the ‘Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple’, known for the transcription of the Tripitaka on ola leaves (100–89 BC) and continue to the Nalanda Gedige, an exquisite granite temple dating back to the 8th–10th centuries.
After lunch depart for Kandy to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
Relax and unwind the night at a charming hotel in Kandy.
Day
03
Kandy
to
Mahiyanganaya
Check out after breakfast and visit Mahiyanganaya Raja Maha Vihara, which is said to be the place of Gautama Buddha's first arrival in Sri Lanka. He gifted his hair relics to God Saman, who built a stupa to preserve them.
Interact with the indigenous tribes of the Dambana aboriginal village. Here, you have an opportunity to enjoy their traditional hunting techniques and involvement in jungle life and much more from their intriguing culture!
Enjoy a sunset boat ride on the ancient Sorabora Lake, a 2,000-year-old reservoir with a traditional sluice gate.
Overnight stay in Mahiyanganaya.
Day
04
Mahiyanganaya
to
Pasikuda
After breakfast check out from the hotel and depart to Maduru Oya National Park. Renowned for its vibrant elephant population, the park offers frequent sightings of herds during an adventurous jeep safari.
Following the safari, depart for the breathtaking Pasikuda Beach, celebrated for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for enjoying the bright, sunny weather.
Enjoy a cosy overnight stay at a hotel with stunning beach views.
Day
05
Pasikuda
to
Polonnaruwa
After an early breakfast, depart from Pasikuda to visit the Dimbulagala Forest Monastery, known locally as 'Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanaya.'
After lunch, proceed to Medirigiriya to visit the ‘Vatadage’. A historic Buddhist monastery, with origins over two millennia old.
Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa. One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka.
Day
06
Polonnaruwa
to
Habarana
After breakfast, step into the historic city of Polonnaruwa. Visit significant landmarks such as Rankoth Vehera Stupa, Lankatilaka Temple, Kiri Vehera Stupa, Dalada Maluwa, the Rock Temple (Gal Vihara), the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, and numerous other historical sites.
Enjoy a relaxing boat safari & campfire evening with Ceylon tea by the Habarana Lakeside. (Complimentary by Glimpse of Lanka)
Overnight stay at a hotel in Habarana.
Day
07
Habarana
to
Anuradhapura
Following the breakfast, embark on a hike to the iconic Sigiriya Lion’s Rock, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Dambulla to explore the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple. One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Depart to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Rest the night in a charming hotel.
Day
08
Enjoy
Anuradhapura
After breakfast, enter the ancient city of Anuradhapura, home to iconic landmarks such as the Sacred Bodhi Tree (Sri Maha Bodhi), the Great Stupa (Ruwanweliseya), Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Abhayagiriya Stupa, and Thuparamaya Stupa, which preserves the Buddha’s collarbone relic, along with numerous other historic sites.
Enjoy another restful overnight stay at Anuradhapura.
Day
09
Anuradhapura
to
Colombo
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to the Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, an exceptional archaeological site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Depart to Colombo and unwind at a comfy hotel.
Day
10
Colombo
to
Negombo
After breakfast, visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple. One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo
Visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a sacred site believed to have been visited by the Buddha along with 500 Arhats where he expounded the Dhamma.
Depart for Negombo Beach and unwind with a serene evening by the shore.
Overnight accommodation at a beachfront hotel for a restful stay.
