This 6-day Buddhist pilgrimage tour includes the main Buddhist religious sites of the island, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your customizable itinerary also includes beautiful hill country as well as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake met by representative and transfer to hotel in Anuradhapura.
Visit the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura (UNESCO World Heritage Site). It has the largest number of ancient monuments of the great Sinhala civilization. You will visit the tallest stupas of Sri Lanka, the ruins of ancient royal palaces and the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred Bo tree which is over 2200 years old grown from a branch of the very tree under which The Buddha attained enlightenment. Evening practice meditation under the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree.
Overnight at the hotel.After breakfast, leave for Mihintale. Visit the ancient remains of Mihintale, a sacred place which is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. A grand stairway of 1840 steps made of granite slabs leads to the summit with its splendid views of the surrounding countryside.
Afterwards leave to Aukana to see the statue of the Aukana Buddha. This is undoubtedly the most magnificent undamaged ancient image in the island.
After sightseeing leave for Habarana. Check in on arrival and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, begin the morning by climbing the 200 meters high rock fortress of Sigiriya (UNESCO World Heritage Site). See the famous frescoes of the Heavenly maidens of Sigiriya and the 10 foot high Mirror Wall.
Then continue to Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage City), a well-planned medieval city defended by enclosing 5 km walls, graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. The Gal Vihara which consists of statues of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha have been cut from a single granite wall. Practice meditation session and return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, leave for Kandy. On the way visit Dambulla Cave Temple. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings.
Also visit Spice garden Matale is one of the most popular places among tourists to see indigenous spices such as cinnamon, pepper, cardamom etc as well as herbal plants used in Ayurveda.
Upon reaching Kandy, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
After an early breakfast, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic offer flower and witness Dalada Ceremony. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. On Wednesdays there is a symbolic bathing of the Sacred Relic with an herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers, called Nanumura Mangallaya. This holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed among those present.
On completion leave for Nuwara Eliya, a beautiful town set in the heart of tea country and situated 1890 meters above sea level. En route visit to tea factory and tea plantation. On completion leave for Colombo and check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
There are wide varieties of shopping complexes within the Colombo city all of them are with all the facilities. Most of the shopping malls are fully wi-fi enabled. If you are looking goods for less prices Pettah bazaar is the ideal location. You can buy almost anything you want but this is always busy and crowded. If you move along the Gall road you can find shopping malls like Majestic City, Liberty Plaza and Crescat which are very popular among locals as well. You can buy garments, handicrafts, books, leather goods and many more. Prices are very competitive. ODEL and Arina are another shopping malls which are very popular among tourists. The shops in Main Street of Pettah mostly sell readymade garments.
Proceed to the Colombo International Airport, in time to board the flight back home with happy memories of your Tour in Sri Lanka with SAZY Lanka Tours.
