Transportation and sightseeing tours:: Private Number or Pax per booking: 1-10 Pick-up location and time: Colombo, 0700 HRS
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Try The Best Circuit For Sri Lanka Buddhist Tour


Trekking through Sri Lanka's ancient cities such as Anuradhapura, and Mihintale and witness thousands of years old Buddhist monuments, visit the Buddhist temples touched by Buddha, trekking through the Buddhist stronghold of Kandy and visit the temple that protects the left eye tooth of Buddha.

Sri Lanka is a popular Buddhist country in the world, where the majority of people are strongly believing in the teaching of Buddha. This exciting holiday destination has a Buddhist tradition that goes back many millennia. Sri Lankan harbours thousands of Buddhist temples, stupas, dagobas and many other Buddhist religious sites that draw thousands of Buddhist devotees every year. 

The island offers many UNESCO world heritage sites and most of them are closely connected to Buddhism. With a palm-fringed, pristine coastal belt, ancient Buddhist temples,  ruined cities, rugged peaks and wildlife reserves, Sri Lanka is not only a dream holiday for Buddhist pilgrims but also for those who dream to enjoy a holiday with history, culture, nature and leisure.

This 10-day Sri Lanka Buddhist tour is carefully crafted while adding the most important Buddhist religious sites on the island. We believe that it is essential to visit all these places to complete the Buddhist tour in Sri Lanka. You travel on a luxury private vehicle, stroll through the ancient Buddhist temples, explore the country’s premier ancient historical monuments and taste the flavours of the tantalising markets.

Your customizable itinerary includes four UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Golden Temple of Dambulla and Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy and many many more. Tour also includes optional visits to Yala national park as you travel to southern Sri Lanka, tea gardens, Spice Garden, Sri Lanka hill country and the Royal Botanic Gardens. And towards the end of the trip, you will be exploring the important Buddhist temples in Colombo such asnGangarama temple and Kelaniya temple. Includes round-trip private transport from Bandaranaike International Airport or your beach hotel.


Start- Negombo, Sri Lanka

Finish- Colombo, Sri Lanka

Ages- Min 18

Group- Size Min 1

Trip Type- Private


Why you'll love this trip

  • The private and relaxing tour happens at your own pace.
  • Wander through the thousands of years of old ancient monuments in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle.
  • Visit the most important Buddhist religious sites on the island 

Is this trip right for you?

  • Can you feel that tingling in your fingers? That my friend is power! This trip puts it in your hands – there are few inclusions, so you’ll have plenty of freedom to decide what you want to do.
  • The trip includes a couple of long journeys that last as much as 5 hours. These long journeys are important in order to visit Buddhist temples such as Somawathiya and Muthiuyanaga temples. 
  • The road from Kandy to Kataragama winds down mountains to the coast, which means it can be slow. It also means that you’ll get to see the awesome scenery from literally every angle.

Places you visit on this trip


Highlights

  • Touring Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.
  • Exploring breathtaking Sri Lankan east coast.
  • Experience Sri Lanka’s historical and Buddhist cultural heritage while visiting thousands of years old monuments and Buddhist temples.
  • Walking through the Spice Garden while learning about herbal trees and plants and spices.
  • Walk in the Tea plantations and Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya.
  • Optional Wildlife safari at Yala national park to see wild animals such as leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.
  • Walking tour of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya rock fortress.

Hotels

This 10 days tour can be booked with 3-star and 4-star hotels, If you need any other category of hotels please inquire. 


Trip Includes

  • 9 nights of accommodation in standard tourist hotels 
  • Meal plan H/B basis (daily breakfast and dinner included at hotel)
  • Hop-on hop-off car tour at Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa  historical city
  • Guided walking temple tour of Mihintale temple, Dambulla golden temple, temple of the tooth relic
  • Guided tour of Kataragama devala, Gangarama temple 
  • Guided tour of Kelaniya temple, Somawathiya temple, Seruwila raja maha vihara, Kirivehera, and Tissamhara temple
  • Guided cultural tour of Sigiriya rock fortress
  • Entrance fees for the following sites and activities
    • All sites in Anuradhapura
    • Sigiriya rock fortress
    • Dambulla golden temple
    • Mihintale Buddhist temple
    • Girihandu seya
    • Seruwila Rajamaha vihara
    • Mahiyangana Raja maha vihara
    • Somawathiya raja maha vihara
    • Tooth relic temple Kandy
    • Kataragama Devala
    • Kirivehera temple Kataragama
    • Tissamaharama raja maha vihara
    • Kelaniya temple
    • Gangarama temple
    • Colombo Sightseeing tour: (Colombo sightseeing tour includes Simamalaka temple, Wolvendaal church, Independence memorial square, pettah, Galle face green, Viharamahadevi park and Colombo 7.)
    • Kandy sightseeing tour: (Kandy sightseeing tour includes Kandy museum, Natha Devala temple, Pattini temple, and Kandy downtown)
    • Sita Amman temple
    • Nuwara Eliya  (Gregory lake, Sita temple, victoria park)
  • Entire ground transportation in an air-conditioned, luxury, private vehicle
  • Service of an English-speaking chauffeur/guide for the entire tour (please inquire about other languages)
  • Mineral water during sightseeing tours and overland trips
  • All current taxes

Trip Excludes

  • Sri Lanka visa-related fees
  • Any other expense not mentioned in the Price Includes section
  • Yala safari (US$ 50 per person)
  • Flight tickets
  • Gratuities

Cancellation policy

Cancel 24 hours prior to arrival for a full refund


Choose your payment method

We offer you mainly three payment options card payments, bank transfers or payment on arrival. You can choose whatever is the most convenient payment option for you. If you opt for payment on arrival we will collect a 10% advance payment from you as a guarantee, once the booking is confirmed. 


Book now & pay later

Reserve your tour now and pay when you meet us. Send us the duly filled tour booking form, and we will arrange your tour you can make the payment as you meet us on the first day of the trip.


Single supplement

The trip can be booked with a single room for the entire trip with a single supplement (please inquire about your chosen category of the hotel)


Additional info

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this tour
  • All visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples are expected to remove footwear and hats upon entering the temples, Dresscode, shoulders and knees should be covered
  • The duration of transfers is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This is a private tour/activity.
  • You can reach us 24 hours a day through our hotline 0094-77-4440977

 


Sri Lanka Buddhist Tour

Itineraries

Day 1

Colombo / Anuradhapura

Arrive at Bandaranayke International Airport, greeted and welcomed by Seerendipity tours representatives, transfer to Hotel in Anuradhapura. Today's program involves about a 5 hours journey from Colombo to Anuradhapura, therefore, no activities are planned for today.

Included Activities
No activities are planned for today
Accommodation
Hotel in Anuradhapura
Meals Included
Dinner

Day 2

Time : 7:00 am

Anuradhapura

After breakfast leave for Anuradhapura ancient for the city tour. You will be visiting dozens of temples, stupas, and many other places popular among Buddhist pilgrims. Later proceed to Mihintale.

Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura with the recent excavations, the history goes back to the 8th C.BC. Or 2800 BP. However, legends take history more than 3000-5000 years. (Ramayana is one of them) at that time there were 04 tribes living in Sri Lanka. Kingdom lasted one thousand and five hundred years from 380BC. This city is home to many of the earliest grandest monuments of Sri Lanka. A popular destination for Sinhalese Buddhist pilgrimages because of its many ancient Buddhist monuments.

Anuradhapura has been made the royal capital by king Pandukabhaya in 380 BC. It remained the residence and royal capital for 119 successive Singhalese kings till the year 1000 AD when it was abandoned and the capital moved to Polonnaruwa. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest dagoba of Sri Lanka, remains from palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo tree. This tree was grown from a Sapling of the very tree under which more than 2500 years ago the Buddha found enlightenment.

You will visit all these places on our hop-on hop-off Anuradhapura City Tour.

• Ruwanwelisaya-It is a “stupa” that is built by King Dutugamunu and is one of the biggest completed ones to date.
• Thuparamaya-It is the oldest ‘dagoba’ in Sri Lanka, and possibly the oldest visible one in the world.
• Lovamahapaya-The significance of this building is that the roof was once covered in bronze tiles.
• Abhayagiri-It is one of the biggest viharas in Anuradhapura. It was a monastery of 5000 monks.
• Jethavanaramaya-It is a sacred world heritage site and accommodated some 3000 monks at the time. It is also quite similar to Abhayagiri.
• Mirisavetiya-This stupa was built by King Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara.
• Lankaramaya-This is also built by a king called King Valagamba in the Anuradhapura Kingdom times and is one of the eight sacred places in the city.

Included Activities
Visiting Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa , Lankarama, Lovamahapaya.
Accommodation
Hotel in Anuradhapura
Meals Included
Breakfast and dinner

Day 3

Time : 7:00 am

Anuradhapura / Mihintale / Anuradhapura

After breakfast leave for a Sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura and “Atamasthana”. Today you will be covering any of the important sites missed on the previous day and visiting the Mihintale sacred site.

Mihintale
Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.

Included Activities
Anuradhapura sightseeing tour, Mihintale temple
Accommodation
Hotel in Anuradhapura
Meals Included
Breakfast and dinner

Day 4

Time : 8:00 am

Anuradhapura / Trincomalee

After breakfast leave for Grihandu seya, and Trincomalee, en-route visit Polonnaruwa. Check into the Ananthamaaa beach resort and rest. In the afternoon visit Seruwila Rajamahaviha and Trincomalee sightseeing tour.

Later, early afternoon visit Polonnaruwa historical city. The Polonnaruwa city tour lasts around 2 hours.

Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is the second most historical city in Sri Lanka. It was made the capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader.

Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best-planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Its beauty was also used as a backdrop to film scenes for the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

The city tour includes palaces, dagobas, and temples, and provides a good example of Sri Lankan historical craftsmanship. In this 3-hour guided tour of the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa, you will cover some of the following attractions;

• Royal Palace (Palace of King Parakramabahu, the most prolific and gifted builder of the era)
• Nissankamulla Palace (Royal audience hall with impressive stonework)
• Gal Viharaya (Contains some of the best rock sculptures in the country)
• Thuparama & Lankathilaka Image Houses (Good examples of vaulted shrine rooms)
• Vatadage (Gives an idea of what a complete Vatadage may have looked like)
• Rankoth Vehera (Largest stupa in Polonnaruwa)
• Parakramabahu Statue (Statue of one of the greatest kings of ancient Sri Lanka)

Girihandu Seya temple (Stupa)
Girihandu Seya (also known as Nithupathpana Vihara[note 1])is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Thiriyai, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. The temple is supposed to be the first Buddhist Stupa in Sri Lanka, believed to be constructed by two seafaring merchants Trapusa and Bahalika. The names of the two merchants are recorded in a rock inscription found on the Vihara premises. According to the inscription, Girihandu Seya was built by the guilds of merchants named Trapassuka and Vallika where the names are written as Tapassu and Bhalluka in later Sinhala chronicles. Some scholars also hold the view that Mahayana-influenced seafaring merchants from the Pallava Kingdom were responsible for the construction of this temple.

Seruwila Raja maha vihara (temple)
Seruwawila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in the Trincomalee district in Eastern Province, which is among the sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines (Solosmasthana) in Sri Lanka.

It was built during the reign of King Kavan Tissa, Prince of Ruhuna, (2nd century BC) containing the Lalata Dathun Wahanse (sacred forehead bone) of Buddha. It can be reached by land and sea. The sea route begins at Trincomalee to Muttur by boat and another 16 km by road and the land route is via Kantale, to Allai which is approximately 45 km through dense forest.

Activite planned for today
Visiting Grihandu seya, Visiting Seruwila Rajamahaviha
Accommodation
Hotel in Trincomalee
Meals Included
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5

Time : 8:00 am

Trincomlaee / Kandy

Leave for Kandy after breakfast En route visit Somawathiya Raja maha vihara, Mahiyangana Raja maha vihara, and Muthiyangana raja maha vihara.

Somawathiya temple
The Somawathiya Chaitya[5] is located within the Somawathiya National Park on the left bank of the Mahaweli River and is believed to have been built long before the time of Dutugamunu enshrining the right canine Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. It is attributed to the reign of King Kavan Tissa - Dutugemunu's father - who ruled Magama. Somawathiya is therefore much older than Ruwanwelisaya, Mirisawetiya Vihara or Jetavanaramaya.

The stupa is named after Princess Somawathi, the sister of King Kavantissa, and the wife of regional ruler Prince Giri Abhaya. The prince built the stupa to enshrine the right tooth relic of the Buddha, obtained from Arahat Mahinda, and named the stupa after the princess. Upon completion of the stupa and other constructions, the prince and princess handed over the temple to Arahat Mahinda and other monks.

Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara (Temple)
Buddhists believe that this site has been visited by Gautama Buddha, and it is regarded as one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 sacred places in the country. In the 8th year after attaining the Enlightenment, the Buddha made his 3rd visit to Kelaniya on the invitation of a king of the Naga people named Maniakkitha. During this visit, a local chieftain named Indaka invited Buddha to visit his place in Badulla. At the end of sermons made by Buddha there, Indaka wanted something to worship in memory of Buddha's visit.

The Buddha is said to have given him a few of his hairs and a few drops of sweat that turned into pearls (mukthaka). Indaka had enshrined this sacred hair and pearls in a stupa, believed to be the stupa here.[3] Indaka, the chieftain of the Deva people is now regarded as a deity, reigning the Namunukula mountain range and Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya.

Accommodation
Hotel in Kandy
Included Activities
Visiting Somawathiya Raja maha vihara, VisitingMuthiyangana raja maha vihara
Meals Included
Breakfast and dinner

Day 6

Time : 8:00 am

Kandy

Leave for the Kandy sightseeing tour after breakfast and visit the tooth relic temple, Natha Devala and Buddhist museum. Afternoon: You will do the city tour of Kandy including a visit to the temple of the sacred tooth relic, and a Kandyan cultural show.

Kandy
Kandy city has been declared by UNESCO as a Living World Heritage site. The last capital of Sinhala kings, Kandy is remarkable for the natural beauty of its setting in peaceful natural surroundings with an artificial lake. A British governor has said that Kandy was the most beautiful city in the most beautiful country in the world. The palace building shrines and the British period buildings give it a special character, while the religious importance of the Tooth Relic and the annual procession or the Dalada Perehere contribute dynamism and unique cultural importance to the historic hill capital.

Tooth relic temple
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. The relic was historically held by Sinhalese kings. The temple of the tooth is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple and the relic.

Stop At: Kandy Lake
You will also do an upper lake drive and visit the market square, gem lapidary and more.

Included Activities
Visit Kandyan cultural show, Visit the Tooth relic temple, and the Kandy city tour
Accommodation
Hotel in Kandy
Meals Included
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7

Time : 7:00 am

Kandy / Dambulla / Sigiriya / Kandy

After early breakfast leave for the first Sigiriya rock fortress and then to Dambulla golden temple. Morning: Climb the famous Sigiriya rock fortress and visit rocky abode and water gardens, a UNESCO world heritage and one of the Wonders of the World).

Sigiriya
According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides, it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (AD 477–495) for his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock, he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure; Sīnhāgiri, the Lion Rock (an etymology similar to Singapura, the Sanskrit name of Singapore, the Lion City).

Dambulla 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. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.

Spice garden
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.

Included Activities
Climbing Sigiriya rock fortress, Sigiriya village tour, cooking class, Dambulla golden temple, walking tour of the spice garden.
Accommodation
Hotel in Kandy
Meals Included
Breakfast and dinner

Day 8

Time : 7:00 am

Kandy / Kataragama

After breakfast leave for the hotel in Kataragama, En-route visit Sita temple and Kataragama temple. Evening a visit to the Kataragama temple, which is the most popular temple in southern Sri Lanka. In the afternoon wildlife tour of Yala national park.

Seetha Amman temple
Seetha Amman Temple is located approximately 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from Hakgala Botanical Garden and 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Nuwara Eliya. The temple is located in the village of Seetha Eliya (also known as Sita Eliya). This place is believed to be the site where Sita was held captive by Asur Samrat (Devil King) Ravana, and where she prayed daily for Rama to come and rescue her in the Hindu epic, Ramayana. On the rock face across the stream are circular depressions said to be the footprints of Lord Hanuman.

Kataragama temple
Kataragama temple, Sri Lanka, is a temple complex dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama devil and Hindu War God Murugan. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Vedda people. For most of the past millennia, it was a jungle shrine very difficult to access; today it is accessible by an all-weather road. The shrines and the nearby Kiri Vehera are managed by Buddhists, the shrines dedicated to Teyvāṉai and Shiva are managed by Hindus and the mosque by Muslims.

Yatalatissa temple
Yatala Vehera (also spelt Yatala Wehera) is an ancient Buddhist stupa dating back to the 3rd Century B.C, located in Deberawewa - Thissamaharama in Hambantota District of Sri Lanka. The stupa is built on a stage made of large flat granite stones and has a surrounding wall of sculpted elephant heads, a moat and a large moonstone. It is believed that the stupa was built 2300 years ago by regional king Yatala Thissa of Ruhuna to commemorate the place where he was born. However, some believe that the stupa was built by regional king Mahanaga, father of Yatala Thissa to mark the birth of his son.

Yala national park
Yala is considered to be one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka same time it is the biggest national park in Sri Lanka with 97880 hectares extent. Initially, it was used as a hunting ground during British rule in Sri Lanka. It is said people had to pay for hunting in Yala. As the number of animals drastically reduced due to hunting, Yala is declared a national park in 1900 and became a safe place for animals. Yala is the biggest national park and is divided into 5 zones. Yala is holding a prominent place as far as biodiversity is concerned. Yala is a famous high density of wildlife such as Leopards, Elephants, Deer, Wild boar, bears, monkeys etc.

Included Activities
Seetha Amman temple, Visiting Kataragama temple, Visiting Yatalatissa temple, Yala national park safari
Accommodation
Hotel in Tissamaharama
Meals Included
Breakfast and dinner

Day 9

Time : 8:00 am

Kataragama / Colombo

After breakfast proceeds, beach hotel in Colombo, En-route visit Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, Bentota beach, Galle fort, and sea turtle conservation project.

Galle
The ancient port city of Galle has a history that stretches back hundreds of years. According to Sir James' tenant, Galle was the “Tarshish” referred to in the Bible as the port where ships trading with King Solomon obtained gemstones, ivory, spices and scented woods. Most certainly the place where the Galle fort now stands, as well as other areas in Galle all had historic connections which go back long before the Portuguese era. International traders, Persians, moor traders from the Persian Gulf, south Indian traders, Malay and a host of other nationalities lived and traded In Galle.

Galle Fort
The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

Unawatuna beach
Unawatuna Beach is located just south of Galle, the main city in the south and 125km from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. This 4km expanse of palm-fringed sand is said by some to rank amongst the twelve best beaches in the world. This beach is a paradise for all those who yearn to enjoy the silence of the sea and dive deep into the blue waters of the ocean. There is a reef protecting the beach, which makes it perfectly a safe haven for bathing. Other major attractions of this southern beach include shallow waters for swimming and diving. Within its reach, there is an accessible, reasonably well-preserved coral reef that serves as the base for snorkelling.

Hikkaduwa beach
Hikkaduwa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Sri Lanka. It is 98 km south of Colombo and its beautiful beaches a lot of glamour to this town. It is the place where you can have a glimpse of the fascinating underwater world and see the creatures that inhabit the unfathomable depths of the sea. The famed coral gardens are located here. Just get hold of a glass-bottomed boat or goggles and flippers and plunge into the ocean.

Bentota beach
If you are looking for an ideal romantic beach holiday Bentota located 62 km south of Colombo is the ideal place to go. The place is a small town fast developing, teeming with the growth of hotels, shopping arcades and cafeterias. There is also an open-air theatre where folk and mask dancing is performed. This section of the southwestern coast gives a typical picture of a tropical beach dotted with palm trees; white sandy drenches and blue waters.

Activities planned for today
Walking tour of Galle fort, Visiting Sea turtle conservation centre, Bentota beach, Hikkaduwa beach, Unawatuna beach.
Accommodation
Hotel in Colombo
Meals Included
Breakfast and dinner

Day 10

Time : 9:00 am

Colombo / Bandaranayke Airport

Breakfast at the hotel and leave for a sightseeing tour of Colombo and visit Gangarama temple, Kelaniya temple and other important sites.

Colombo
Colombo city had been a well-known city in the region among the Arabian, Chinese, Indian, Persian, and roman traders as early as the pre-Christian era. Sri Lanka is located on the East-West sea route and is visited by traders in order to exchange their goods with the local traders. Even though Colombo was a well-known city among the ancient traders 2,000 years ago, the capital city of the country had been Anuradhapura. There was an Arabian settlement in the city of Colombo at the mouth of the Kelani River. Arab traders were exporting goods from the port of Colombo. Goods such as Cinnamon, ivory, gems, and elephants were exported by the king of Kotte with the help of Arabs. With the beginning of the British colonial period, Colombo city received a prominent place as the capital of Ceylon. Colombo was the capital of the island from 1815 to 1978 until the administrative capital was moved to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.

Galle face
This had been a well-known Racecourse during the British colonial period in the country. This race course which is located bordering the Indian Ocean had to be abandoned later on due to the Sea crabs, which are making holes in the track. Afterwards, it was developed as a promenade for the city dwellers and named Galle to face green. Today Galle face green contains an open theatre, and spacious open space for picnics, sports and walking.

Gangarama temple
It is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the country. Temple is one of the three places that Buddha visited in the 6th century B.C. well known Kelaniya dagoba is located within the border of the temple. Kalyani River, which flows next to the temple, adds more value to the scenic beauty of the temple. This temple holds a reputation for its attractive wall, which is considered to be the best painting of the Modern Era

Kelaniya temple
Buddhists believe the temple to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment.[3] Its history would thus go back to before 500 BCE. The Mahayana records that the original Stupa at Kelaniya enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. The temple flourished during the Kotte era but much of its land was confiscated during the Portuguese empire. Under the Dutch empire, however, there were new gifts of land and under the patronage of King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha, the temple was rebuilt. It was refurbished in the first half of the 20th century with the help of Helena Wijewardene.

The Kelaniya Stupa enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. Buddha's second visit to Nagadeepaya, Sri Lanka was in the fifth year of enlightenment to settle a dispute between two Naga Kings, Chulodara and Mahodara over the possession of a Gem Studded throne. After having listened to the Dhamma sermons by Buddha the Naga kings paid homage to Buddha with overwhelming faith and the throne was offered to Buddha by two Naga kings.

Viharamahadevi park
Viharamahadevi is located in Colombo 7 or Cinnamon gardens. It is the largest and most popular park in the city. It is believed that there had been a twenty-square-kilometre cinnamon plantation in the area. Today most of the palaces of wealthy people can be seen in the area and Colombo 7 is the most picturesque part of the city.

Wolvemndaal church
The Wolvendaal Church is located In Fort and within walking distance from the centre of the city. It has a large collection of tombstones of important Dutch personalities. Fort is made at the highest point of the city and dates back to 1813. The church is built in the doric style of the period. In the form of a Greek cross, with five feet thick walls and the gables raised over. The transepts are roofed with brick barrel arches and a central dome.

Aukana Buddha, Tndepoendence memorial hall, BMICH
Facing the Bandaranayke Memorial International Conference Hall stands a beautifully executed statue of the Buddha in a standing posture. The statue is 36 feet tall and is the largest Buddha statue in the city of Colombo. It is a replica of the Avukana Statue on the banks of the Kalawewa Anuradhapura.

Activities planned for today
Colombo city tour with Gangarama temple and Kelaniya temple
Accommodation
No Accommodation for today
Meals Included
Breakfast

End of the tour

  1. Fankook:

    A very economical journey with excellent lodging, cuisine, transportation, and a knowledgeable driver-guide. Gaya was exceptionally cordial and knowledgeable about the religion and history of his native country, in addition to being highly professional. We visited scores of temples, some of which were several hours’ journeys away from the city and located far from it. A remarkable journey that encompassed dozens of significant Buddhist temples.

  2. Maree:

    We had the best Sri Lanka Buddhist tour possible. Buddhism was amazing…very easy to spend time with our friendly guide ruwan and appreciate his sharing his knowledge with us

  3. Passenger:

    Ruwan was a graceful host showing us the cultural, religious sights and beauty of Sri Lanka. An amazing and enjoyable trip to see Buddhist religious places in Sri Lanka!

  4. Rosy:

    Excellent trip; I saw the tooth temple in Kandy, and I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine to worship the Buddha’s tooth. I’m grateful.

  5. Graham:

    A wonderful tour of Sri Lanka that mostly focused on Buddhist holy sites. covers a wide range of topics, including Buddhism temples, antiquity, and modern day living. Our wonderful, professional guide Jana was able to explain every facet of the Buddhist culture of his home country. He was informed, always approachable, and showed great attention to every detail of our travel plans and lodging. With frequent opportunity to see numerous significant Buddhist temples and a wide variety of “rice and curry” that wasn’t limited to tourist eateries, this tour was a culinary delight. Jana was amenable to our flexibility.

  6. Emmie:

    We are a family of 5 persons who booked the 10 days trip with seerendipity & we enjoyed the trip a lot with Jaya, our personal guide. We can talk almost anything just like friend. He arranged us all the activities such as, Yala Safari, cultural triangle, botanical garden all included in the price. I know of some company make a hefty profit out of selling entrance tickets separately at an hefty price. The local company Seerendipity did not do it. Our guide Amara was fantastic and very supportive. At times, the day before, I decided to change my itinerary, of course within reasonable distance and time along the way, our guide is accomodative. Amatra brought us to very nice and reasonable places for meals. Knowing that we cannot take spicy food, he always ensure eateries have both local food in case we want to try and western cuisine. When I run out of LKR, he went round looking for it along the way despite a public holiday. we really enjoyed the whole trip with Amara. Thank you Amara for making our trip memorable.

  7. Ken:

    Had a great 10 days seeing the sights of temples, historical sites, and southern and central Sri Lanka. Great mix of off the beaten track sites and tourist sites.

  8. Bernard:

    We had an an amazing experience with Roshan by talking the 10 days trip. We were a bigger group and he perfectly managed to make a nice historical & sightseeing tour through Sri Lanka. 100% Recommendation – we had a great time!

  9. Ronald:

    Little bit long (10 days) but it is a nice trip with large number of Buddhsit sites and plenty of leisure tile inbetween.

  10. Remina niyara:

    We wanted to do this trip for a long time but unfortunately did not have opportunity to do it due to the COVID-19pandemic. However, as the number of covid cases contained in Sri Lanka in the month of March we decided to make it. And we had no fear as we were already fully vaccinated. It was a fantastic break after stranded at home for more than a year. The trip includeds dozens of temples, places and ruins. Good hotels, food and vehicle with the Joe, who was an excellent driver./guide.

  11. Paliona:

    We were able to witness a large number of temple within 10 days. Some of them are very remotely loctaed but buddhism point of view they are very important. Very well organized trip, well worth the price.

  12. ideasa:

    Well planned nice trip

  13. Seira mesuama:

    Busy first week, very laid back in the end. A lot of temples and a lot of Buddhist monuments delicious rice and curry… The hikes were too laid back. We thought it was going to be more challenging. Overall a good trip

  14. Hania:

    Visitng tooth temple was one of my dreams and thanks to this Buddhits trip I was able to visit it and make a offering at tooth temple.

  15. Kamina megran:

    Very affordable trip with fantastic hotels, food, excellent vehicle and fantastic driver guide. Gaya was very professional and friendly and he is very knowledgeable about his country and its religion and history. We vsisted many dozens of temple and some of them are far away from the city and long hours of travelling. Excellent trip with about a dozens of important Buddhist temples.

  16. Ganzen:

    Excellent trip

  17. Zubiyama:

    The Best of SriLanka tour for Buddhist, I thinks. It was nothing short of INCREDIBLE!! From Buddhist sites to our Tour Guide, to accommodation, experiences had, and everything in between; a magnificent way to see the rich Buddhist culture in just 10 days. The trip includes very important yet located on far away destination on the island

  18. Nelina:

    Perfect trip of Sri Lanka who love Buddhist religion. The vehicle was excellent and all activities were private. The hotels were all to a good standard, and the guide was a star. Sri Lanka is a lush tropical paradise with hundreds of Buddhist temples, and well worth a visit. The people are all friendly, the food and drink is cheap, and the sun always shines. Plus it’s full of loads of old stuff. What more could you want?

  19. Rasima hui:

    We had an amazing Sri Lanka trip . Loved visiting Buddhit temple in Anuradapura, Kandy , dambulla and Colombo. Visiting tooth temple and get the blessings of tooth relic is the most important highlight. Everything perfectly organized and our guide Thilan did a great job.

  20. Lamao:

    What a fantastic trip to experience the Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist culture – such a wonderful country filled with wonderful people and nature. Chamil was the most incredible guide who loves his country so much that he makes you love it too. It was so well organised, and Chamil did a great job, we had the best time and were taken care of every step and in every way.

  21. Maruisa:

    All of us (5 people) loved the entire trip and experience of mixing with Sri Lankan’s and their religious sites. We met lot of Buddhist people as we visited temples and we found the locals to be warm and friendly everywhere we went. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone that loves immersing themselves in Buddhism, the local culture and enjoy Sri Lankan curries and rotti’s.

  22. Chakrii mia:

    Excellent trip, thoroughly enjoyed Sri Lanka, so much to see in such a small island. Itinerary was busy with a dozens of temples but had a good mix of some leisure time in between.

  23. Itacho hamdi:

    An Amazing Sri Lanka tour which mainly revolve around Buddhist religious sites. Includes lot from antiquity to Buddhist temples to contemporary daily life. Our fantastic, professional guide Jana was able to cover all aspects Buddhist culture of his beloved country, knowledgeable, always readily available, his attention to each individual on the tour, the details of our travel and accommodation was exceptional. This tour was a delight for the palate with constant opportunities to experience the many important Buddhist religious sites, and varieties of ‘rice and curry’, not restricted to tourist restaurants. Jana was open to the flexibility of us.

  24. Machiano:

    It was purely a Buddhist pilgrimage tour, but we wanted to have some leisure and experince things not only related to Busddhism. However the trip was good our guide did a fantastic job. Good food, good vehicle and very good hotels.

  25. Nelishio:

    Very good trip, visted the tooth temple Kandy and It was one of my lifetime wish to worship the tooth of Buddha. Thank you.

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