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 Day 01 - Arrival / Kelaniya / Gangaramaya
Arrive at the Bandaranaike International airport, Katunayake.You will be met and assisted by our airport staff on arrival and transferred to Colombo, the commercial capital of the country (30 km, approx. 1 hour drive). On arrival in Colombo, check in at the hotel. After a short break, visit the Kelaniya Temple or the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. Situated about 12 km from Colombo, set within a sacred area of around ten acres, the Kelani Vihara stands beside the Kelani River as evidence of Buddhist tradition in this country. 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. Its history would thus go back to before 500 BCE.The Mahawansa 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 twentieth century with the help of Helena Wijewardana.
The temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Buddha and paintings which depict important events in the life of the Buddha, in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, also incidents from the Jataka tales. It is the venue for the Duruthu Maha Perehera procession each January. An 18-foot stone statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara has been erected at the temple.
Afterwards, leave for Gangaramaya in Colombo. Gangaramya, originally a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land was transformed into a nationally and internationally famous Vihara by Ven. Dewundara Sri Jinaratana Nayaka Thero. Winning the hearts of the Buddhists as well as the non - Buddhists of the area and with their support in a short time he transformed the little hermitage to the famous Gangaramaya of today, as a memento to his revered Guru teacher Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero.
Today Gangaramaya is not only a place of worship; it is also a centre of learning. It has the main features of a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagoda) the Bodhitree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Simamalaka and the Relic Chamber. In addition, a museum, a library, residential hall, a three-storied Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall are also on the premises. All the subsequent incumbents of Gangaramaya have had the will, the drive and the energy to serve the public in religious, cultural and national matters. For over a century from 1890, it has been making a valuable contribution to the traditions of Viharas and Pirivenas. It has also been instrumental in establishing the Buddhist temple in Staten Island (U.S.A.) the Buddhist Center in New York, Birmingham Buddhist Vihara (U.K) and the Buddhist Centre in Tanzania, thereby helping to propagate the Dhamma in foreign countries. On completion check in at the hotel.Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.
Day 02 - Colombo / Dambulla / Pidurangala
After an early breakfast at the hotel leave for Dambulla ( 148 km, approx. 3 hour drive) to visit the famous Golden Rock Cave Temple which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, a vast isolated rock mass with its five caverns is the largest best preserved cave-temple complexes in Sri Lanka.
The complex of caves is one of the most impressive Buddhist Temples in the world. This has been inhabited by monks for at least 2000 years and was known in ancient times as Jambukola. This monastery was known as Jambukola Vihara. By perhaps the 8th or 9th century enthusiasm for the ascetic cave dwelling lifestyle began to wane and the monks moved out of the caves into a monastery at the foot of the hill and the large cave was given over to ceremonial use. It was artificially enlarged and five temples were built in it. In the 12th century King Nissankamalla came on pilgrimage to Dambulla and ‘had the lying, sitting and standing Buddha images in the cave gilded, celebrated a great puja at the cost of seven hundred thousand gold pieces and renamed the cave the 'Golden Rock Cave’. Most of the numerous paintings at Dambulla were done in the 18th and early 19th century while a few were done in the early 20th century.
On passing through the entrance gate one can see on the right, an inscription carved on the rock. The inscription was written after King Nissankamalla visited Dambulla during one of his numerous inspection tours. Nissankamalla describes the endowments he made to the monastery.
The first cave called the Dev-Raja-Viharaya or the Temple of the King of the Gods derives its name from the traditional story that Sakka who is the king of the Gods gave the finishing touches to the principal statue within it. This reclining image of the Buddha depicts the Parinibbana or the passing away of the Buddha. The statue is about 47 ft. in length and typical of late Anuradhapura sculpture has been well preserved. This cave holds five other images and innumerable wall and ceiling paintings which are now faded and blackened by smoke from oil lamps and incense burnt by devotees.
The next cave, the Maharaja Lena, is the largest and most important temple at Dambulla. Enter the Maharaja Lena by the second of the two doors. The cave is 122 feet long, 75 feet wide and 21 feet high at its highest point. On the left as you enter is a fine statue which popular tradition says is of King Valagambahu but is more likely of a bodhisattva. Directly in front of you across the floor as you enter is the temple’s main image, a life-size Buddha standing under a dragon arch. Where the paint has peeled off one can see the gold leaf below. This is probably the gilding done by Nissankamalla in the 12 century. This cave contains fifty three images, most of them of the Buddha in different postures. The entire wall surface of the cave is a mosaic of brilliantly coloured paintings.
The Mahaatula Lena, the second largest temple at Dambulla is 90 feet long, 80 feet wide and 36 feet high at the highest point. Directly in front of you as you enter is a large seated Buddha image flanked by two standing images. On completion leave for Pidurangala.(27 km, approx. ½ hour drive).
Pidurangala is a mountain about one kilometer from Sigiriya. At the bottom is a functioning monastery. All along the rocky path up, one comes across caves which were used by monks as early as the first century BC. Near the top is the colossal reclining Buddha image which has been recently restored. There the path ends, but one can reach the summit by climbing over rocks, from which the view, including Sigiriya itself, is breath-taking. On the summit, there are the remains and indications of a monastic building and a stupa. On completion check in at the hotel.Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.
Day 03 - Dambulla / Aukana / Anuradhapura
After an early breakfast at the hotel proceed to Aukana (35 km, approx. 1 hour drive) to see the statue of the Aukana Buddha, undoubtedly the most magnificent undamaged ancient image in the island. The 5th century statue ascribed to King Dhatusena is 13 meters high standing beneath a recently constructed brick shelter. Aukana means ‘sun eating’ and is best viewed when the sun rises. To see the beauty of this geometrically designed rock statue one must be present during a a rain shower. One will see how balanced the rock carving is that the water flowing from the head comes down the forehead and on to the nose and drops down exactly between the feet. To feel the force and the universal kindness flowing out of Lord Buddha’s face, watch Him at dawn when sunlight hits the top of the statue. It is an unforgettable experience.
Afterwards leave for Anuradhapura (62 km, approx. 2 hour drive). On arrival visit the sacred and ancient city founded in the 04th century B.C a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. It has the largest number of ancient monuments of the great Sinhala civilization which flourished in this region.
The ‘Sri Mahabodhi’ or the Sacred Bo Tree (Ficus religiosa).
It is the oldest historically documented tree in the world (2,250 years) grown from a branch of the very tree under which at Buddha Gaya in North India – the prince Siddhartha himself attained Enlightenment.
The Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, is considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC. It is one of the world's tallest monuments, standing at 300 ft (92 m) and with a circumference of 950 ft (292 m). The surrounding wall is decorated with 1,900 figures of elephants - 475 on each side.
The Thuparama Dagoba – This most ancient of Sri Lanka dagobas was built by King Dewanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC to enshrine the Buddha’s collar bone.The Abhayagiri Dagaba an important ancient Therawada Buddhist Monastic centre (Vihara) built by King Vattagamani Abhaya.(29-17 BC) is one of the most extensive ruins in the world. Historically it was a great monastic centre as well as a royal capital, with magnificent monateries rising to many stories, roofed with gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay glazed in brilliant colors. To the north of the city, encircled by great walls and containing elaborate bathing ponds, carved balustrades and moonstones, stood "Abhayagiri", one of seventeen such religious units in Anuradhapura and the largest of its five major viharas.
The Mirisaveti Stupa was constructed by King Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara, After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre, he had gone to Tisawewa for a bath leaving the sceptre. After the bath he returned to the place where the sceptre was placed, and it is said that it could not be moved. The stupa was built in the place where the sceptre stood.
The Brazen Palace – Lovamahapaya – also known as the Lohaprasadaya is an ancient royal palace which once had nine storeys. It is situated between Ruvanveliseya and Sri Mahabodiya.. A roof of copper tiles over this primordial skyscraper earned for it, its name, Brazen Palace. This work of King Dutugemunu is known to have been burned down only 15 years after its building.
The Samadhi Buddha
This 4th Century (c) AD statue of the Buddha in meditative posture is acknowledged world wide as a masterpiece, one of the finest pieces of Buddhist sculpture.
The Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)
Among the finest and exquisite constructions of the period are these Twin Ponds belonging to the Abhayagiri establishment. On completion check in at the hotel.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Anuradhapura.
Day 04 - Mihintale / Kaludiya Pokuna
Early morning leave for Mihintale.(12 km, approx. ½ hour drive) In the 3rd century BC, area of Mihinthalawa was a thick jungle area inhibited by wild animals and was a hunting ground reserved for the royals. All this changed in 250 BC when the son of the Indian Emperor Asoka, Mahinda Maha Thero arrived at the Missaka Pauwa to meet king Devamnampiyatissa for the first time and asked the famous questions to decide whether he is intelligent enough to understand the philosophy of the Buddha. Initially Mahinda Maha Thero’s residence, but later Mihinthale became a main centre for Theravada Buddhism.
Mihinthale is a collection of four mountains each about 1000 feet in height. They are
Mihinthalawa , Ath Vehera mountain, Anaikutti mountain and Rajagiri Lena mountain.
Mihinthalawa is the main mountain and where the Aradhana gala (The rock of invitation) and the main Mahaseya stupa is situated.
Places of sacred and archeological interest in Mihinthale
Aradhana Gala (Rock of Invitation) , Assembly hall , Bathge (The Refectory), Eth Vehera , Indikatu seya aramic complex , Kaludiya Pokuna, Kantaka Chethiya , Maha Seya, Mihindu Guhava ( Cave of Mahinda Maha Thero), Mihindu Seya, Naga Pokuna, Rajagiri Kanda, Relic House and the Inscription of King Mahinda IV, Sila Stupa and the Vatadage, Veda Sala (The Hospital complex)
On completion leave for the Meditation centre at Kaludiya Pokuna forest. (12 km, approx. ½ hour drive).Kaludiya Pokuna, or the black water pool is said have taken its name from the sombre reflections of trees and boulders in the surrounding jungle. This pond is the largest of the ponds at Mihintale. Some believe that it may probably be the ancient Porodini Pokuna mentioned in the Mihintale tablets of Mahinda IV. Around the pond are the remains of an Aramaya consisting of bathing houses, meditation halls and walled caves and two dagobas. This is the best place for anyone interested in meditation. After having a discussion with a senior monk leave for Anuradhapura(12 km, approx. ½ hour drive) for your night stay. Overnight stay at a hotel in Anuradhapura.
Day 05 - Tapo Wanaya / Anuradhapura
Early morning leave for “Tapo Wanaya” in which Monk and hermits engage in deep meditation. You will be coached by a senior meditator or by a hermit.. Full day will be spent in this forest. Late evening leave for Anuradhapura and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Anuradhapura.
Day 06 - Matale / Aluwiharaya / Kandy
After an early breakfast at hotel leave for Kandy.(138 km, 3 hour drive) En route visit the Aluviharaya. The history of Alu Viharaya also could be traced back to the reign of King Valagmba. It is believed that Alu Viharaya is a cave where King Valagmaba was hiding at one time when he lost the throne due to a South Indian invasion. After defeating the invaders and having established himself on the throne again, he constructed various Temples and Dagabas. It is said that King Valagmaba had donated this cave to the Maha Sangha ( Fraternity of Buddhist Monks) after he defeated the invaders and became the King of Sri Lanka again.
This temple had been constructed in the 1st century BC. It is at Alu Viharaya that the ‘Thripitakaya( The doctrine of the Buddha is in Three Segments) called ‘Pitakas’ and are referred to as “Three Baskets ‘ in English) was committed to writing. Until then the doctrine of the Buddha was committed to memory by Buddhist Monks and was handed down from one generation to another by word of mouth. On completion leave for Kandy (25 km, approx. 1 hour drive) and on arrival check in at the hotel.
Evening visit the Temple of Tooth, commonly known as "Sri Dalada Maligawa" is situated in the city of hills, Kandy. It is an important shrine for Buddhists as it holds the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is famous for its carvings and the beautiful art that is unique to Sri Lanka. The most important part of the Dalada Maligawa is the Pathirppuwa (Octagon). The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. Thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty. The tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD due to the cruel war in India. The ruler of India, King Guhasiva, was afraid that he might lose the battle and therefore lose the tooth relic. So the King decided to send the tooth relic to Sri Lanka because it was a strong Buddhist country. King Guhasiva trusted Sri Lanka to treat the tooth relic highly because there was a strong relationship between the two countries. Prince Dhantha and Princess Hemamala brought the tooth relic to Sri Lanka. The tooth relic is now kept on the top floor of the "Vadahitina Maligawa" so that thousands of people could worship it. The arrival of the tooth relic had a great influence to Sri Lanka. Evening witness “Thewawa” (services to the sacred tooth). Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy
Day 07 - Kandy.
Early morning visit the Sacred Temple of Tooth Relic (06.30 am). Full day at leisure.Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.
08 Day - Kandy / Ella / Buduruwagala
After breakfast at the hotel leave for Buduruwagala via Nuwara Eliya. Enroute visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya where a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora including the famous Orchid House could be viewed.
Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya (77 km, approx.3 hour drive). Set in the heart of the Tea Country, situated 1890 meters above sea level, this beautiful town of Nuwara-Eliya is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne with well kept lawns with hedges.
En route visit a tea plantation and a tea factory. At the tea factory witness the process of manufacture of tea from plucking of the green leaves to packeting of the processed tea which is mainly meant for export markets. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya commence a sightseeing tour in the city. Visit the Nuwara Eliya Town, Market place, Golf Course, (one of the finest 18 holes Golf Course in Asia) the Hill Club, and drive around this hill station viewing Lake Gregory.
Afterwards leave for Buduruwagala.(100 km. approx. 3 hour drive). The Rock Carvings of Buduruwagala - at the centre of the outcrop is the most imposing figure, a carving of the Buddha, fifteen metres high. This is not only the tallest standing Buddha statue in Sri Lanka but quite possibly the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world since the Bamian statues in Afganistan were destroyed by the Taliban. While portions of this image are well preserved, time and the elements have taken their toll and the finer details have disappeared. On completion leave for Ella(39 km, approx. 1 hour drive) and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Ella.
09 Day - Ella / Maligavila / Katharagama
Early morning leave for Maligawila (58 km, approx. 1 ½ hour drive) and visit the Free standing Buddha statue of 6th century AD origin. This Buddha statue of 42 feet height is the largest free-standing crystalline time stone-hewn statue in the island. There is strong evidence that the largest Image House in the island (of a length and breadth of 80 x 80 feet) had once circumscribed this gigantic statue. Here you may also visit the Bodhisatwa statue. Just left to the stairway to the Bodhisattva statue lies a pillar inscription protected by a newly built structure. This stone pillar is said to have been placed by King Mahinda IV (956-972 AD) on his 10th year of reign. This inscription records the work done by the king to uplift Buddhism and has some rules laid down by him regarding the administration of Buddhist sites. On completion leave for Kataragama. (58 km, approx. 1 ½ hour drive)
Kataragama is famed island-wide by all walks of life since it is where Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims all offer prayers. Probably one of the only places in the world to welcome devotees from three different religious, Kataragama comes alive in July / August when colorful festivals are thronged with Sri Lankans proving their worth by walking on hot coals or grotesquely sticking hooks through their skin to the tune of drummers beside parading costumed elephants and frenetic dancers. On completion check in at the hotel.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala.
Day 10 - Situlpawwa / Mulgirigala / Wewrukannala / Hambantota
Early morning leave for Situlpawwa (24 km, approx. 45 min. drive). Situlpawwa Rock Temple is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest 2nd century sites of Buddhist scholarship. with a history of over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship in the Hambantota district. The modern name Situlpawwa is derived from the ancient “Cittalpabbata” “ the hill of the quiet mind”. It is said that in the 1st century AD as many as 12.000 Arahants lived here (monks that have achieved the highest mind level in Buddhism). Unlike the great monasteries in Anuradhapura and other towns, life at Situlpawwa was hard and a monk or nun lived there only if they were interested in silence and solitude. Located opposite the Maha Situlpawwa rock which is 400 feet (122m) in height is a cave temple. This cave temple, which is 67 feet high and 30 feet long, is part of the intricate cave-complex at Situlpawwa. On completion leave for Mulgirigala ( 113 km, approx. 2 ½ hour drive). The most imposing rock temple in the south of the island is situated on an isolated rock 210m high.
The various cave temples of Mulgirigala contain fine murals of historical importance, which have been created during different periods of Sri Lankan history. In some of the most recent murals, white men in Portuguese and Dutch uniforms can be seen, signifying the advent of the European colonization of Sri Lanka. However, Mulgirigala is most famous for the discovery made here by the English colonial administrator George Turnour. In the year 1826, he found some ‘Olas’ (palm-leaf manuscripts) in the library of one of its temples. After translating these from Pali to English he found that he had discovered the key to translating one of the ancient Chronicles of Sri Lanka, the “Mahawamsa”. This is one of three ancient Chronicles which together form the uninterrupted historical record of the Buddhist and Dravidian kings of Sri Lanka from 543 BC until the British takeover of Sri Lanka in 1815 AD. The translation enabled scholars to piece together the eventful history of the island.
On completion leave for Wewrukannala (91 km, approx. 2 hour drive). 15 miles east of Matara is the town of Dikwella, where there is one of the most extraordinary Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, the Wewurukannala Vihara dominated by an image of a seated Buddha. It is 160ft high, the largest statue in all of Sri Lanka and dates back to the time of King Rajadhi (1782 - 1798). The temple has three parts, the oldest being about 250 years old. Afterwards check in at the hotel in Hambantota ( 77 km, approx. 2 ½ hour drive) Overnight stay at a hotel in Hambantota
Day 11 - Kalutara / Pahiyangala / Colombo
After breakfast leave for Kalutara (193 km, approx. 1 hour drive) and visit the Buddhist Temple. The huge dagoba of the Gangatilaka Vihara is not especially old – it was built in the 1960s – but it is notable since its hollow interior is supposedly the only one of its kind of in the world. Inside its cavernous echoing interior there is a mini-dagoba surrounded on each of the four sides by a golden Buddha, while brightly coloured Buddhist flags flap down from the ceiling. Around the edge are painted 72 depictions of the 500 Jataka stories – images of the previous births of the Buddha-to-be.On completion leave for Pahiyangala ( 35 km, approx. 1 hour drive). As the name suggests, Pahiyangala is noted for its greatest history with the arrival of Bhikkhu Fa Hsien (a Chinese Buddhist priest) from China in the 3rd century A.D. It is said that Fa Hsien Bhikkhu used this location as his resting place during his stay in Sri Lanka. The other unique feature of this place is the natural rock cave, only its kind in Asia. It is 180 ft in length and 150 ft wide and has enough space for 3000 people to accommodate at a time. At the top of the rock, there is a dense jungle covering with tropical evergreen forest. It is also home to many animal species. The temple is located at the bottom of this rock and at present it is a home for 50 Buddhist priests. The rock is formed like a cobra head. On completion leave for Colombo ( 80 km, approx. 2 hour drive) and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.
Day 12 - Departure
After breakfast leave to the Airport for your departure flight (30 km, approx. 1 hour drive).
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