5 Days of Buddhist Heritage

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your tour guide and transferred north to the ancient city of Anuradhapura – Sri Lanka’s first capital and one of the holiest cities in the Buddhist world.

After checking in and relaxing at your hotel, begin your sacred journey with a visit to the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree — grown from the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This tree, planted over 2,000 years ago, is a deeply revered pilgrimage site, and the peaceful ambiance offers a perfect start for your spiritual exploration.

📍 Overnight Stay: Anuradhapura

Start the day with a guided pilgrimage across Anuradhapura’s sacred triangle, visiting ancient stupas and relics that date back to the 3rd century BCE:

• Ruwanwelisaya – the most magnificent dagoba, built by King Dutugemunu

• Thuparamaya – believed to house the right collarbone of Lord Buddha

• Abhayagiriya Monastery – once a major center for Buddhist education

• Jetavanaramaya Stupa – one of the tallest brick structures in the world

In the afternoon, visit Mihintale, the legendary mountain monastery where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda. Climb the grand staircase to witness the serenity of the site and panoramic views of the plains. Take time to meditate or simply reflect among ancient stone shrines and statues.

📍 Overnight Stay: Anuradhapura

After breakfast, begin your journey southward to Dambulla, where you’ll visit the renowned Golden Rock Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complex of five caves houses over 150 Buddha statues, beautiful murals, and centuries of offerings left by ancient kings and pilgrims.

Continue to Kandy, nestled among misty hills. Kandy is the final royal capital of Sri Lanka and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) — the most sacred shrine for Buddhists in the country. In the evening, participate in or witness the ceremonial puja (offering) that honors the relic with traditional music and rituals.

📍 Overnight Stay: Kandy

Begin your day with a tranquil walk through Udawattakele Forest Monastery, a serene sanctuary for monks, nestled above Kandy Lake. Later, visit lesser-known but spiritually powerful sites such as:

• Lankatilaka Viharaya – an ancient temple with rich architecture

• Gadaladeniya Temple – built in the 14th century with South Indian influence

• Asgiriya or Malwathu Monastery – traditional Buddhist education centers

In the afternoon, visit the International Buddhist Museum, the only museum of its kind, which documents the global spread of Buddhism across Asia and beyond.

Optionally, arrange a Dhamma session or guided meditation at a monastery, or receive blessings from resident monks.

📍 Overnight Stay: Kandy

Enjoy a peaceful morning with optional visits to:

• Natha Devalaya – one of Kandy’s oldest temples

• Kandy Lake – perfect for a calm morning walk or reflection

Then begin your return journey to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight, taking home not only memories but spiritual insights and blessings from Sri Lanka’s sacred sites.

📍 End of Tour