pilgrimage tour

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and begin your spiritual journey with a visit to the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, a temple revered as one of the three places visited by Lord Buddha during his visit to Sri Lanka.

• Explore the ancient temple adorned with beautiful murals and carvings

• Participate in a short offering or puja if desired

• Continue your journey northwards to Anuradhapura, the ancient capital and spiritual heart of the island

In Anuradhapura, you’ll visit:

• Sri Maha Bodhi Tree – a sacred fig tree grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India

• Ruwanwelisaya Stupa – one of the largest and most venerated stupas in the country

• Thuparamaya – believed to be the first stupa in Sri Lanka, enshrining the collarbone relic of the Buddha

• Jetavanaramaya – a massive brick structure built in the 3rd century, once the tallest stupa in the world

🛌 Overnight Stay: Anuradhapura

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Mihintale, the mountain where Buddhism was officially introduced to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda. Climb the steps to reach peaceful vantage points, shrines, and meditation caves.

• Visit Ambasthala Dagoba, the site of the first meeting between Arahat Mahinda and King Devanampiya Tissa

• Take in panoramic views and feel the calm spiritual energy surrounding the area

Next, travel to Ridee Viharaya (Silver Temple) in Kurunegala — an ancient rock temple where silver ore was discovered to build Ruwanwelisaya. It’s a place of quiet reverence and natural beauty.

• Admire its ancient rock carvings, cave paintings, and peaceful surroundings

• Option for brief meditation or blessings from the resident monks

In the evening, travel to Dambulla, home to Sri Lanka’s most famous cave temple.

🛌 Overnight Stay: Dambulla or Sigiriya

Begin your morning with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where more than 150 Buddha statues rest inside five natural caves.

• See intricate murals and statues dating back over 2,000 years

• Experience a deep sense of serenity inside the cave chambers

Next, drive east to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the island’s second historical capital and another UNESCO site.

Explore the following sacred sites:

• Gal Vihara – magnificent granite statues of the Buddha in meditation, seated, and reclining poses

• Lankathilaka Temple – a towering image house

• Rankoth Vehera – the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa

• Vatadage – a unique circular relic house used for protecting a sacred relic

This city reflects the architectural brilliance and deep devotion of ancient Sri Lankan kings.

🛌 Overnight Stay: Polonnaruwa or Habarana

Today you will visit two sacred sites tied closely to the island’s early Buddhist history.

First, head to Somawathiya Raja Maha Viharaya, a peaceful stupa deep in the jungles near the Mahaweli River. It is believed to house a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha and is less visited, offering a calm, spiritual atmosphere surrounded by nature.

Later, proceed to Mahiyanganaya Raja Maha Viharaya, believed to be the site of the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka, nine months after his enlightenment.

• Visit the ancient stupa and the newly built museum

• Reflect on the teachings of the Buddha as you complete your journey

In the afternoon, transfer back to Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.

🛌 End of Tour