With a heritages history of more than 2000 years, our Island of Sri Lanka has proudly preserved the religion of Buddhism after the Parinirvana (Death) of Lord Buddha. With a Buddhist population of nearly 74%, the unmatched history of Sri Lanka witnesses the ruins of historical events from past in our heritage sites of Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and more. The culture which is impacted by the massive historical andreligious values dominate majority of the population. Thus increased the percentage of tourists attracted to witness these values and beliefs during the recent past.
During this tour, you will be exploring the most venerated Buddhist shrines / Temples / Stupas and interact with English speaking Buddhist monks / nuns and explore the SriLankan Buddhist culture while participating for some selected Buddhist Rituals / chantingsessions and cooking session for the monks.
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Umandawa Spiritual Villag
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FINISH | Sri Lanka | ||||
DISTRICTS | Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla | ||||
WEAR | Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen. | ||||
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Umandawa Spiritual Village
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- On Arrival transfer to Umandawa Spiritual Village with English speaking driver
- If arriving in the morning, Lunch at the temple
- Garden activities (Help out with the monks in their organic gardening)
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- Tea time discussion with the Nature and Social activities
- Evening chanting – Meditation
- Dinner at the Temple village
- Overnight at the Temple village
At Umandawa, the Sangha living-in the monastery meditates through the experiences they get by being involved in daily chores. Those participating in the retreats will work side-by-side with Buddhist monks(Bhikkhus) and nuns (Mehenin Wahanses). For beginners, first Maithree Bavana, which is the meditation on loving, kindness and Anapanasathi Bavana that is focusing on your breathing is taught before proceeding to Vipassana mediation, which is learning to be mindful in every activity that one does. Everyone lives freely, without any disturbance from the pressures of daily life. All elements are linked to the environment. Mindfulness is woven into all daily activities, where training is given to be mindful throughout the day: while eating, walking, working, or enjoying a meal together.
Dambulla
Umandawa Spiritual Village to Dambulla – 53mins (41km)
- Morning chanting – 5am
- Assist with the cooking for the monk
- Breakfast with the monk
- After breakfast transfer to
Habarana is a most visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka located at the central point of the Cultural Triangle where you can access most important historical places of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Sacred City of Anuradhapura / Ancient City 0f Polonnaruwa / Ancient City of Sigiriya / Cave Temple Dambulla).
- Visit the Dambulla cave temple. Dambulla Cave Temple – This is the largest cave temple in the Island. Although there are over 80 caves in the complex, main attractions spread in five caves. A total of 153 Buddha statues and other statues of Gods and kings are resemblances of true historic value.
- At your Leisure
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight at the hotel
Anuradhapura
- After breakfast, leave for Anuradhapura
- Explore The Scared City of Anuradhapura (Ancient Ruins / Buddhist monuments / Sacred Bodhi Tree /Stupa etc) (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Leave for Mihinthalaya and explore Mihinthale ancient Buddhist monastery / Kalu Diya Pokna
Anuradhapura (UNESCO World Heritage) is the cradle of glorious Sinhalese Buddhist civilization and the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Due to its ruins and living heritages, UNESCO named it as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982 under the name of The Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Jayasrimaha Bodhi – Residing in the Mahamewna Gardens, this sacred fig tree is the southern branch from the Mahabodhi at Bodh Gaya in India. This miraculous complex of the Bodhi is believed to fulfill the prayers of the needy. People from every corner of the world including many locals visit this sacred groundto pay homage daily. Annual Pooja is performed followed by traditional customs.
Ruwanweliseya – This sacred stupa is a famous ground for Buddhists all over the world. This stupa is enshrined with two quarts of Lord Buddha’s relics which is considered as the largest collection on the island. Built by king Dutugemunu upon his victory is now a major religious attraction and the world’s tallestancient monument in the world.
Jetavanaramaya – Residing amongst the ruins of Anuradhapura, this stupa was the third tallest structure in the world by the time it was built. The stupa is still the largest which has housed 10,000 monks to date.Designed in a unique shape of an ellipsoid, the stupa is a fine construction of crushed dolomite, limestone,clay and bricks.
Lankaramaya – The renovated stupa from ancient times leaves behind less trails of its origin. With its ruins from the site, there’s no doubt to have had a house (Vatadage) encircling the stupa to safeguard it.
Nellikulama Temple – This beautiful temple which was built in 2006 resembles the 500 followers of LordBuddha with its 500 disciple statues built in line.
Abhayagiri Vihara – This extensive vihara gives a glow even at a distance with its constructions of burnt clay bricks. Reaching a high state of prestige and importance, it is now an international institute influencingBuddhist philosophy.
Samadhi Buddha Statue – The 7ft 3 inch tall statue carved from dolomite marble resembles Lord Buddha’s posture in his first enlightenment is also regarded as one of the finest Buddha statues in theIsland.
Isurumuniya – Situated near the Thissa Wewa, the temple holds carvings of Isurumuniya lovers, Elephantpond and the Royal family at the time. This is also the sacred grounds of King Ravana.
Avukana Buddha Statue – This standing statue of Lord Buddha which is more than 40 ft in height is a result of a master and a pupil’s competition. This huge statue is carved out of a granite rock and is a majorattraction.
Lovamahapaya – The bronze tiled roof building is situated between the Ruwanweliseya and theJayasrimaha Bodhi. Believed to have had the building plan brought from heaven, there a 1600 stone pillars in the compound which had taken six years for completion. This building was also used to reciteconfessional sutra every full moon.
- Return to Dambulla
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight at the hotel
Polonnaruwa
Dambulla to Polonnaruwa – 1hr – 20mins (65km)
- After breakfast, leave for Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa Ancient City was the second capital of Sri Lanka for three centuries between the 11th to13th century. Due to its archeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa as a World Heritage site in 1982 under the name of Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.One of the key Buddhist Pilgrimages sites of Sri Lanka.
- Explore Polonnaruwa including important Buddhist pilgrimage sites along with other historicalBuddhist / Hindu
- Visit Gal Vihariya Buddhist temple complex
- Drive through bank of the Parakama Samudraya (Lake)
Vatadage – Dating back to Polonnaruwa kingdom, this Vatadage is ‘the finest’ of all and defines its purpose well. Built for the protection of the small stupa, the circular shaped Vatadage with many stone pillars around and an entrance with ‘Sandakada Pahana’ defines architecture at its best back in time.
Lankathilaka Vihara – Built on a natural rock with an influence of South Indian architecture, the imagehouse is the main attraction with Singhalese sculptures and paintings on its walls. Although the 8 storiedimage house mansion just remains with 3 today, the outstanding architectural features yet draws every bitof attention.
Gal Vihara – The three rock relief statues of Lord Buddha’s sitting, standing and reclining positions defineSri Lankan sculpting, carving and art skills during the 12th century.
Pothgul Viharaya – Considered as the oldest library in the country, this ancient ruin is built in a circularstructure entirely by bricks. There are remains of four stupas in the premises.
- Return to Dambulla
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight at the hotel
Kandy
Dambulla to Kandy – 2hr – 20mins (73km)
- After breakfast leave for Kandy
- En-route visit the Matale Aluvihare – This magnificent cave temple is honored for first writing the Pali canon completely on palm leaves. There are images and paintings of hell punishments andHimalayan Mountain range and a sleeping Buddha statue.
- Visit The Sacred Tooth Relic Temple Kandy
- Recommend to participate for the puja at Sacred Tooth Relic Temple Kandy @ 30 PM or 5.30 AM(Discuss with your driver)
- Explore other important Buddhist Temples of Kandy such as Embakka / Gadaladeniya BuddhistTemples
- Visit the Buddhist Monastery in Kandy
- Kandy sightseeing city tour / Cultural Dance show
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight at the hotel
Temple of Tooth – This sacred temple is located in the former Royal palace complex and originally it was used for king’s recreational activities but later was offered to the tooth relic. This mind blowing temple is apeaceful and sacred ground to worship and pray anytime.
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – 3hr (77km)
- After breakfast, leave for Nuwara Eliya
- En-route visit the Botanical garden
- En-route visit the Ramboda Falls
- En-route visit a Tea estate
- Evening – sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight at the hotel
Royal Botanical Gardens Kandy – is the oldest formal gardens in Sri Lanka. The garden includes more than 4000 labeled species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees and isrenowned for its collection of orchids and the long, palm framed pathways. Recommended place to visitduring your holiday in Sri Lanka.
Katharagama
- After breakfast, leave for Katharagama
- En-route visit the Swarnagiri Maha Viharaya Buddhist Temple Nuwara Eliya
- Visit the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight at the hotel
Kataragama temple ’Ruhuṇu Kataragama Dēvālaya’ in Kataragama, Sri Lanka, is a temple complexdedicated to Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama deviyo 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 indigenous Vedda people alike. 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.
The shrine has for centuries attracted Tamil Hindus from Sri Lanka and South India who undertook an arduous pilgrimage on foot. Since the latter half of the 20th century, the site has risen dramatically amongSinhalese Buddhists who today constitute majority of the visitors.
Kalutara
- After breakfast, leave for Kalutara
- En-route visit the Sithulpawwa Buddhist Monastery
- En-route visit the Kande Viharaya Temple – Bentota
- En-route visit the Kalutara Bodiya – Pahala Maluwa
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight at the hotel
Sithulpawwa rock temple is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest 2nd century sites of Buddhist scholarship. It is believed to have been built in the 2nd century B.C by king Kavantissa. The name Sithulpawwa is derived from the word “Chiththala Pabbatha”, which means “the hill of the quiet mind”. His monastery was a place of worship for devotees as well as a center of Buddhist education for Buddhist monks. Paintings of the Anuradhapura era and the ruins of stone Buddha images, Bodhisattva images, Image Houses, Circular Relic Houses are spread throughout the monastery premises. The present chiefincumbent of Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara is Ven. Metaramba Hemarathana Nayake Thera. King Gajabahu placed a stone inscription where it states that the tax received from the court must be paid tothe monks of this monastery.
‘Kande Vihara’ meaning Mountain temple, as it is built on top of a hill. The temple was founded by Karapagala Dewamitta Thero in 1734, under the guidance of Udugama Chandrasara Thero who was then chief incumbent of Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara. In 1904 the Kshethrarama Pirivena, an educational institution for monks, was attached to the temple. Renovated several times under state patronage, Kande Viharaya is today formally recognized as an archaeological site.
The most important attraction of the temple is the gigantic Buddha statue unveiled in 2007. At 160 feet tall, the statue depicting the Bhoomisparsha Mudra is the tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world. Also, the temple comprises the Stupa, Bodhi Tree, Relic Chamber, Image House, Upulvan Devale and the other mainDevalas including Kataragama and Pattini Devalaya. The 300 years old Bodhi Tree, preaching hall and the Seema Malaka are situated outside the Vihara premises. The Stupa has been built in a bell shape anderected within an octagonal Shelter.
The relic chamber of the temple is believed to be the oldest building in the temple premises. At the entrance of the chamber is sculptured with a stone moonstone and a door frame. Inner walls and the ceiling of the chamber have been adorned with Kandyan Era Frescoes. The image house of the temple is consisting of an inner chamber and an outer chamber. Inside the inner chamber three Buddha images in the standing, seated and sleeping postures can be seen. The walls and the ceilings of both chambers have been decorated with Jataka tales, life events of Buddha and various types of other murals.
Kalutara Viharaya – Located right next to the Kalutara Bodhiya is the Kalutara Viharaya, which is believed to be one of the largest hollow stupas in the world. Just like the Kalutara Bodhiya, this place of worship is frequented by many devotees of the Buddhist faith looking for blessings and a prosperous life for their family. In addition to the unique aesthetics of the Buddhist temple, it is also one of the more scenic places in the city where you can view the Indian Ocean and the Kalu Ganga in all its entirety. The weekends are the best time to visit if you want to witness the serenity of Buddhist prayers of the devotees chanting in unison.
Since the Kalutara Viharaya is a hollow one, the interior of the place of worship is filled with statues and sculptures. However, it is often the 74 murals that depict the various lives of the Lord Buddha that catches the eye of many travellers who visit the complex. Within the walls of the temple are four small stupaslocated facing the four different directions. The viharaya is also a place in which you can observe thepicturesque view Kalu Ganga, the Kalutara Bridge, and the Indian Ocean, making it a place of peace andtranquility.
Colombo
- After breakfast, leave for Colombo
- Visit the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo
- Visit the Kelaniya Temple
- At leisure for shopping and sightseeing tour of Colombo
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight at the hotel
Kelaniya Buddhist Temple is one of the most venerated Buddhist Temples in Sri Lanka. This sacred temple dating to the time before chronologically recorded history of Sri Lanka. It is believed to be the place where Buddha visited Sri Lanka. Recommended place to visit during Buddhist Pilgrimage tour in Sri Lanka.
Gangaramaya Temple – Located in the Beira Lake, this glorious temple is a blend of modern andancient architecture including a Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese touch. It is both a place of worship and an educational center. The temple takes part in much of charity work.
Colombo
- Breakfast and at leisure
- End of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Pilgrimage tour
- Leave for Airport according to your flight
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