Buddhist Pilgrim Tour 6 Nights

Duration

7 days

Buddhism is one of the oldest practicing religions in the world. Even 2600 years after Lord Buddha’s passing Buddhism has a strong presence in this paradise island. This tour will take you to some of the highly revered and popular Buddhist sites. Visit the renowned Temple of the Tooth Relic which houses Lord Buddha’s tooth relic in a golden casket, the holy Bo Tree in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Dambulla Cave Temple, Ritigala Forest Monastery and many venerated Buddhist sites.

Package Included

  • 6 nights deluxe accommodation
  • Meals as specified, including breakfast and dinner
  • A tailor-made holiday designed to suit your length of stay, budget and all your personal needs optimized for travel time between cities
  • Mountain bikes & managing the entire cycling route.
  • Well experienced cycling guide(s), his fees, meals and accommodation for the entire tour
  • Backup vehicle for bikes with some spare bikes
  • Accommodation at hotels that have been personally inspected by our quality assurance team on B&B basis or as requested
  • You will be provided with the services of a luxury vehicle with the services of an English speaking licensed chauffer guide throughout your tour
  • Visits to some of the best attractions in the country
  • Travel advice from an experienced professional
  • A guaranteed best price with financial protection for your payment

Tour Amenities

Tour Plan

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.

You will be greeted by a Sri Lankan Footprints representative at the Bandaranayake International Airport and transferred to Kandy, the guardian city which enshrines the Tooth relic of Lord Buddha (UNESCO World Heritage Site). On the way to Kandy you may visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which looks after a large number of Elephants. The main attractions are the feeding and bathing of the elephants. Afterwards proceed to Kandy and check in to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Embekka Temple, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Traditional Dance Performance.

After breakfast you will first visit the Embekke Temple in Kandy. This unique temple built by King Wickremabahu III has the most attractive wooden structures in Kandy. Hundred & twenty eights magnificently carved wooden pillars stand in splendor with carvings of swans, lions, bulls and elephants. There are also attractive motifs such as leaves, flowers, soldiers, dancing maidens and mermaids. Sixteen wooden pillars adorn the entrance of the temple. It is a popular destination in Kandy because of its exquisite architecture.

In the evening you will visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in time for the evening pooja. The “Glorious Tooth Palace” performs daily rituals and respectful clothing is encouraged. If you happen to visit during July/August you may witness the renowned “Esala Perahera”.

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Dambulla Cave Temple.

After breakfast you may visit the Peradeniya botanical gardens. Afterwards proceed to Habarana; on the way you will visit the mysterious cave temple in Dambulla, with five shrines and over hundred sculptures of the Buddha (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The cave temple consists of 2000 year old murals depicting the life of the Buddha, 157 statues of Buddha in different shapes and sizes and 15m reclining Buddha. The colorful frescoes splashed against the walls and ceilings have gained recognition for being the largest antique painted surface in the world.  Check in to your hotel in Habarana.

Ritigala Forest Monastery, Sri Maha Bodhi, Mirisavetiya, Ruwanweliseya,Thuparamaya,  Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, Sela Chaaithya , Mihintale.

After breakfast proceed to the ancient and holy city of Anuradhapura (UNESCO World Heritage Site). On the way you will make a stop at the Ritigala Forest Monastery. This site was once a haven of solitude for “Pansukulika” (rag robed) monks who sought to live a life governed by Buddhist values and austerity.  Enjoy the serene and calm surroundings and see temple ruins including a meditation walkway.

Afterwards head to Anuradhapura and pay homage to the holy Bo Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.  This holy city was visited by Lord Buddha during his visits to Sri Lanka. The following sites are some of the places in Anuradhapura venerated by Lord Buddha; Mirisavetiya, Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, and Sela Chaitya . Afterwards visit Mihintale rock, the spot where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thero.

Kelaniya Temple, Gangarama Temple.

After breakfast leave for Colombo. On the way you will visit Kelaniya Temple, another sacred site venerated by Lord Buddha during his 3rd visit to Sri Lanka, to settle a dispute between two Kings.  Lord Buddha had arrived in Kelaniya accompanied by 500 monks and preached the holy Dhamma on a gem studded throne. This throne is believed to be enshrined in the stupa at the temple. The famous Duruthu Perehera held in January is hosted by this temple.

Check in to your hotel in Colombo and relax. In the evening you may visit the Gangarama Temple, a beautiful and vibrant temple with a history of over 120 years. Located near the Beira Lake this temple is famous for its imposing buildings, and is complete with a stupa, bo tree, image house, seema malaka, relic chamber containing the relics of the Buddha and Arahat Seevali, museum, library, pirivena, and residential, education and alms halls. If you visit during February you will witness the Navam Perehera which is a famous tourist attraction.

Colombo - Airport.

Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Check Flight Ticket Price

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Booking information

  • Once booking details submitted by you, we will go ahead with the booking Process. At this stage we require a 20% payment. A booking confirmation will reach you after 48 hours of making the payment. The balance 80% of the payment is required, 30 days prior to the tour start date. Then you may go ahead with applying for Visa.

  • Feel free to talk to our regional sales person for payment terms
  • We except bank transfer. 

Cancellation Policy

  • No refund for Cancellations made with less than 30 days from the start of a tour and for No-show.

Tour Information

Max Guests

15

Min Age

5

Tour Location

Package Excluded

  • Flight-tickets are not included
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance is not included
  • Camera & video permits
  • Guide/Driver tips
  • Late check outs & early check in charges