Colombo Trip Overview
(SKU:LK10DAY011) Theravada Buddhism is the State religion of Sri Lanka practiced by 70.2% of the Sri Lanka’s population. The island has been a center of Buddhist scholarship and learning since the introduction of Buddhism in the third century BCE producing eminent scholars such as Buddhaghosa and preserving the vast Pāli Canon. Throughout most of its history, Sri Lankan kings have played a major role in the maintenance and revival of the Buddhist institutions of the island.
Additional Info
Duration: 13 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours >> Multi-day Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
(SKU:LK10DAY011) Theravada Buddhism is the State religion of Sri Lanka practiced by 70.2% of the Sri Lanka’s population. The island has been a center of Buddhist scholarship and learning since the introduction of Buddhism in the third century BCE producing eminent scholars such as Buddhaghosa and preserving the vast Pāli Canon. Throughout most of its history, Sri Lankan kings have played a major role in the maintenance and revival of the Buddhist institutions of the island.
Itinerary
Day 1: Airport > Colombo
Pass By: Colombo, Colombo, Western Province
Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffeur guide from Lakpura After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Colombo and check in to the hotel.
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Colombo > Anuradhapura
Pass By: Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura, North Central Province
After breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Anuradhapura & check-in to Hotel
In the evening partake for a chanting and pooja ceremony at Sri Maha Bodhiya & Ruwanweliseya.
On completion of the visit return back to the hotel and relax.
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Anuradhapura
Stop At: Mihintale, Mihintale, North Central Province
Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 4: Anuradhapura > Polonnaruwa > Dambulla
Stop At: Polonnaruwa, Polonnaruwa, North Central Province
Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka’s ancient historyfolds of the robe; and the cleanly sculpted body structure. The partially collapsed structures around it point to it once having been sheltered in an image
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 5: Dambulla > Sigiriya > Dambulla
Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘ the Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 6: Dambulla > Matale > Kandy
Stop At: Golden Temple of Dambulla, Dambulla 21100 Sri Lanka
Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 7: Kandy
Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 8: Kandy
Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Road, Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka
Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.
Duration: 2 minutes
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 9: Kandy > Nuwara Eliya
Stop At: Pedro Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Tea Factory and a plantation where you would see how the world’s famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. In 1824 a tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor was a British citizen who introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived to Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled down in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today even people who have never heard of Sri Lanka are familiar with Ceylon tea, which is known for its quality.
Duration: 1 minute
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 10: Nuwara Eliya > Udawalawa
Stop At: Udawalawa National Park Safari, Udawalawe National Park Sri Lanka
Enjoy a three-hour safari which would give you a chance to explore the amazing Udawalawa National Park. Travel through the marshes, forests and grasslands of the park that was created as a sanctuary for wildlife in the 1970s. See the water birds and Sri Lankan elephants for which the park is famed. Catch glimpses of the other mammals and birds, as well as the reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 11: Udawalawa > Hikkaduwa
Stop At: Galle, Galle, Galle District, Southern Province
Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 12: Hikkaduwa
Pass By: Hikkaduwa, Hikkaduwa, Galle District, Southern Province
Walk down one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka; embraced by the warmth of the sun, the softness of the sand and the cool sea breeze. Feel the romance of the beautiful ocean at sunset. Relax in one of the luxury hotels that cluster on the beach. Watch the turtles come to nest from the sea. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of water sports such as jet-skiing, windsurfing and more
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 13: Hikkaduwa > Airport
Pass By: Katunayake, Katunayake, Negombo, Western Province
After the breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island.
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
