The Enlightened Path

As the eight noble truths be on a journey for eight days which showcases the involvement of Buddhism and importance of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

6 Destinations
8 days Round trip
Best Price Guaranteed
Best Rate Guaranteed
Temple of the tooth in kandy
Monks climbing a rock
Temple in sri lanka

Highlights

  •  Mihintale Rock, the birthplace of buddhism in Sri Lanka
  •  Ancient city of Anuradhapura
  •  Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
Package Code icon
Package Code CMBENL08
Tour Effort Level icon
Tour Effort Level Moderate
Comfort Level icon
Comfort Level Superior
Wifi icon
Internet Available

Itinerary

"A local estate experience and stay over/Arankele Jungle Hermitage/Hasthikuchchi Temple/Mihintale rock climb/Isurumuniya, Sri Mahabodhiya and Ruwanwelisaya/Vessagiriya Cave Temple/Habarana village/Aukana Buddha Statue/Enderagala Jungle Meditation/Sigiriya Rock Fortress/ Dambulla Cave Rock Temple complex/shopping for gems, antiques, clothes and leather at local markets in Kandy/Kandyan dancing and drumming performances/Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic/Udawattakele Sanctuary/Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya/Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya/Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and Simamalaka Shrine"

Summary

Day 1:   Airport – Horathapola
Day 2:   Horathapola – Anuradhapura
Day 3:   Anuradhapura – Mihintale
Day 4:   Anuradhapura – Habarana
Day 5:   Habarana – Kandy
Day 6:   Kandy
Day 7:   Kandy – Colombo

Day1

Airport - Horathapola

You will be welcomed by our representative once you arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
On the way from the airport, stop for a Thambili (King Coconut) to quench your thirst.
Arrive in Horathapola Estate and check-in at the hotel.
Enjoy yourself in the refreshing pool or spend the afternoon relaxing with a good book and a cup of Ceylon tea in the beautiful gardens.
Rest of the day at leisure.

Day2

Horathapola - Anuradhapura

After a delicious breakfast, commence your journey through this amazing island and head to the north central part of the country, Anuradhapura.

Drive via Kurunegala to Arankele Jungle Hermitage. Take the pathway to the old meditating cells.

Then visit Hasthikuchchi Temple – one of the earliest temples. See the caves used for meditation.

Arrive in Anuradhapura and check-in at hotel for an overnight stay.

Day3

Anuradhapura - Mihintale

Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Mihintale to visit the Mihintale rock, which is an important religious site of Buddhists as it is considered as the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka.
Return to Anuradhapura.
Take a tour around this ancient city, Anuradhapura (from the 4th century) to visit the Isurumuniya, Sri Mahabodhiya and Ruwanwelisaya, which are the highlights of this city.
You can also visit the Vessagiriya Cave Temple which is a very significant place for Buddhism.
Overnight stay at hotel in Anuradhapura.

Day4

Anuradhapura - Habarana

After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Habarana with en-route stops.
Visit the Aukana Buddha statue (from 5th century B.C) which is carved out of a granite rock and its height is about 40 feet (12m). This is a well preserved and a magnificent ancient effigy in Sri Lanka.
Then proceed to see the Enderagala Jungle Meditation Centre to witness meditating Bhikkhus at their cells and a Pooja ceremony.
Arrive in Sigiriya.
In the afternoon climb to the top of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This ancient rock fortress from the 5th century gives an amazing view of the Cultural Triangle.

Day5

Habarana - Kandy

Leave to Kandy after an early breakfast with en-route stops.
You will visit the Dambulla Cave Rock Temple complex dated from First Century B.C. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site which is famous for its Buddhist sculptures and murals.
Arrive in the Hill country capital Kandy, which is the last stronghold of Sinhala Kings and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then wander around the lake and the streets of Kandy getting a feel of this wonderful city.
For those interested in shopping for gems, antiques, clothes and leather use our shopping guide and explore the local markets and shops.
Early evening enjoy a performance of Kandyan dancing and drumming.
Then visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. To experience the Buddhist tradition and ways, we suggest you to be there for an evening Pooja ceremony.
Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy.

Day6

Kandy

After a relaxed morning enjoy a walk through the Udawattakele Sanctuary, a historic forest reserve on a hill-ridge in the city of Kandy.
The sanctuary is famous for its extensive avifauna and also contains a great variety of plant species, especially lianas, shrubs and small trees. There are several giant lianas. Many of the small and medium size mammals that inhabit Sri Lanka can be seen here too.
Then visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. It is well known for its collection of a variety of orchids and many tropical floras.
Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy.

Day7

Kandy - Colombo

After breakfast proceed to Colombo.
On your way to Colombo visit the ancient Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya with a history that dates back nearly 2,563 years and stands beside the Kelaniya River.
The Mahawamsa records that the original Dagoba at Kelaniya enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. This temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Buddha and paintings, which depict important events in the life of the Buddha and history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Once you have arrived in Colombo we suggest starting the visits from Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and Simamalaka Shrine designed by Sri Lanka’s leading architect Geoffrey Bawa.
We could include the following sites:
– Old Parliament House
– Colombo National and Dutch Museums
– Oldest Hindu Kovil in Colombo – Sri Kailawasanthan Swami Devasthanam
– Town Hall and Independence Square
If you enjoy reading then Barefoot is the best book shop in town with a fabulous selection of coffee table books as well as novels.
We recommend to experience traditional High Tea on the terrace of either the Mount Lavinia Hotel or Galle Face Hotel and stay on to catch the magnificent sunset (payable directly).
Overnight at hotel in Colombo.

Day8

Colombo - Airport

Breakfast at the hotel.
Then you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Ancient ruins in sri lanka

The Enlightened Path

Customize this package to your personal liking

Inclusions

1. Services of a licensed an English speaking chauffeur guide/ guide.
2. Meals mentioned in the program
3. Admission fees and activities at places mentioned in the itinerary
4. Accommodation at a deluxe property
5. Applicable government taxes

Exclusions

1. Transfer from other destinations to start the tour
2. Meals on halfboard basis
3. Optional tours
4. Drinks during meals
5. Admission fees or activities not mentioned in our itinerary
6. Personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, souvenirs etc., tipping at restaurants, drivers and guide (at client’s discretion)
7. Personal travel insurance.

Related Packages

Other similar packages

Send us an inquiry


I agree with the Privacy policy and Terms & Conditions