• Colombo - Colombo, the lively capital of Sri Lanka, offers a captivating mix of rich history, modernity, and cultural diversity. Located on the western coast of the island nation, Colombo features bustling markets, colonial-era architecture, and a scenic waterfront. From the majestic Gangaramaya Temple to the vibrant Pettah Market and the tranquil Galle Face Green promenade, Colombo provides visitors with a wide array of experiences. Its energetic atmosphere, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination in South Asia.
• Isurumuniya Temple - Built by King Devanampiyatissa, Isurumuniya Temple is situated near the Royal Pleasure Gardens by the Tisaweva (Tissa rainwater reservoir). The temple, partially constructed into a cave with a charming pool in front and a boulder forming the rear wall, is a treasure trove of beautifully carved stone sculptures.

The rock face bordering the pond is adorned with exquisite rock carvings. One depicts a herd of elephants, capturing their playful antics in the pond and the majesty of the leader elephant. Another carving features a noble horseman and his horse.

The temple also houses a renowned sculpture on a granite slab called ‘Isurumuniya lovers,’ now relocated to the Isurumuni Archaeological Museum. The lovers are identified as King Dutugamunu’s son Saliya and his non-royal consort Asokamala, known for her unmatched beauty.

• Mirisawetiya Stupa - Located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, Mirisawetiya Stupa is a revered Buddhist site known for its historical significance and spiritual aura. Constructed by King Dutugemunu in the 3rd century BC, it stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. The stupa is believed to enshrine a relic of Lord Buddha, making it a focal point for pilgrims and devotees. Surrounded by tranquil surroundings, including a picturesque lotus pond, Mirisawetiya exudes a serene ambiance, inviting visitors to reflect and connect with the profound teachings of Buddhism. Its imposing structure and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures.
• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, believed to be the oldest living human-planted tree in the world. It is a symbol of immense religious and cultural significance for Buddhists worldwide. Planted in 288 BCE, it is said to have grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment.

Devoted pilgrims from all over the world visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to pay homage, meditate, and offer prayers. The site is surrounded by serene gardens and ancient ruins, adding to its mystique and spiritual ambiance. The tree is meticulously cared for, with rituals performed regularly to ensure its health and longevity.

For Buddhists, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi represents a direct link to the Buddha’s enlightenment and serves as a focal point for devotion and introspection, making it an enduring symbol of peace and enlightenment.

• Ruwanwelisaya - With a circumference of 370 feet and a height of 180 feet, Ruwanwelisaya is the third largest stupa in Sri Lanka and the focal point of the Maha Vihara, the first monastery of Sri Lanka. It is believed that a significant amount of Buddha’s relics are enshrined in this magnificent stupa, built to replicate the shape of a water bubble. At the eastern entrance to the stupa is a statue of King Dutugamunu. According to records by Fa Hsien, the Chinese Buddhist monk who visited Sri Lanka in the 5th century CE, the Maha Vihara monastery housed no less than 3000 Buddhist monks.
  Since the passing of King Dutugamunu, “The Hero of the Nation,” the great stupa has been renovated by a succession of Sinhalese kings until King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AC). By the 19th century, Anuradhapura, once the greatest monastic city in the world, also known as Anurogrammon by the Greek cartographer Claudius Ptolemy (90-168 AD), was deserted; Ruwanwelisaya was in ruins.
• Thuparama Vihara - The Thuparama Dagoba, 20m in height and 60ft in diameter, is one of the smallest ancient stupas, built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the third century BC. It is believed to enshrine the collar bone relic of Buddha. By the seventh century, the stupa was renovated by King Aggabodhi the second.

The elegant monolithic pillars surrounding it once supported a circular roof, making the shrine a Vata Dage (Circular – Relic – house), a distinctively Sinhalese architectural feature.

The roof no longer exists. Originally constructed in the ancient architectural tradition of a “paddy – heap” shape, its present “bell” shape dates to renovation in 1862.

To the southeast of the Thuparama Dagoba are the ruins of a hospital, as evidenced by the presence of an intact medicinal trough, an oil bath cut into a slab of stone.

• Abhayagiri Dagaba - Spanning an area of 200 hectares, Abhayagiri Monastery was founded by King Valagamba, also known as Vattagamini Abhaya (109 BC-89-77 BC), following his second ascent to the throne after defeating Dravidian invaders. The monastery was built after the destruction of the Jain hermitage, whose ascetic Giri had taunted King Valagamaba while he was fleeing from invaders from Southern India 14 years earlier. The monastery was donated to Buddhist monk Thera Mahatissa as a token of gratitude for the moral and material support extended to the king during his time of adversity, in exile building an army to regain his kingdom.

The main stupa at Abhayagiri Monastery, Abhayagiri Stupa, was built over a footprint of Buddha. The Bo tree at the monastery is an offshoot of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree also at Anuradhapura. Standing at 370 ft in height when first built, Abhayagiri Dagoba was the second tallest dagoba in Sri Lanka.

• Jethawanaramaya Stupa - The massive dome of the Jetavanarama Dagoba rises above the entire eastern part of Anuradhapura. Built in the 3rd century by Mahasena, it may have originally reached 120m, but today stands at about 70m – similar to the Abhayagiri. When constructed, it was almost certainly the third-tallest monument in the world, surpassed only by the Egyptian pyramids.

Its vast, bulbous form is unplastered and is said to consist of more than 90 million bricks.

• Mihintale - Mihintale, located near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, holds great historical and religious significance as the birthplace of Buddhism in the country. This sacred site is where the Indian Buddhist monk Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, is believed to have converted King Devanampiya Tissa to Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE.

Pilgrims ascend the grand staircase adorned with intricate carvings to reach the summit, where they find the impressive Mahaseya Stupa, a central focus of reverence.

Visitors can explore various monastic ruins, including cave dwellings, meditation platforms, and historic inscriptions, offering glimpses into ancient Buddhist practices and the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

Mihintale serves as a spiritual sanctuary and a cultural treasure, drawing both devout Buddhists and curious travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the island’s rich history and religious heritage.

• Complimentary water bottle per person.
• Expertise of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop off in Colombo.
• Comfortable transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

• Entrance tickets to the visiting sites.
• Food and drinks.
• Gratuities (optional).

This unforgettable tour guides you through some of Sri Lanka’s historic highlights. Explore the ancient, ruined city of Anuradhapura, which served as the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. Visit significant landmarks such as Jetavanarama, once one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi, and the extensive ruins of the Abhayagiri Monastery. Deepen your understanding of Sri Lanka’s history as you follow in the footsteps of kings.

• Adult pricing applies to all travellers
• Comfortable walking shoes and hats are recommended
• A maximum of 8 people per booking

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.