14 NIGHTS – 16 DAYS ~ FROM £1,700
Buddhism permeates the very air you breathe in Sri Lanka. It weaves a gentle thread through the lives of the people – its very lifeblood pulsates through every nuance of daily life. The tour visits some of the main Buddhist centres and gives time for meditation and reflection – thus allowing your inner being to grow and find deeper strength and understanding.
Colombo • Meditation • Habarana • Mihintale /Anuradhapura • Polonnaruwa • Sigiriya/Meditation • Dambulla/Nalanda Temple/Aluvihara Temple • Kandy/Temple of the Tooth/Perideniya Gardens • Meditation • Pinnawela/Gadaladeniya, Lankatilake and Embekke Temples • Nuwara Eliya • Horton Plains • Mount Lavinia • Meditation
DAY 1 . To Colombo
Fly from Heathrow on direct SriLankan Airlines flight.
DAY 2 . Colombo
Transfer to the Taj Samudra for two night’s stay. Early evening visit the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple-one of the 3 places in Sri Lanka, sanctified by the visit of the Buddha. See the old Dagoba, in which the Gem-studded seat used by the Buddha is enshrined. Also see the beautiful murals and the statues in the Shrine room.
DAY 3 . Colombo - Meditation
Kanduboda Vipassana Meditation Centre After breakfast visit Kanduboda Vipassana Meditation Centre. Here an introduction will be given on Buddhist Meditation with several methods being discussed. There are special cells arranged for guests to meditate in. Return to hotel for late lunch. Evening visit a Buddhist Temple in Colombo for a unique “Bodhi-Pooja”- a ceremonial offering for the 28 previous Buddha’s and the 28 different Bo Trees under which They attained Enlightenment.
DAY 4 . To Habarana
After breakfast leave for Habarana. On the way visit Ridi Vihara at Kurunegala. Arankele to see the ancient and modern meditation centres and Resvehera, to see the beautiful rock-cut Buddha statue. Five nights at the Habarana Lodge Hotel.
DAY 5 . Mihintale and Anuradhapura
Morning leave for Mihintale. See the monuments including the Kantaka Cetiya and close by the 68 caves with 3rd C.BC inscriptions where the earliest Buddhist Bhikkus lived.Visit Ambastala Dagoba and the Aradhanagala where the King of Sri Lanka met the first disciples. Here the first Buddhist discourse, based on the “parable of the large Elephant foot” (Chulla Hatti Padopama Sutta) was delivered.Visit “Kalu-diyapokuna” Meditation Centre and discuss meditation or do meditation in the caves for a short time. Then proceed to Anuradhapura to see the three main objects of worship for Buddhists – the Sacred Bo-tree (Ficus Religiosa), the Dagoba and the Buddha Statue. See also the 72 plus caves from early times at Vessagiriya and the 8th C.AD Western Monastery in double platform buildings, where Buddhist Bhikkhus have meditated for centuries. Return to Habarana in the evening.
DAY 6 . Polonnaruwa
After breakfast excursion to Polonnaruwa the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. In the afternoon visit Medirigiriya to see the beautiful Vata-da-ge, two Shrine rooms, Old Hospital and other ruins.
DAY 7 . Habarana
Day to relax.
DAY 8 . Sigiriya and Meditation at Pidurangala Meditation
After breakfast climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. Afternoon visit Pidurangala Meditation Centre. A Buddhist Temple, where, in the caves, Bhikkhus have meditated for centuries. It was the Royal Temple at the time of King Kasyapa in the 5th C.AD.
DAY 9 . To Kandy via Dambulla, Nalanda Temple and Aluvihar
After breakfast leave for Kandy visiting Dambulla Caves Temples to see the stunning paintings on the walls and ceilings.There are more than150 statues of Buddha, Gods and Kings. Also visit the Nalanda Temple in the style of a Hindu Kovil. Finally the Aluvihara BuddhistTemple where you can see how to make Ola-leaf books and the method of writing on them. Remainder of day at leisure.Three nights at the Citadel Hotel.
DAY 10 . Kandy - Temple of the Tooth, Perideniya Gardens
After breakfast sightseeing of Kandy including visits to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, market square,upper lake drive and Royal Botanical Gardens. Late evening witness a cultural show.
DAY 11 . Meditation - Nilambe Meditation Centre
After breakfast transfer to Nilambe Meditation Centre approximately 20 miles from Kandy.The road to the centre is not well maintained and it may be necessary to walk a short distance to get there. Located on a hill it has a calm and quiet atmosphere - perfect for meditation.
DAY 12 . Nuwara Eliya via Pinnawela, Gadaladeniya, Lankatil
Early morning visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage to see the ‘babies’ having their breakfast! On the return trip visit 3 famous historical temples, all belonging to 14th C. Afternoon leave for Nuwara Eliya visiting a Tea Factory/Plantation and some beautiful water falls enroute.Two nights Grand Hotel.
DAY 13 . Excursion to Horton Plains
Early morning walk to Horton Plains to watch the dreamlike mists rise from the depths below. Remainder of day at leisure.
DAY 14 . To Mount Lavinia
After breakfast transfer to the Mount Lavinia Hotel via Kitulgala. Stop on the way at Hatton to get a glimpse of the Adam’s Peak Mountains where the Buddha has placed His Footprint on one of His visits to Sri Lanka. Two nights at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
DAY 15 . Meditation - Kanduboda Vipassana Meditation Centre
After breakfast revisit the Kanduboda Vipassana Meditation Centre for a half-day of meditation. Remainder of day at leisure.
DAY 16 . To London
Transfer to the airport for return flight on SriLankan Airlines with same day arrival.
We are offering FREE one-way economy plus upgrade on Sri Lankan Airlines for all holidays to Sri Lanka booked with us.
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