Buddhist Pilgrimage Trail
Follow in the footsteps of the Buddha on spiritual journey across the island, through the island’s most revered Buddhist sites that offers a profound connection to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage – from the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura to the serene caves of Dambulla, and from the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy to the quiet forest monasteries of Ritigala and Buduruwagala – each day brings deeper insight, peaceful surroundings, and the timeless presence of the Dhamma.
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Kelaniya
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Kelaniya. Visit the sacred Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, believed to have been visited by the Buddha. Overnight stay in Colombo or nearby.
Day 2: Colombo to Anuradhapura
Travel north to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital and a centre of Buddhist devotion. Evening visit to the illuminated Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and Ruwanwelisaya Stupa for a peaceful start to the pilgrimage. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Day 3: Sacred Sites of Anuradhapura
Explore the major religious landmarks of Anuradhapura, including the Jetavanaramaya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiriya Monastery, and the Samadhi Buddha statue. Reflect at serene monastic ruins and ancient meditation spaces. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Day 4: Mihintale & Isurumuniya
Visit Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where Arahat Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa. Climb the sacred hill and visit its ancient structures. Later, explore Isurumuniya Temple, known for its iconic “Lovers’ Rock” carving. Overnight in Anuradhapura.
Day 5: Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa via Ritigala
Drive to Polonnaruwa, stopping at Ritigala Forest Monastery, once a silent retreat for meditating monks. Explore Polonnaruwa’s magnificent ruins, including Gal Vihara, with its serene Buddha statues carved into granite. Overnight in Polonnaruwa.
Day 6: Polonnaruwa to Dambulla
Continue to Dambulla and explore the Golden Cave Temple, Sri Lanka’s best-preserved cave temple complex, filled with murals and over 150 Buddha statues. Visit the Ironwood Forest (Na Uyana Aranya) if time permits. Overnight in Dambulla.
Day 7: Dambulla to Kandy via Nalanda Gedige
Travel to Kandy, stopping at Nalanda Gedige, a mysterious stone temple blending Buddhist and Hindu influences. Arrive in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist shrine. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 8: Explore Kandy & Degaldoruwa
Enjoy a peaceful morning walk by Kandy Lake, then visit the Degaldoruwa Temple, renowned for its stunning Kandyan-era frescoes. In the evening, witness the Puja ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 9: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Lankathilaka & Gadaladeniya
En route to Nuwara Eliya, visit the historic temples of Lankathilaka and Gadaladeniya, showcasing Sinhalese and South Indian architectural styles. Arrive in the cool hill station of Nuwara Eliya. Overnight stay.
Day 10: Nuwara Eliya to Bandarawela – Buduruwagala
Travel through the tea country to Buduruwagala, a remote rock temple featuring a massive standing Buddha and Mahayana figures. Continue to Bandarawela for a peaceful overnight in the hills.
Day 11: Bandarawela to Kataragama via Maligawila
Visit the Maligawila Buddha Statue, a towering 7th-century stone carving. Head south to Kataragama, a multi-religious pilgrimage site, where Buddhists worship at Kiri Vehera, believed to be the site where the Buddha is said to have visited. Overnight in Kataragama.
Day 12: Return to Colombo – Departure
Drive back to Colombo for your international flight or an optional final city tour if time allows. Depart with blessings and memories of a deeply spiritual journey.
- Kelaniya – Site of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
- Anuradhapura – Ancient capital and sacred Buddhist city
- Mihintale – Cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
- Isurumuniya – Rock temple known for stone carvings
- Ritigala – Forest monastery and meditation retreat
- Polonnaruwa – Medieval Buddhist capital and home of Gal Viharaya
- Dambulla – Cave temple complex and Buddhist art site
- Nalanda Gedige – Unique blend of Buddhist-Hindu temple architecture
- Kandy – Home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Degaldoruwa – Kandyan-era temple with murals
- Lankathilaka & Gadaladeniya – Historic hill-country temples
- Nuwara Eliya – Hill station and stopover in the tea country
- Buduruwagala – Rock-cut Buddha statues in a forest setting
- Bandarawela – Peaceful hill country retreat
- Maligawila – Site of an ancient free-standing Buddha statue
- Kataragama – Multi-religious pilgrimage site with Kiri Vehera