After breakfast, journey north to explore Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital and a heart of early Buddhism on the island.

Highlights:

• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
  The oldest documented tree in the world, a sapling of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

• Ruwanwelisaya
  A massive stupa constructed by King Dutugemunu, representing the brilliance of ancient Sinhalese architecture.

• Abhayagiriya & Jetavanaramaya
  Two colossal stupas that once housed thousands of monks and were key centers for Buddhist learning.

• Thuparamaya, Mirisavetiya, and Lovamahapaya
  Sacred shrines showcasing the spiritual and structural grandeur of Sri Lanka's ancient Buddhist culture.

• Samadhi Buddha Statue
  A serene and iconic depiction of Buddha in meditation, symbolizing inner peace.

• Isurumuniya Lovers Temple
  Famous for its exquisite stone carvings and peaceful surroundings.

In the evening, climb the sacred rock at Mihintale:

• Visit Ambasthala Dagoba, Kantaka Chetiya, and Aradhana Gala, where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda.

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Journey toward Sri Lanka’s central hills with visits to historical and spiritual sites.

Spiritual Stops:

• Aukana Buddha Statue
  A 12-meter-tall standing Buddha carved from a single rock – a masterpiece of ancient stonework.

• Dambulla Golden Rock Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  This cave temple complex is home to 150+ Buddha statues and colorful murals that narrate Buddhist teachings and Jataka stories.

• Ritigala Forest Monastery
  Mysterious and meditative, these overgrown ruins in the jungle were once a strict monastic retreat.

• Aluvihare Rock Temple – Matale
  A pivotal location where the oral Buddhist scriptures were first written down in the 1st century BC.

• Nalanda Gedige & Naula Temple
  An unusual fusion of Buddhist and Hindu architecture believed to be the center point of Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay in Dambulla or Sigiriya.

After breakfast, travel to Kandy, the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka and the final capital of ancient kings.

Spiritual Experiences:

• Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic)
  The most revered Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, housing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Witness the daily rituals and offerings.

• Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue
  A large seated Buddha offering panoramic views of Kandy and its serene lake.

• Lankatilaka Viharaya & Gadaladeniya Temple
  Historic hill temples showcasing beautiful frescoes, stone carvings, and wooden architecture.

• Embekka Devalaya
  Known for its extraordinary wood carvings and spiritual significance to the local community.

Optional (if time allows):

• Visit Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) base temple for a spiritual reflection or future pilgrimage.

Transfer back to Colombo or to the Airport for departure.