Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to Habarana, a central location in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle (approximately a four-hour drive). Since this will be a long journey after your flight, no activities are scheduled for today, allowing you to relax and unwind at your hotel. Habarana is the ideal base for exploring the nearby UNESCO-listed Buddhist heritage sites, including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes, this tranquil setting is perfect for beginning your spiritual retreat. After check-in, enjoy a peaceful evening and prepare for the sacred journey ahead.

After an early breakfast, set out to explore Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka and a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site. This ancient city is home to some of the world’s oldest and most sacred Buddhist monuments. Your first stop will be the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sapling from the original Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Next, visit the magnificent Ruwanweliseya Stupa, an architectural marvel and a center of Buddhist devotion. Continue to Thuparamaya, the first stupa built in Sri Lanka, believed to house the Buddha’s collarbone relic. Explore the grand Abhayagiriya and Jetavanaramaya monasteries, where thousands of monks once practiced Buddhism.

In the afternoon, travel to Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It was here that Arahant Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, introduced Buddhism to the island. Climb the sacred steps leading to the summit and visit the Mihintale Monastery, Kantaka Stupa, and the meditation caves used by ancient monks. Enjoy breathtaking views and a moment of reflection before heading back to Habarana for the night.

Today, visit the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second capital, which flourished as a Buddhist center under the reign of King Parakramabahu. Walk through the well-preserved ruins of Gal Vihara, home to four colossal Buddha statues carved into granite. Continue to Lankatilaka Temple, an impressive image house with a giant standing Buddha, and Kiri Vehera, a beautifully restored stupa. Explore the Alahana Pirivena monastery complex, where monks once studied Buddhist scriptures.

In the afternoon, travel to the Dambulla Cave Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered pilgrimage sites. This UNESCO-listed temple complex is home to five caves filled with over 150 Buddha statues and mesmerizing murals depicting the life of Lord Buddha. The tranquil environment makes it an ideal place for meditation and quiet contemplation. After exploring the temple, continue your journey to Kandy, the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka, where you will check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Begin the day with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. This revered site houses the relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth, attracting devotees from around the world. Witness the morning pooja (offering ceremony), a deeply spiritual experience filled with rhythmic drumming, incense, and flower offerings.

After the temple visit, explore Kandy’s lesser-known Buddhist sites, including Degaldoruwa Rock Temple, adorned with stunning murals, and Embekke & Gadaladeniya Temples, showcasing intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures. Later in the afternoon, experience a guided meditation session at a serene Buddhist monastery, where monks will introduce you to mindfulness and Vipassana meditation techniques. This session offers a perfect opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual connection. Enjoy a peaceful evening in Kandy before resting for the night.

Depart early in the morning and travel south to Kataragama, a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Visit Kiri Vehera, a stupa believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha, where devotees engage in prayers and offerings. Continue to Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka, known for its grand stupa and tranquil surroundings. Participate in a Bodhi Pooja ceremony, a traditional offering to the sacred Bodhi tree, believed to bring blessings and spiritual merit. Spend the evening reflecting on your journey as you unwind at your hotel in Kataragama.

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your journey back to Colombo. En route, visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, a revered Buddhist temple believed to have been blessed by Lord Buddha during his visit to Sri Lanka. Admire the beautiful murals depicting Buddhist Jataka tales and offer your final prayers. If time permits, explore Gangaramaya Temple, a mix of modern and traditional Buddhist architecture, before heading to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure, carrying with you the blessings and serenity of this sacred journey