Sri Lanka, the ‘Enchanted Isle’ known as Ceylon in colonial times, is an island of marvellous contrasts and great spirituality – this tour offers a chronological discovery of the island’s most significant and beautiful sites, to trace the evolution of  Sri Lankan civilisation and its symbiotic relationship with the history of Buddhism on the island.  

We start at the sacred city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Not only a historic capital,  it is a spiritual heartland, a place of monastic study and pilgrimage, and the location that Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka in 4th century BCE.  Continue to Sigiriya to explore the awe-inspiring rock fortress which rises 200m from the jungle-covered plains. Vivid 5thcentury frescoes are painted onto the sheltered rock face and a giant lion paw gateway guards the entrance.   At nearby Dambulla, ancient cave temples contain hundreds of Buddha statues and intricate murals. Also visit the 11th century capital of Polonnaruwa, known for its iconic reclining Buddha rock carving and advanced irrigation system. 

An essential visit will be made to Kandy, nestled in the central highlands and surrounded by misty hills. The last capital of the Sinhala Kingdom,  here, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic houses what is believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, the most revered object in Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Enjoy a scenic rail journey to the colonial hill station of Ella, surrounded by rolling emerald-green tea estates with a notably cooler climate. Enjoy lush landscapes, quaint tea-planter’s bungalows, and look out for endemic Red Slender Loris and Toque macaques.  Conclude at the evocative 17th century Dutch fort at Galle, with historic merchant’s houses, cobbled streets and a cosmopolitan vibe, surrounded by palm-fringed beaches.   

Highlights

• Sample outstanding Sri Lankan cuisine, from hoppers at breakfast (a kind of filled bowl-shaped rice-flour pancake) to samosas, roti and fragrant curries at dinner.
• Experience one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys through Sri Lanka’s highlands, with sweeping views of valleys, waterfalls, and terraced hills.
• Stay in historic, stylish and boutique hotels throughout 

ITINERARY

The full itinerary can be found on the Temple World website.

Sri Lanka tour