Sri Lanka Tour: Resplendent Land

Arrive in Sri Lanka, transfer to the Jetwing Beach Hotel in Negombo and overnight for one night.

Today we head north to Anuradhapura. In the evening, witness the ceremonial lighting of the Ruwanweliseya Dagoba, a domed stupa which literally glows under the night sky. Our home for the next three nights is The Sanctuary at Tissawewa in Anuradhapura, a small refurbished colonial hotel built in the time of British Governor Henry Arthur Blake. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura. Founded at least as early as the 5th century BC, Anuradhapura quickly became both the capital of Ceylon and the sacred city of Buddhism on the island.  Spread throughout the site are remarkable monuments, particularly the Dagobas of colossal size, placed on circular foundations and surrounded by a ring of monolithic columns.

Hidden in dense jungle for centuries, there is now much to view here, including eight major palaces, monasteries, and monuments as well as the sacred Bodhi tree.  A cutting from the fig tree of Buddha, brought here in the 3^rd century BC, it has flourished and, today, the tree spreads out over the center of the complex. The relics of Buddha Siddhartha have also shaped the religious features of Anuradhapura, as witnessed by the Dagoba Thuparama. King Tissa built this shrine in the 3rd century BC to house the clavicle of Buddha, an important religious relic presented by Ashoka, one of India’s greatest rulers. (B/L/D)

This morning, travel east to the mountain peak of Mihintale. This site is believed to be the meeting place of the Buddhist monk Mahinda, son of the Emperor Ashoka of India, and King Devanampiyatissa. Mihintale is therefore widely regarded as the location where Buddhism was introduced into Sri Lanka and is currently a sacred place of pilgrimage. 

Next, head to one of the oldest Buddhist temple complexes in Sri Lanka, Hatthikuchchi Viharaya, which translates to “Elephant Belly Temple”. The source of this name is a large rock which resembles a kneeling elephant within the complex. Construction of the temple is attributed to King Devanampiyatissa in the 3^rd century BC. The complex is perhaps most well-known, however, as the place where the exiled, 3rd century King Sirisangabo sacrificed himself for a peasant who was in desperate need of the bounty on the former ruler’s head.

Conclude the day at Nillakgama Bodhigaraya. Built in the 8^th or the 9^th century, this site is the best preserved bodhigara (a temple enshrining a tree) in the country and remains an impressive testament to the Sinhalese monastic architectural tradition. (B/L/D)

Today, visit Dambulla, the largest cave complex in Sri Lanka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple rises 600 feet above the plains and dates back to the 1^st century BC. The complex is composed of five caves converted into shrine rooms, each decorated with paintings and statues of the Buddha.

Continue on to the Minneriya Nature Reserve. As the sun sets on the horizon, the water of the reservoir sparkles in the remaining light and the open plains begin to cool, watch as matriarch elephants followed by their herds slowly emerge from the surrounding brush. Soon, over a hundred elephants are eating, drinking, bathing and playing. This moment of congregation, known as “The Gathering”, highlights the wonder of nature.

Overnight for three nights at the Heritance Kandalama in Dambulla. This architectural masterpiece by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa is a seamless extension of the mountainside combining modern minimalist sensibilities with the surrounding vegetation and wildlife. (B/L/D)

Enjoy the day at the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Declared the first city of the land in the 11th century by Vijayabahu I, the king who united the country, it is the heart of the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms. Today, the monumental ruins of this fabulous garden-city testify to the discipline and creativity of the kingdom’s first rulers. Built on the shores of a large artificial lake and within a rectangle of fortification walls, the site includes a profusion of palaces and sanctuaries. (B/L/D)

An early morning climb takes us to the top of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, a fortified palace covers the summit of a nearly 600-foot-tall granite peak that dominates the surrounding forested countryside. A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.

The upper palace is perched on the flat top of the rock and contains artificial cisterns that still retain water. The mid-level terrace includes extraordinary frescoes and the impressive Lion Gate. The lower palace clings to the slopes below with exquisitely beautiful moats, walls and gardens encircling the base of the rock. (B/L/D)

Begin this morning at the peaceful sanctuary of Nalanda Gedige. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple, it was later converted into a Buddhist shrine, creating an architectural fusion underscoring the island’s diverse cultural influences.

Continue on to the rock monastery of Aluvihara, one of the most important cultural sites in Sri Lanka. It was here, in the 1^st century BC, that the Buddhist doctrines – comprising the Tripitaka or “three baskets of the law” – were first transcribed after having been handed down orally for several centuries. 

Arrive late this afternoon in Kandy, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city was the last capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1469 until the occupation of Sri Lanka by the British in 1818. It remains the religious capital of Buddhism and a sacred city for millions of believers. Overnight in the Hotel Suisse for two nights. This colonial mansion was the residence of the Chief Minister of the Royal Granary in the 17^th century. Later, the structure passed into the hands of the British and eventually was acquired by a Swiss woman who turned it into a guest house. (B/L/D)

Spend today exploring Kandy. Located on the northern shores of an artificial lake, the ancient area includes the remains of the Royal Palace with the great Audience Hall. Nearby, view the tooth relic housed in the 17^th century Sri Dalada Maligawa, or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Next, visit the closeby Hindu shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Natha, and the goddess Patthini. Wander through a local market, admiring the colorful chaos.

Tonight, witness the Esala Perahera Festival, the most dazzling religious extravaganza in Asia. During this spirited Buddhist torchlight parade, whip-cracking porters clear the way through the throngs of pilgrims, followed by fire dancers, jugglers, musicians, stilt walkers, members of noble families in traditional Ceylonese attire, and as many as 100 wildly adorned elephants progress through the streets. One of these goliaths will be carrying the sacred tooth relic of Buddha enshrined in a series of nested jeweled reliquaries. (B/L/D)

Kandy’s suburbs have a host of medieval religious buildings. This morning will be spent visiting three of them. Gadaladeniya Vihara was built in the 14^th century in South Indian design and is renowned for its beautiful carvings. It was originally built to house an image of the Buddha, but when the worship of Vishnu became popular, devotees began to pay homage to that god, turning the temple into a fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism. 

Nearby Lankatilaka Viharaya, completed in 1334, is a fine example of Sinhalese temple architecture. The interior walls and ceiling are ornately decorated with floral designs and the inner sanctum contains a huge statue of the seated Buddha. Built completely of wood, Embekke Devale is adorned with more than 500 graceful carvings. The roof of the entrance porch, or vahalkada, is supported by 16 intricately carved timber pillars that UNESCO has identified as the finest woodcarvings to be found in any part of the world. The roof of the shrine has no central beam. Instead, the 26 rafters are held together by a giant pin, an exceptional example of medieval carpentry.

In the afternoon, leave Kandy and head south into the mountains. Along the way, enjoy a stop at Glenloch Tea Estate which was established in 1917. Enjoy a cup of their classic Ceylon tea and take in the extensive verdant grounds. Overnight for one night at the Jetwing St. Andrew’s Hotel. Built around an old country house which was once a grand colonial residence, the property is hidden away between acres of green mountains and tea plantations. (B/L/D)

Start the day in the hill town of Bandarawela and visit Dowa Raja Maha Viharaya en route to Kataragama. Thought to have been created in the first century BC, this temple is home to a massive 38-foot-tall Buddha Statue carved in granite. The complex consists of an image house built inside a cave made up of three chambers. Early legends say that this cave was a secret hiding place for the king during enemy attacks. The outermost chamber is filled with lively murals from the Kandyan Era. The entrance to the second chamber is decorated with an elaborate Makara Thorana, a mythical figure dating back to pre-Christian times. In the third space, built more recently, a prominent Buddha statue surrounded by wall paintings takes your breath away.

Move on to the 10^th century Buduruwagala Temple, where seven colossal figures are carved into a high rock face – the Buddha with three deities and attendants standing on both sides. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stucco and paint on the robe.

This evening, attend the puja ceremony of offerings at Kataragama. Overnight at the Mandara Rosen for one night. (B/L/D)

This morning, depart for Mulkirigala. During the second century BC, a series of temples were carved out of the face of a huge rock outcrop standing more than 650 feet high and overlooking the surrounding plains. The walls are decorated with a mixture of religious and secular paintings and three of the Heavenly Kings are displayed in one of the rooms. Also to be seen are several reclining Buddhas, including one stretching 50 feet in length.

In the afternoon, move on to Dondra Devalaya, dedicated to the deity Vishnu, who is said to be the guardian god of Buddhism. According to legend, Devundara was a flourishing city in the time of King Rawana and is connected to the Indian Epic of the Ramayana. At the height of its splendor, in the 13^th-15^th centuries, the city of Devundara was a busy seaport and a most renowned place of pilgrimage and worship. The 16^th century, white domed stupa or dondra speaks of the structure’s religious importance. Continue along the south coast and see the Dondra Lighthouse with sweeping vistas overlooking the sea.

Next, move on to Matara to view the Star Fort of Galle, a construction so named for its shape, a six-pointed star. Founded in the 16^th century by the Portuguese, its earliest history can be traced back to 125 AD. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia. In the 17^th century, the Dutch created a defense wall with 14 towers that still encloses the rocky peninsula on which the town sits.

Overnight for two nights in the Jetwing Lighthouse which rests atop a magnificent hillock that looks over the Indian Ocean. Tonight, dinner is on our own. (B/L)

This morning, walk the ramparts of the Dutch Fort of Galle and then go inside the old city to see the Dutch Reformed Church built in 1755. Next, see the Meera Mosque. Originally a church built during the Dutch Period in 1904. Despite its concentration of interesting sights, the real charm of Old Galle lies in the quiet back streets and alleyways of the historic fort, which have changed little since colonial times. Many of the streets are lined with formerly opulent buildings characterized by large rooms, arched verandas and windows protected by heavy, wooden-louvered shutters. After lunch, the afternoon is free to enjoy this historic town. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Enjoy the beautiful home and extensive gardens of the late architect Geoffrey Bawa, one of the most important and influential Asian architects of the 20^th century. His influence was reiterated by his receipt of the Aga Khan Award in 2001. He is the third architect and the first non-Muslim to be so honored since the award’s inception.

This afternoon, transfer to Colombo and enjoy time to explore the city. Overnight at the seafront Galle Face Hotel for three nights. Built in 1864, this colonial hotel maintains the grandeur of a bygone era while incorporating modern comforts. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Spend the day exploring Colombo. Established in 1877, the National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in the country and is the custodian of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Housed in a fine colonial-era building, its collection spans several centuries and a range of cultures, from the Sinhala kingdoms through to the British era. Found here is a vast collection of Sinhalese artworks, half a million books, more than 4000 archaic palm leaf manuscripts, a rare collection of traditional masks, including antique demon masks; wood and ivory carvings; temple frescoes; bronze brassware, royal weapons and ancient regalia of Sri Lankan kings. Its collection spans several centuries and a range of cultures, from the Sinhala kingdoms through to the British era.

Close by is Wolvendaal Church. Constructed in 1749, this structure was built in the form of a Greek cross, with walls 5 feet thick. The Dutch governors had a special pew made with elegant carved ebony chairs. The workmanship in the wooden pulpit, baptismal font and lectern is just as breathtakingly intricate. Even the stone floor includes the elaborate tombstones of five Dutch governors.

Next view Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque. Built in 1909, it is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and is noted for its striking red-and-white striped brick exterior.

This afternoon, enjoy time to admire and acquire local goods ranging from bright printed fabrics to footwear and handbags, not to mention scrumptious produce. Gather this evening for our Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D)

This morning, continue touring Colombo with a visit to the eclectic Gangaramaya Temple, built in a unique mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. Continue on to the impressive Independence Square. The afternoon is free to rest or shop. Dinner is on our own. After a late checkout, transfer to the airport for our return flights home. (B/L)

Arrive home.