Exploring Buddhist Civilisation

Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 4th century B.C. when Emperor Asoka of India sent his son, Mahinda, to the island and introduced Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa. Thereafter, the country’s kings and nobility became powerful patrons of Buddhism and it became an integral part of Sinhalese culture and civilization and also had a great effect on the literary development of the island. Today, Buddhism continues to play a central role in the lives of the majority of Sri Lankans.

During our tours, you will gain an insight into the Buddhist heritage and the legacy and impact it has had on this island nation. Among the key Buddhist religious sites you will visit are:

Where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha has been enshrined since the 4th Century A.D. Buddhist poojas and events are held daily at dawn, midday, and in the evening where guests can participate. The services are accompanied with traditional music and drumming. The temple is one of Sri Lanka’s holiest Buddhist sites, and is filled with beautiful stone and wood carvings, wall murals and intricately detailed statues. (Read more...)

Another amazing historical site with its rock ceiling covered in a large swath of colourful frescoes, most of which dates back to over 2,000 years. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues all housed in one place including a 14 metre long, recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock.

Sri Pada, or Adam’s Peak, is a 2,234m high mountain which is sacred to all four main religious groups in Sri Lanka – the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the Christians. The giant footprint at the top is variously claimed as an imprint either of Lord Buddha, God Shiva, Adam, or St. Thomas, the Christian Apostle who preached in south India. The climb is best attempted at night and if you’re lucky and up early the vista can reward one of the finest sunrises in Asia as well as an awe-inspiring view from the top. During the pilgrimage season, you can join hundreds of devotees as they chant and climb up the steep stone steps. (Read more...)

an ancient pilgrimage site where all religions are worshipped. It is believed that King Dutugemunu, an ancient King of Sri Lanka, built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC. Each day, at specific times, Kataragama’s Hindu shrines come alive when poojas (devotions) are presented to the Gods – baskets filled with fruit and flowers, burning incense and oil lamps, dashing of coconuts, clanging of bells, and the continuous chanting – a mesmerizing experience for any visitor. (Read more...)