SPIRITUAL SRI LANKA

An Enchanting Journey of a Lifetime!

Postponed – Future date to be announced

Discover the magic, mystique and beauty of this exotic land. Depart the common place, open your mind and heart to an extraordinary adventure.

SRI LANKA … known by many names – Ceylon, Taprobane, Serendib and later employed by Horace Walpole to coin the word ‘serendipity.’ At the tip of Southern India, Sri Lanka dangles like tear drop to form an island of exotic natural beauty.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke, who made Sri Lanka his home for many decades, said “the island of Sri Lanka is a small universe; it contains as many variations of culture, scenery, and climate as some countries a dozen times its size.”

With an area about the size of West Virginia, Sri Lanka beckons with amazing ancient temples dating back to 5 BC; pristine, golden beaches and sparkling Indian ocean teeming with sea life; hill country with dazzling green tea estates that stun the eye.  During your spiritual journey into the sacred areas of Sri Lanka, you will be mesmerized by the country’s rich history and  prehistoric civilizations dating back 125,000 years.

On this journey you will have the opportunity to reconnect with yourself, others and the world around you.  Sri Lanka is a land of spirituality with many places of worships, pilgrim centers and religious monuments that are vital parts of the countries spiritual tourism.

Everywhere you go smiling people greet you and welcome you with their warm hospitality. Sri Lankans are well known for their kindness to strangers as it is part of their culture to be hospitable and generous.

Sri Lanka will not disappoint as it has an immense capacity to fulfill your travel dreams with the island’s natural beauty and magical history. It’s certain to make this a spiritual journey you will not forget

TOUR TOUR INCLUDES

• Accommodation for 11 nights in 5-star hotels
• Daily Breakfasts
• Lunches at Umandawa
• Special lunch with alms giving experience in Anuradhapuyra
• Welcome dinner including wine
• Farewell dinner including wine
• Additional dinners throughout
• Transportation by air-conditioned private coach throughout
• Services of an English-speaking guide/escort throughout the tour
• Entrance fees to the sites & activities
• Mineral water bottles in the vehicle
• Current applicable government taxes
• Optional Private Yoga Class in Colombo

SRI LANKA TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 – : Arrival Colombo (B/D)
Arrival at  Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport by 12 noon, local time. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and will be escorted to our vehicle for the transfer to the coastal town of Negombo, an ideal place to start our spiritual journey of Sri Lanka. As you have been traveling a long distance, we have reserved  rooms the previous night so we can check into our accommodations on arrival and relax. The day is at leisure in the town’s rich history – predominantly Dutch –  is evident throughout the town. Relax for the rest of the day before our welcome dinner. Overnight in Negombo.

Day 2 – : To Sigiriya (B/D)
Enjoy your breakfast before we set off for the drive towards the heart of cultural triangle and Sigiriya. Enroute we will visit Avukana Temple with its ancient stone sculptures in the form of Buddha statues, sluices, guard stones, pillars and other artifacts that are over 2000 years old. Among the largest is a standing Buddha statue of famed Aukana Buddha lying amidst Raja Rata – the cradle of our ancient civilization. It is carved out of a rock boulder and lies close to the serene Kala Weva tank built by King Dhatusena of the 5th century AD. Continue the drive to our accommodations in Sigiriya. This afternoon we will do a walk to Pidurangala – Standing at 1,500 feet off the ground, Pidurangala is the Lion Rock’s lesser-known neighbor, but it, too, has an intriguing history of its own. Back when King Kasyapa built his Sigiriya citadel (5th century CE), he had a dilemma on his hands. The rock had been a monastery for centuries, with monks living in the many caves (which you can spot at the boulder gardens) in it. Pidurangala seemed to hold the answers, as the rock formation had been housing monks since the 2nd century CE, and so he had the monks move to the Pidurangala Viharaya instead. Despite being older by centuries, it wasn’t until Kasyapa showed up that Pidurangala attained much prominence. During his reign, he had the Viharaya refurbished and expanded to house the monks. Overnight and dinner in Sigiriya.

Day 3 – : In Sigiriya  (B/D)
Enjoy an early breakfast before we visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya is known as Lion Rock and pronounced see-gi-ri-yə. The ancient rock fortress is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka in the town of Dambulla. This is the site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock approximately 500 to 1,700 feet high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, the Chulavamsa, the area was a large forest. The rock location was selected by King Kashyapa (AD 477–495) as his capital. King Kashyapa built the palace on top of this rock and decorated the sides with colorful frescoes. Half way up the fortress there is a small plateau. The king built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. Rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy at the hotel. Overnight and dinner in Sigiriya.

Day 4 – : In Sigiriya: Excursion to Anuradhapuyra (B/L/D)
After breakfast proceed to Anuradhapura.  En-route we will visit Umandawa Global Buddhist Village and enjoy a freshly prepared organic lunch at the monastery. A distinctive concept of the Most Ven Siri Samanthabhadra Arahath Thero, Umandawa that is spread across 70 acres in Malsiripura, Kurunegala. Umandawa was initially an abandoned land that was overgrown with jungle. However the Thero visualized a master plan to create an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly ‘walking monastery’ with hamlets, gravel paths, gardens, organic farms, ponds and sculptures. After our visit, we return to Sigiriya for dinner and our overnight.

Day 5 – : In Sigiriya: Return to Anuradhapuyra (B/D)
After a leisurely breakfast, we will again return to visit Anuradhapura ancient city. Anuradhapura is affectionately referred to as the “Garden of Dagobas.” Located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, this ancient city was documented as the first kingdom of Sri Lanka, dating to the 4th century BC. It was during the peak of this kingdom that Buddhism became the established religion in the country, which is signified by the dominating structure of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, as well as other temples and ruins dotted around this historic town. Stroll along the remnants of the past ancient kingdom. We will have the opportunity to visit all the spiritual places and ruins in the city with our guide as we walk through time. Then to Sri Maha Bodhi, located in Anuradhapura and believed to be the oldest planted tree in the world, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, which goes all the way back to the 3rd century BC. The sacred fig tree signifies the religion of Buddhism as the official religion of the country, as it is a sapling of the very tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Buddha Gaya, India. We will be a participant in the ritual worshipping of the bo tree called “Bodhi Pooja.” Here we will give our offerings (called “Pirikara” in Sinhalese) to the temple and get the blessings of the bo tree, as well as of the monks of the temple. Afterwards we drive back to our hotel in Sigiriya for dinner and our overnight.

Day 6 – : In Sigiriya: 3rd visit to Anuradhapuyra (B/L/D)
Enjoy an early breakfast and then the opportunity to participate in an alms giving session in Anuradhapura. This half day experience will help the group to engage in an interactive activity and learn the Buddhist tradition of alms giving to Buddhist monks at a local temple. The group will experience various rituals that are bound by the same.  We will also visit local a market to purchase dry provisions and vegetables and visit a local village house belonging to a farmer’s family. Here we will engage in cooking a traditional meal consisting of 3-4 vegetarian curries and steamed rice, alongside the family members of this village house. The meal would be sufficient for both the monks in the temple, the host family and of course the visitors. As per Buddhists teachings, this collectively we contribute to uphold this tradition which will give merit to the party offering meals. Later we proceed to the village temple nearby and offer a “Dhana” (offering meals as alms to the Buddhist monks). Final part of this unique experience will be a sermon “Bana” based on tea and Kalu Diya Pokuna, Mihintale is a peak where King Devanampiya Tissa first met the Buddhist monk Mahinda – the Indian Emperor Ashoka’s son – and this meeting inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Today, there is a large temple complex on top of the mountain and offers some fantastic views as it is surrounded by green jungle. Return to Sigiriya for our dinner and overnight.

Day : To Kandy (B/D)
After breakfast we drive towards the hill capital of the island, Kandy. En route we will visit the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sometimes known as the Golden Temple. It is a kaleidoscope of artistry and is steeped in illustrious history. The temple has its origins that go all the way to the 1st century BC and to the reign of King Walagamba, right after he drove out the Dravidian invaders of India. There are five notable caves that possess unique features that all stem from different periods in time. As a result, these caves serve to be a prime example of how Dambulla was at the crossroads of almost every major kingdom in the country. Afterwards continue our drive towards Kandy for our overnight and dinner.

Day 8 – : In Kandy (B/D)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free day to relax. In the evening we visit Kandy Temple at the time of “Thevava.” Within the royal palace complex of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy, the Sri Dalada Maligawa (or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) there is a Buddhist temple that is home to the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. The city of Kandy was the last great capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings, and the presence of the temple is a major reason that the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The relic that lies within the temple has played a major role in Sri Lanka’s political history, as it was believed that the holder of the relic possessed the right to govern the country. The daily rituals performed for the Sacred Tooth Relic is called “Theva” or Services. They are performed as Early Morning Services, Mid-Day Services and the Evening Services. It also includes traditional sound offerings. Later we will visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Overnight and dinner in Kandy.

Day 9 – : In Kandy
After having breakfast at the hotel, we’ll have the opportunity to complete the three temples loop tour in Kandy.  We will be visiting all three temples with a car which will take about 2½ hours in the morning. The temples are:

Embekke Devalaya: situated in the Ambakka Village, it was built in the 14th century by King Wickremabahu III. The wooden Temple features a courtyard where the hewisi drums and trumpet were played during ceremonies.

Lankathilaka: The majestic Lankathilake Vihare, one of the most magnificent architectural edifices in the Gampola Kingdom was built on the crest of a large rock named Panhalgala overlooking the Hantane Mountain range in the Hiripitiya hamlet in Udunuwara.

Gadaladeniya Temple: Famous for its beautiful stone carvings, this Temple was built on a flat rock at Diggala in the 14th century. Faded paintings from around that time provide many clues as to the way the Temple was built. The architecture is South Indian, so the general belief is that the workers were from abroad.

Then we have the balance of day at leisure.  Overnight and dinner in Kandy.

If you are up to it, the path can also be walked on a full day trek.  The path takes you past fertile rice fields and through small bustling towns lined with colorful houses and the sight of local woman swathed in vibrant saris. Along the way, chat with friendly locals and sip tea in tea stalls.

Day 10 -: To Colombo (B/D)
Enjoy an early breakfast and then we drive towards the vibrant capital of the island and the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.  Colombo is a bustling city with a rich history, packed with a plethora of things to do and mesmerizing attractions from city temples to high rise buildings, verdant parks and national monuments. The city is a potpourri of cultures, religions and races making it the most diverse on the island. Before we arrive at our hotel and check in, we will have a city tour that highlights the most important sites such as areas of the ‘Fort,’ as well as the tree lined residential Cinnamon Gardens. We will visit Sea Street, the Goldsmith’s quarter in Pettah, the bazaar area, a Hindu Temple, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1794, and also the historical Davatagaha Mosque. We also visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (Buddhist Temple) believed to be the site visited by Lord Buddha 2500 years ago. (This temple is outside Colombo and takes about 35-45 minutes driving time).

Return to our hotel to check in. For those who want to, there will be an Optional PRIVATE Yoga Class. You will have the opportunity to experience an urban yoga retreat in a modern yoga shala in Colombo with one of the renowned gurus in town. For those who do not want to do the Yoga Program, there is some free time to relax and shop before our farewell dinner in Colombo.

Day 11 –  Tour Ends
Transfer to the airport to board your departure flights.

Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour.

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.

*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
Body Mind Spirit Journeys now offers the “PayPal Credit” Plan (Click here for details)

All prices are in US dollars

LAND ONLY TOUR PRICES

Costs Per Person, double occupancy:
$3,299  payments via check or $3,474  via credit card

Costs Per Person, Single occupancy
$4,199  payments via check or  $4,514  via credit card

Please add:
Pre-Paid Gratuities:
$100 payments via check or, $105 via credit card

Options

• Private Yoga Program in Colombo: $50 payments via check or, $52 via credit card
• Yoga Mats and Props for your use throughout the tour: $60 via check or $63 via credit card

Deposit Schedule
Deposit Payment – due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour
Per Person Double or Single accommodations: $750 by check or money order, $800 by credit card

Final Payment
Final installment due on or before September 7, 2023

NOTE: The Single Room Supplement applies for those who would like to secure a private room throughout the tour.

ROOMMATES: We will be happy to try to find a suitable roommate for those who are traveling alone and would like to share a room. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held open until four weeks before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If, by that date, we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this process.

If you have already registered and would like to go to the payment page, Click Here.

Travel Insurance
As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.

We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.

You should protect your trip investment and yourself in regards to health, property and trip payments. That is why we provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider for U.S. residents, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.

BMSJ will be sending you additional details and a brochure with your confirmation on trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

Photo Credits:
Negombo Beach, Sri Lanka: S B from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Buda de Avukana: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sigiriya rock fortress: Binuka poojan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi: Nipuna Gamage, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dambulla: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kelaniya Temple (Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara):Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ambasthala Dagoba in Mihintale: Chrisi1964, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons