Buddhist Tour 06 Nights / 07 Days `
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Buddhist Tour 06 Nights / 07 Days ` Welcome at Airport by Helanka Vacations Guide and transfer to Anuradhapura en route visit Avukana. The Avukana statue is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet (12 m), was carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved. Constructed during the reign of Dhatusena, it may have been made as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil. The Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. It is now a popular tourist attraction. Arrive and check in to Hotel in Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka and was named a world heritage site by UNESCO. Anuradhapura is now a picturesque city, filled with mystery and rich in Sinhalese culture. Start sightseeing Anuradhapura by visiting the Atamasthana or the ‘eight sacred places’, Mirisawetiya and Samadhi Buddha statue are located within the ancient kingdom, Anuradhapura. These eight places were built to carry the memory of the Lord Buddha having walked on the ground of that area. The eight sacred places are named Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisaweti stupa and Lankaramaya. The Sri Maha Bodhi, is a sapling of the ancient tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago, brought here from India. Thuparamaya is said to be the oldest stupa while the Jetavanaramaya stupa (a towering brick mound that seems to touch the sky) was one of the tallest brick structures of ancient times. Mirisawetiya is one of the most ancient Stupas in Sri Lanka towering to a height of 120 feet and is more than 2100 years old. The Samadhi Buddha statue is considered one of the best sculptures, as each angle of the statue looks different (from either side Lord Buddha is slightly sad and from the front, he smiles). Overnight stay in Anuradhapura. Buddhist Tour 06 Nights / 07 Days ` After breakfast visit the Mihintale Temple. Mihintale, a mountain peak near Anuradhapura, the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The stairway fleets upward through 1840 steps made of granite, leading to picturesque sceneries that can be viewed from the summit. Before commencing your climb, find the Vejja Sala; ruins of a hospital dating back to the 3rd century AD. Further, Kantaka Cetiya is situated on a portion of the rock not much higher from the base, it is one of the 1st religious monuments to be built in Sri Lanka resting at a height of 425 feet. The next level of the rock holds the Ambasthala Dagoba, this great historical monument is the symbol of Mihintale, a large seated Buddha looking down from a rock above. Other famed attractions such as the Kaludeniya Pokuna also reside within this mountains’ plains. Return back to Anuradhapura for overnight stay. After breakfast travel to Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa, Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago when it was a commercial and religious center. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still create a picture of how the city once looked. Start sightseeing Polonnaruwa by visiting some of the ancient structures that includes; the palace of King Parakramabahu, Potgul Vehera (this is the oldest library complex found in Sri Lanka, where the Buddhist writings were studied and resided), Shiva Devale (a 13th century Hindu shrine, that was built entirely from stone), Vatadage (built for the protection of a small stupa, the structure has two stone platforms decorated with elaborate stone carvings) Nissanka Lata Mandapaya, the Sathmahal Prasada (a unique seven story brick structure), Hatadage and Atadage (where the Temple of the Tooth Relic was placed first before it was brought to Kandy), Gal Potha (stone book), Pabalu Vehera, Rankoth Vehera, Lankatilaka, Kiri Vehera, Gal Viharaya and Tivanka Image House. Thereafter travel to Sigiriya. Sigiriya, which holds remains of King Kasyapa’s palace, forever set atop the rock yet still showcasing their age-old beauty. Numerous eye-catching highlights persist in this fortress. Overnight stay in Sigiriya. Buddhist Tour 06 Nights / 07 Days ` Breakfast at Hotel , thereafter proceed to Sigiriya Lion Rock. travel to Kandy visiting a spice garden at Matale. Climb the Sigiriya rock (Lions rock). When entering the site walk along the Royal gardens which consists of pools, fountains and an unending number of aromatic gardens. As you enter the second level of the rock, witness the colourful paintings that date back to 5th century AD. Another interesting architectural masterpiece here is the Mirror wall which was covered with graffiti between the 7th and 10th century AD. The Audience hall is a part of the royal complex constructed on a rock boulder. The Cobra head cave is named due to the natural shape of the rock itself. Sigiriya is one of the many UNESCO heritage sites in the country. Dambulla, which was declared a World Heritage site in 1991. The Cave Temple had first been constructed during the reign of King Vattagamini Abhaya. There are 5 caves in the temple and 157 statues of the Lord Buddha, with paintings on the ceilings and walls of the cave. The paintings of the cave highlight the past of Lord Buddha. Thereafter travel to Kandy. Arrive and check in to a Hotel in Kandy. Kandy, which was the capital of Sri Lanka during the ancient times of Kings and Queens. Nestling midst low hills and looped by the Mahaweli river, this religious city is one of the most sacred places of worship to Buddhists in the world and was also named a world heritage site by UNESCO. Evening at 5.30 pm visit the Cultural Center to witness the Kandyan Cultural Dance Show. (Optional) Overnight stay in Kandy. Buddhist Tour 06 Nights / 07 Days ` Breakfast at Hotel, proceed to visit Embekka and Gadaladeniya Temple. The Embekka Devalaya (Embekke or Embekka) Temple is situated in an area known as Udunuwara in the Kandy district. It was built during the Gampola Era (AD1357 – 1374) by King Vikramabahu lll, as a place of worship dedicated to Mahasen, also known as “Katharagama Deviyo”. It is also where local deity Devatha Bandara is worshipped by devotees. Gadaladeniya Temple in Sri Lanka is an old monastery built over a rock in Diggala in the district of Kandy. According to an inscription carved into the walls the temple was built in 1344 AD by King Buwanekabaghu the fourth. Return back to Kandy. Evening at 4.30 pm visit the Temple of the Tooth relic for the pooja ceremony. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic; the crown jewel of the Kandy city is also known as Dalada Maligawa. ‘Maligawa’ translates to palace and the temple is a part of it. It has seen centuries of peaceful reigns and is one of the many historical places in the island. Walk around the Kandy lake, also known as “the sea of milk” is situated in the heart of Kandy (next to the Temple of the Tooth Relic), it was built in 1807 by the last king of Sri Lanka. This lake is highly protected as it has many auspicious stories related to it. Overnight stay in Kandy. Buddhist Tour 06 Nights / 07 Days ` Breakfast at Hotel. Travel to Colombo. En route visit the Kelaniya Temple. Kelaniya Temple is located at the city of Kelaniya, 12km east of the city of Colombo. Kelaniya Temple can be reached by A1 main motor road running from Colombo to Kandy and railway. Kelaniya Temple built on the banks of the Kelaniya River is one of the most sacred sites of Sri Lanka. Arrive and check in to Hotel in Colombo. Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial hub. Start your city tour and shopping. A drive through the city will take you to Fort and Pettah – the commercial area of the city and tree-lined Colombo 7 – Cinnamon Gardens. Colombo 3, 4, 5 & 8 are the prime residential areas of the city. The Hindu Temple at Sea Street – lined with goldsmith shops, the Dutch Church at Wolfendhal dating back to 1749, the historic Devatagaha Mosque, Independence Square, BMICH, Gangaramaya Temple and Colombo Museum are but some of the many attractions in Colombo. Sri Lanka is renowned for Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, Blue Sapphires spices, precious and semi-precious gems and jewelry in silver, gold and white gold. Overnight stay in Colombo. Breakfast at Hotel, thereafter head towards Airport in time for the departure flight. ***** END OF TOUR***** Buddhist Tour 06 Nights / 07 Days ` Based Pax count Hotels Based on 02 pax USD 540 per person sharing Double Price Includes Price Does Not Include 06 nights’ accommodation in Double Sharing on Tips and other expenses of a personal Bed & Breakfast Basis. nature. Transport in an air-conditioned private car. Camera & video permits (for tourist sites). English speaking chauffeur guide. All extra expenses to hotels. Entrance fees to Anuradhapura Sacred City, Visa fee charges. For details log on to Polonnaruwa Sacred City, Sigiriya Lion Rock, www.eta.gov.lk Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Embekka Temple, Gadaladeniya Temple. Transport for sightseeing places as per program. All applicable taxes. (Subject to Change)..