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Home , Kiri Vehera, Sanghamitta, Temple of the Tooth

's Participation in Thai Trade Fair 2019 (Launching of Buddhist Micro Site)

Name of the Agency: Ceylon Roots

1.0 Itinerary / Packages for Buddhists Trail (General itinerary for the web site)

A Buddhist Pilgramage to Sri Lanka 13 Days / 12 Nights

Buddhism in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is the oldest continually Buddhist country, being the major religion in the island since its official introduction in the 2nd century BC by Venerable , the son of the Emperor of during the reign of King Devanampiya- Tissa.

Later, the nun , the daughter of Asoka, was said to have brought the southern branch of the original , where it was planted at . From that day up to the present, the Buddhists in Sri Lanka have paid and are paying the utmost reverence to this branch of the Bodhi Tree under the shade of which the Master achieved Enlightenment.

Monks from Sri Lanka have had an important role in spreading both Theravada and throughout South-east Asia. It was in Sri Lanka, in the 1st century AD during the reign of King Vatta Gamini that the Buddhist monks assembled in Aloka-Vihara and wrote down the Tripitaka, the three basket of the Teachings, known as the scriptures for the first time. It was Sri Lankan nuns who introduced the of nuns into in 433AD

Tour Itinerary

DAY 01 ARRIVAL TRANSFER / NEGOMBO Meet on arrival at the Bandaranayke International Airport and transfer to Colombo - Check in hotel 3* – Remainder of the day at leisure – Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 02 NEGOMBO Breakfast at hotel – This morning will include a Meditation session at the hotel, – Remainder of the day at leisure – Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

2 NIGHTS IN NEGOMBO - Paradise Beach Hotel, Negombo (3*)

DAY 03 NEGOMBO / ANURADHAPURA / / DAMBULLA Breakfast at hotel – Leave for Anuradhapura and proceed on a sightseeing tour of the ancient city with a visit to the Sri Maha Bodhiya & Ruwanweliseya. Anuradhapura was a lost city in the jungle, where once ancient Singhalese dynasties ruled for over a thousand years. Massive - en par with the pyramids of Giza- rise above the landscape. A walk amidst the forested ruins of buildings and pillars will reveal amazing stone carvings, ruined walls richly etched with elephant and animistic friezes, ornate ponds and pools allied to the palaces and monasteries. The tour will take you to the impressive Stupas of Jetawana and

Ruvanweli and the oldest recorded tree in the world, the sacred Bo-Tree that arose from a sapling of the same fig under which attained enlightenment.

Thereafter proceed to visit Mihintale - where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. On this rock are many shrines and dwellings originally used by monks. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made of 15 feet wide granite slabs leads to the summit from where one could get a splendid of the surrounding countryside

We will then proceed to Dambulla – Check in at 04* Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 04 DAMBULLA / / DAMBULLA Early morning will include a Yoga/Meditation session by the lake – Breakfast at hotel – Proceed on a sightseeing tour of the historical city of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya, where you will see 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures, carved out of rock. We will also see the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, King Parakramabahu’s statue, and the Parakrama Samudraya lake, built by King Parakramabahu the Great. There are also monuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the and the remains of a former Relic.

We will then return to the hotel – An evening Yoga/Meditation session will be available at the hotel – Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

STAY 2 NIGHTS AT DAMBULLA – Paradise Resort and Spa, Dambulla (4*)

Optional Activity Discussion with a traditional Martial art master and a demonstration of “” the forgotten art of Sri Lanka (USD 350.00 in total)

Following the visit of Ritigala, you will be transferred to the Martial art head master’s home in Ritigala to discover the forgotten art of Sri Lanka, “Angampora”. The once glorious tradition of martial arts in Sri Lanka, with fierce fighters whose strength and actions were subtly controlled by the influence of Buddhism, fought next to the kings in battles as they thought it was their duty. It is of many layers that go beyond the fighting techniques that meet the eye that many consider to be a philosophy, having Buddhism as the cornerstone of the tradition.

DAY 05 DAMBULLA / MATALE / Breakfast at hotel – Proceed to visit . Here we will explore one of the oldest cave temples of Sri Lanka, which is located above an isolated and steep rocky outcrop. As you make the ascent an amazing panorama unfolds towards the horizon - lakes, jungles and mountains as well as the unmistakable silhouette of the rock fortress. Each cave reveals treasures of ancient Buddhist mural art. Numerous statues of Buddha’s and Buddhist saviours “” cohabit among Hindu deities, reflecting traditions as devotees offer ‘Puja’ or offerings of flowers.

Once completed, we will leave for Kandy. En route we will visit the mysterious archeological enigma of Gedige - a fascinating site due in large part to its interesting mix of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. The shrine’s ground plan leans towards the traditional Buddhist designs, but the ‘Mandapam’ or Waiting Hall shows a distinctly Hindu style as do the door jambs, and then the crocodile balustrade, moonstone and dwarf figures are once again influenced by Buddhism along with the Tantric Buddhist carvings which exhibit an erotic form of art, made famous by the carvings at Khajuraho in India. Even though the shrine has no known history, archaeologists would have been provided with a possible clue as to its original construction period by the façade sections, which are richly decorated in keeping with the 7th Century Pallava style which was popular in Mahabalipuram, .

Thereafter we will proceed to Matale and visit the Aluviharaya Temple - Aluvihara; Luminous Cave Temple is synonymous with the teaching of the Buddha.

Aluvihara rightly assumes its significance in the annals of the history of world Buddhism. It is in this very location that the Tipitaka was documented on palm-leaves. Assembled the priests, who here compared their texts, and then committed to writing, and form the Banapotha or Buddhist Bible. This took place about 92 B.C. “Therefore, to the enlightened Buddhist” says Major Forbes in his work Eleven years in Ceylon written in 1840 “This secluded and comparatively unpretending cavern, must be of infinitely greater interest than the Temple of the Tooth or Thuparama.

Once completed, we will proceed to Kandy – Check in hotel– Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 06 KANDY

Following an early Breakfast at hotel, we will leave for to visit Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery. Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery is a place for everyone, regardless of background or experience, to learn and practice the ancient teachings of the Buddha.

At the monastery you will Experience: Help with meals to the monks Speaking with monks Join with the evening chanting Receiving a blessing thread Meditate The offering at the Buddhist Shrines

Once completed, return to the hotel – Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 07 KANDY Early morning option to take part in a Yoga/Meditation session at the hotel (approximately 01 – 01 ½ Hours) – Breakfast at hotel – We will then proceed to explore the the countryside of Kandy, which boasts numerous temples and shrines that belong to Kandyan era of Sri Lanka. Among the most interesting temple are Gadaladeniya, Embekke Devale and Lankathilake Viharaya, located 10km west of Kandy.

Once completed, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Kandy city. Nestling in a valley surrounded by verdant hills Kandy was the last capital stronghold of the Singhalese Kings. Rich in history and traditions, the Temple of the Tooth attracts devotees and worldwide. Kandy’s attractions are its traditional arts and crafts, the lush botanic garden at Peradeniya, the folk dances as well as its busy and colorful streets, shops and eateries.

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic - (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shelters a very holy relic for the Buddhists (a molar of the Buddha). Each year since 1774, in July or August depending on the lunar calendar the great festival of the Esala Perahera takes place, during which a procession from 60 to 100 elephants magnificently decorated, preceded by troops of dancers and masked musicians, parade the night through the streets of the city in the light of the torches.

The temple, a fine example of Kandyan architecture, was originally started in the 16th century though most of the present building was built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by the last kings of Kandy

Once completed, we will return to the hotel – Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

STAY 3 NIGHTS - KANDY - Thilanka Hotel, Kandy(3*)

DAY 08 KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA (TRAIN JOURNEY) Early morning option to take part in a Yoga/Meditation session at the hotel (approximately 01 – 01 ½ Hours) – Breakfast at hotel – Proceed to the to board the train leaving for Nanu Oya. This dramatic ride will give you a chance to view some of the magnificent sites of Sri Lanka. Stunning waterfalls, breathtaking views, long tunnels, etc are common sites on this trip.

On arrival at the Nanu Oya Railway Station, meet up with the vehicle and leave for Nuwara ELiya, which is Sri Lanka's premier hill resort with a fine mountain climate. It is also the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, producing some of the world’s best tea. The mountain slopes and valleys are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. Red or green roofed plantation bungalows, English country style homes and hotels with lovely flower gardens, gives Nuwara Eliya a decidedly British character.

Check in hotel 3* – Evening leave on a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya – Drive through "Little England” – Once completed, return to the hotel – Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 09 NUWARA ELIYA Breakfast at the hotel – Day at leisure to explore the vicinity or to relax– Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel.

STAY 2 NIGHTS AT HOTEL - Heaven Seven, Nuwara Eliya (3*)

DAY 10 NUWARA ELIYA / UDAWALAWE

Breakfast at hotel – Leave for Udawalawe via Ella & Wellawaya – Check in Hotel 4* -

Late afternoon proceed on a Jeep Safari to visit the Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe is the most reliable place to see elephants in their wild habitat year round. Some 400-500 elephants live in the park and herds of up to 50 are commonly seen. The open plains are covered in thick manna grass up to the borders of the large reservoir in the Centre and the Walawe river. The park is also covered by some abandoned teak plantation and dense scrub jungle. This variety in habitat makes for a rich variety of wildlife and game. During the safari, you will have the chance to see elephants, leopards, toque monkeys, grey langur, spotted deer, wild pig and sambar.

Once completed, we will return to the hotel – Rest of the evening at leisure – Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel.

STAY 1 NIGHT – UDAWALAWE - Centauira Wild Udawalawe (4*)

DAY 11 UDAWALAWE / COLOMBO Breakfast at hotel – Morning leave for Colombo and proceed on a sightseeing tour – The city skyline has dramatically changed during the last decade, trendy malls and cafes sit alongside old colonial architectural monuments and local eateries. The city tour will take you pass the Colombo harbor to the area known as the Fort, the islands administrative and main banking quarter adjoining the famous Dutch Hospital and the esplanade known as the Galle Face. The colorful religious edifices that adorn the different zones in the city reflect the countries multi-ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. The Cinnamon Gardens, the ‘chic’ residential section of Colombo with its numerous villas and mansions blends well with the recently restored Race Course and Victoria Park. The with its collection of oriental antiquities and Buddhist manuscripts offers visitors a completely different turn-around from the rich and grand archeological monuments of Sri Lanka.

On completion - Check in hotel 04* – Remainder of the evening at leisure – Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 12 COLOMBO Following Breakfast at hotel, we take part on a full day meditation program in Colombo (program starts at 0930 Hrs and will continue till 1630 Hrs) – Please see additional attachment for a complete break down of the day.

Once completed, we proceed to visit Kelaniya Temple - the ancient Kelani Maha Viharaya with a history that dates back nearly 2,563 years standing beside the Kelani River. According to the Mahavamsa, Lord Buddha stopped at this ancient temple during a visit to Sri Lanka in 523 BC where he was invited to preach by the king. The Mahavamsa records that the original Dagoba at Kelaniya enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. This temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Buddha and paintings, which depict important events in the life of the Buddha and in Sri Lanka.

STAY 2 NIGHTS – COLOMBO - Pegasus Reef Hotel, Wattala

DAY 13 COLOMBO / DEPARTURE TRANSFER Breakfast at hotel and leave for BIA for departure.