You will be greeted by a Sri Lankan Footprints representative at the Bandaranayake International Airport and transferred to Kandy, the guardian city which enshrines the Tooth relic of Lord Buddha (UNESCO World Heritage Site). On the way to Kandy you may visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which looks after a large number of Elephants. The main attractions are the feeding and bathing of the elephants. Afterwards proceed to Kandy and check in to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Suggested Activities :-   Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

After breakfast you will first visit the Embekke Temple in Kandy. This unique temple built by King Wickremabahu III has the most attractive wooden structures in Kandy. Hundred & twenty eights magnificently carved wooden pillars stand in splendor with carvings of swans, lions, bulls and elephants. There are also attractive motifs such as leaves, flowers, soldiers, dancing maidens and mermaids. Sixteen wooden pillars adorn the entrance of the temple. It is a popular destination in Kandy because of its exquisite architecture.

In the evening you will visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in time for the evening pooja. The “Glorious Tooth Palace” performs daily rituals and respectful clothing is encouraged. If you happen to visit during July/August you may witness the renowned “EsalaPerahera”.

Suggested Activities :- Embekka Temple, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Traditional Dance Performance

After breakfast you may visit the Peradeniya botanical gardens. Afterwards proceed to Habarana; on the way you will visit the mysterious cave temple in Dambulla, with five shrines and over hundred sculptures of the Buddha (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The cave temple consists of 2000 year old murals depicting the life of the Buddha, 157 statues of Buddha in different shapes and sizes and 15m reclining Buddha. The colorful frescoes splashed against the walls and ceilings have gained recognition for being the largest antique painted surface in the world.  Check in to your hotel in Habarana.

Suggested Activities :- Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Dambulla Cave Temple 

After breakfast proceed to the ancient and holy city of Anuradhapura (UNESCO World Heritage Site). On the way you will make a stop at the Ritigala Forest Monastery. This site was once a haven of solitude for “Pansukulika” (rag robed) monks who sought to live a life governed by Buddhist values and austerity.  Enjoy the serene and calm surroundings and see temple ruins including a meditation walkway.

Afterwards head to Anuradhapura and pay homage to the holy Bo Tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.  This holy city was visited by Lord Buddha during his visits to Sri Lanka. The following sites are some of the places in Anuradhapura venerated by Lord Buddha; Mirisavetiya, Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, and SelaChaitya . Afterwards visit Mihintale rock, the spot where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by MahindaThero.

Suggested Activities :-Ritigala Forest Monastery, Sri Maha Bodhi, Mirisavetiya,Ruwanweliseya,Thuparamaya,Abhayagiriya,Jetavanaramaya, SelaChaaithya , Mihintale

After breakfast leave for Colombo. On the way you will visit Kelaniya Temple, another sacred site venerated by Lord Buddha during his 3rd visit to Sri Lanka, to settle a dispute between two Kings.  Lord Buddha had arrived in Kelaniya accompanied by 500 monks and preached the holy Dhamma on a gem studded throne. This throne is believed to be enshrined in the stupa at the temple. The famous DuruthuPerehera held in January is hosted by this temple.

Check in to your hotel in Colombo and relax. In the evening you may visit the Gangarama Temple, a beautiful and vibrant temple with a history of over 120 years. Located near the Beira Lake this temple is famous for its imposing buildings, and is complete with a stupa, bo tree, image house, seemamalaka, relic chamber containing the relics of the Buddha and ArahatSeevali, museum, library, pirivena, and residential, education and alms halls. If you visit during February you will witness the NavamPerehera which is a famous tourist attraction.

 Suggested Activities :-   Kelaniya Temple, Gangarama Temple 

Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Suggested Activities :-   Colombo - Airport