Here is a comprehensive 7-Day Sri Lanka Buddhist Neykor itinerary optimized for Bhutanese pilgrims. It covers the core sacred sites of the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, and Colombo.
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Flight, Private car
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3 Stars Hotels
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Paro
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December to March
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Pilgrimage
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All meals during the trek
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Dzongkha, English
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Easy to Moderate
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15-25
Overview
Here is a comprehensive 7-Day Sri Lanka Buddhist Neykor itinerary optimized for Bhutanese pilgrims. It covers the core sacred sites of the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, and Colombo.
Highlights
- Visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest human-planted tree in the world
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Walk up to Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic).
- Visit the Gadaladeniya or Lankatilaka temples near Kandy.
- Visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.
Itinerary
Here is a comprehensive 7-Day Sri Lanka Buddhist Neykor itinerary optimized for Bhutanese pilgrims. It covers the core sacred sites of the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, and Colombo.
- Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo from Bhutan.
- Afternoon: Meet your local driver or guide and drive north to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first ancient Buddhist capital.
- Evening: Check into your hotel, rest, and prepare for your morning prayers and offerings (Chhoedpa).
- Morning: Visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest human-planted tree in the world, grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. Offer prayers and robes.
- Afternoon: Circumambulate the massive ancient stupas: Ruwanwelisaya (enshrining a large collection of Buddha relics) and Jetavanaramaya (historically one of the tallest structures in the ancient world).
- Evening: Spend quiet time in meditation at the serene Isurumuniya Rock Temple.
- Morning: Travel south to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five massive caves filled with ancient Buddha statues and brilliant murals.
- Afternoon: Drive toward Kandy, stopping at the Aluvihare Rock Temple in Matale. This is a highly sacred site where the Buddhist Pāli Canon (Tipitaka) was first committed to writing on palm leaves in the 1st century BCE.
- Evening: Arrive in the hill capital of Kandy and check into your hotel.
- Morning: Walk up to Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). Attend the morning Pooja (service) when the inner chamber is opened to pilgrims for viewing the golden casket enclosing the relic.
- Afternoon: Walk through the peaceful Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya for a quiet stroll, or rest at your hotel.
- Evening: Attend a traditional cultural dance performance, followed by an evening session of prayers or lamp offerings back at the Tooth Relic temple.
- Morning: Visit the Gadaladeniya or Lankatilaka temples near Kandy, which feature beautiful South Asian Buddhist architecture and quiet spots for meditation.
- Afternoon: Check out of your hotel and drive back down toward Colombo.
- Evening: Arrive in Colombo, check into your hotel, and enjoy a relaxing evening dinner.
- Morning: Visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. This ancient temple is highly revered because it is believed to have been hallowed during Lord Buddha's third and final visit to Sri Lanka. The temple is famous for its stunning modern murals depicting scenes from the Buddha's life.
- Afternoon: Do some optional souvenir shopping or sightseeing around Colombo's Independent Square and Galle Face Green.
- Evening: Dedicate the merits (Gewa) of your pilgrimage trip at a local temple or through a quiet evening meditation.
Morning: Check out of your hotel and transfer back to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your flight connection back to Paro, Bhutan.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Phuentsholing
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip (Breakfast, Dinner) and accommodations during the trip in hotels
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Your travel and medical insurance
- First Aid Medical Kit (Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Cost Excludes
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
Yes. All Bhutanese citizens travelling for tourism or pilgrimage must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving.
You can apply online through the official Sri Lanka ETA Portal. If you travel with an organized Bhutanese tour group, the agent usually handles this and includes it in your package fee.
It usually processes within 3 business days. It grants a standard 30-day stay with double-entry privileges.
Yes. Air passengers must complete an online Arrival Card three days prior to travel through the Sri Lanka Immigration Web Page.
Most standard itineraries are 10 days long.
Packages from Bhutan typically range between Nu. 105,000 to Nu. 115,000 per person. Rates vary slightly based on seasonal airfares and hotel tiers.
- Round-trip airfare (typically Paro – Delhi/Bangkok – Colombo).
- 3-star or 4-star twin-sharing hotel accommodations.
- Three daily meals, snacks, and bottled water.
- Dedicated AC tourist bus transport with a professional local guide.
- All site entry and pilgrimage entrance fees.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
The most popular months for Bhutanese organizers to host these trips are December, January, and February. Groups fill up quickly, so early booking is highly recommended.
