Religious Tours
Sri Lanka is home to some of South Asia’s most intriguing religious and cultural attractions. Art and architecture, sculptures, spectacular festivals, legendary stories reveal the essence of the island’s fascinating history and rich cultural heritage. Religion plays an important role in molding the Sri Lankan culture and traditions. There are many Buddhist Temples in Sri Lanka a nd many Mosques, Hindu temples, and Christian churches all situated across the island.
The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa proudly display the archaeological legacy of Sri Lanka. The former royal empire, Kandy, is known as the cultural hub of the country. Dambulla cave temple is famous as the Golden Temple of Dambulla and Kandy is for the temple of sacred tooth relic. Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country, therefore has many religious festivals that take place year around, such as Vesak for Buddhists, Nallur Festival for Hindus, and Madhu Festival for Catholics.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka is a popular tourist city of great cultural significance in the world. The relics of Anuradhapura are among the most captivating sights in South Asia. This historic city’s huge dagobas (brick stupas), ancient pools, and decaying temples were built during the Anuradhapura Period.
The most respected place of worship for Sri Lankan Buddhists is the “Atamasthanaya” in Anuradhapura, which is the aggregated name for eight sacred places to worship by Buddhists in Sri Lanka. These eight places are Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Mirisaweti Stupa, Abhayagiri Stupa, Jetavanaramaya, and Lankaramaya. The city also has palaces, monasteries, and monuments that are fascinating to visit.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is recognized as the second and ancient capital in Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and also a huge archaeological site (122 hectares) with Sri Lanka’s most impressive artifacts and ruins. Polonnaruwa was a thriving commercial and religious center of Sri Lanka about 800 years ago. The city is important because of many Buddhist monuments and ruins attested to various historical incidents. The ruins of Polonnaruwa are popular for their blend of Anuradhapura and South Indian architecture.
The monuments at Pollonnaruwa have been well preserved. The circular relic house (Vata-da-ge) Lankathilaka, Royal Palace, Rankoth vihara, and Galvihara with the beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues are amazing works of art. Things to do and places to visit in Polonnaruwa can immerse you in a magical world that resembles the greatness of ancient civilizations.
Kandy
This is the cultural capital and sacred city of Senkadagalapura, now called Kandy, and is the country’s last glorious kingdom. The main attraction of this town is without doubt the golden roofed Sacred Temple where the Tooth Relic of the Buddha which is enshrined and boasts unique architecture and craftsmanship. Annually, during the Esala Perahera procession, the Relic casket gets paraded through the streets on top of a male elephant. This festival is one of the largest Buddhist festivals in the world. A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must when you are in Kandy.
There are also many shrines and temples in and around Kandy. And you will be able to see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings at some of these temples.
Dambulla
Dambulla is a sacred pilgrimage site for followers of Buddhism and also attracts tourists around the globe. Dambulla Cave Temple also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla is known to be the largest and the best-preserved cave temple complex in the island. This World Heritage site has the largest number of Buddha statues, housed in one place, including a colossal, 14-meter-long figure of the recumbent Buddha carved with rock. This place is, without doubt, one of the most colorful places in Sri Lanka. It is also a place rich in legends and histories.
The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his 14-year period of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne, he built these magnificent Rock Temples in Sri Lanka, at this site. Today Dambulla Cave Temple is a beautiful monument to both Buddha and Sri Lankan arts.