Sri Lanka | January 5-17, 2026
Island of Serendipity
12 nights, 13 days from US$7,500
Activity Level: LIGHT
Service Level: PREMIUM
Group Size: Max 30
Explore one of the most vibrant, longstanding Buddhist cultures in the world.
- Experience the living tradition of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where the Theravada path continues to thrive in temples, forests, and homes. This journey offers a powerful encounter with a culture where mindfulness, devotion, and daily life are deeply intertwined.
- Sit in quiet reflection beneath the world’s oldest historically recorded tree in Anuradhapura, a direct descendant of the Bodhi tree where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
- Receive Dharma teachings at the magnificent Rock Cut temples of the Dambulla Caves, carved in the 1st century BCE.
- Marvel at the iconic Lion Rock in Sigiriya, and offer your respects at the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
- Explore the serene monasteries and awe-inspiring ruins of Polonaruwa, some dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
- Experience Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes, natural beauty, and diverse wildlife, including elephants, and various bird species in their natural habitats.
Your Journey Leader
Dharmacharya Shantum Seth, an ordained dharma teacher in the Zen Buddhist lineage of Thich Nhat Hanh, is a world expert on sites associated with the Buddha and has been leading pilgrimages with his tour company Eleven Directions since 1988. He has co-authored books such as Walking with the Buddha and has been a consultant for films such as BBC Discovery’s Life of the Buddha and BBC-PBS’s The Story of India, as well as advising the World Bank and the Indian Ministry of Tourism. Learn more at Eleven Directions.
“With each step and breath, the Buddha comes alive. Shantum’s knowledge, insight, and humor brings joy to those journeying with him in the footsteps of the Buddha.”
Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Master, Plum Village, France
Itinerary
DAY 1 | Colombo
Our adventure begins in Colombo with a brief trip orientation before immersing ourselves in the country’s rich history at the National Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts and masterpieces of Buddhist art. Later, we’ll experience the sacred Kelaniya Buddhist temple, which the Buddha is said to have visited and is renowned for its beautiful murals and devotional community. We meet with the most learned chief priest of the Kelaniya, if he is available.
DAY 2 | Colombo/Anuradhapura
Our adventure begins in Colombo with a brief trip orientation before immersing ourselves in the country’s rich history at the National Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts and masterpieces of Buddhist art. Later, we’ll experience the sacred Kelaniya Buddhist temple, which the Buddha is said to have visited and is renowned for its beautiful murals and devotional community. We meet with the most learned chief priest of the Kelaniya, if he is available.
DAY 3 | Anuradhapura
Today we delve further into the ancient world of the formerly powerful kingdom Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will experience the grandeur and enduring spirit of this holy city as we explore its iconic ruins, including stupas, monastic complexes, temples, water gardens, and the Buddha Samadhi statue and experience its ongoing rituals and ceremonies.
DAY 4 | Anuradhapura |Polonaruwa
We journey to Polonnaruwa beginning with a visit to Mihintale, a mountain peak where the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa met, inaugurating the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. After exploring this sacred site, we embark on a safari at Minneriya National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, particularly its impressive monkey and Asian elephant population.
DAY 5 | Polonaruwa
Explore the majestic ruins of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Sri Lanka’s second oldest kingdom. We’ll marvel at its ancient palaces, colossal Buddha statues, and serene temples, followed by a visit to Gal Vihara, a rock-cut temple of the 12th century, for a chance to interact with Theravada monks and delve deeper into the city’s rich history at the archaeological museum.
DAY 6 | Polonaruwa/Sigiriya
We journey to Sigiriya, pausing to explore the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and living shrine. The ceilings are adorned with intricate patterns of Buddha and bodhisattvas meticulously painted following the natural contours of the rock, with a drip line on the underbelly of the rock that keeps the interiors dry.
We’ll ascend the gentle slope of Dambulla Rock, taking in breathtaking views of the plains below and the iconic Sigiriya fortress before marveling at the site’s five awe-inspiring caves adorned with intricate Buddhist art.
DAY 7 | Sigiriya
Today we ascend the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking architecture and engineering marvels. This 5th-century palace boasts stunning frescoes, intricate water gardens, the mirror wall and the legendary Lion’s Gate, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and ingenuity of ancient Sri Lanka.
DAY 8 | Sigiriya / Kandy
We will journey to Kandy, stopping at Aluvihara, a place of great significance to Buddhism. Here, the Buddha’s teachings, the Tipitaka, were first transcribed from oral tradition into the written Pali language. We’ll explore historic rock-cut caves and witness the ancient art of palm leaf inscription, still practiced today. The words are first scratched out with a metal stylus, after which black soot is rubbed into the leaf, causing the invisible words to appear magically.
DAY 9 | Kandy
Explore Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious capital. Renowned for its ancient temples and shrines, Kandy was once a center for both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. We’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and plan to have a special audience with the Chief Abbot. The day also includes exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage with visits to a Hindu temple, Buddhist bookshop and gem-cutting workshop.
DAY 10 | Kandy / Galle
Our day begins with a visit to Kandy’s breathtaking Royal Botanical Gardens, home to over 4,000 plant species. After exploring this lush oasis, we’ll journey to Galle via the Southern Expressway and spend our nights at the renowned Lighthouse hotel, designed by the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa.
DAY 11 | Galle
Today we immerse ourselves in the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city of Galle. This historic port, fortified by the Dutch, invites us to wander its charming lanes, admiring Dutch colonial architecture, grand mansions, ancient mosques, and churches. We’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Lighthouse, Flag Rock, the natural harbor, and indulge in the city’s stylish cafes, unique boutiques, and hotels housed in impeccably restored colonial buildings.
DAY 12 | Galle / Colombo
We return to Colombo and visit the headquarters of Sarvodaya, a renowned social movement founded by the late Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, the “Gandhi of Sri Lanka.” We’ll pay our respects and learn about his legacy of service and compassion. Sarvodaya’s work, rooted in Buddhist philosophy and Gandhian ideals, has had a profound impact on Sri Lanka and beyond.
DAY 13 | Colombo
We will close this leg of the journey with a morning ceremony and farewells. Those who choose to continue can do so with our “Natural Wonders of Sri Lanka” trip extension.
–Optional Extension–
Natural Wonders of Sri Lanka | January 17-19, 2026
+ $1,500 USD
The single room supplement is an additional US $520*.
* Please note that if we are unable to room solo travelers with someone of the same gender, participants will be liable to pay 50% of the single room supplement.
DAY 13 | (Continued) Colombo / Nuwara Eliya
Continuing the journey, we embark on a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, passing the captivating Devon and St. Clair waterfalls. The journey unfolds amidst mist-covered hilltops and sprawling tea estates. After a delightful lunch, we’ll visit the ancient Sita Amman Temple, a sacred site linked to the epic Ramayana. This Hindu temple is nestled within the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Garden, renowned for its orchid and rose collections.
DAY 14 | Nuwara Eliya
We’ll start our day with an exhilarating hike through the mist-covered Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the thrill of reaching World’s End, a dramatic cliff edge offering breathtaking views. January offers the perfect conditions for exploring Horton Plains, with clear skies and cooler temperatures, ideal for hiking. In the afternoon, we’ll relax by the serene Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya, the “city of light.”
DAY 15 | Nuwara Eliya / Colombo
Our journey back to Colombo begins with a visit to the stunning Ramboda Falls. We’ll then explore the historic Labookellie Tea Estate, established in 1870, where we can savor the taste of freshly produced, unblended tea. Our Sri Lankan adventure concludes in the afternoon, with airport transfers available for departing guests.
From sacred temples to breathtaking landscapes, your journey through Sri Lanka awaits. Secure your spot now.
About Shantum Seth
He has contributed to a number of books including Walking with the Buddha, I Have Arrived, I Am Home, and Volunteers Against Conflict. He has also been a consultant on films including Life of the Buddha, made by the BBC/Discovery and Michael Wood’s The Story of India, by BBC/PBS. He and his work have been featured in many magazines and newspapers including National Geographic, Qantas, The New York Times, Newsweek, Times of India, Outlook, India Today, and Hindustan Times.
Seth has been a consultant to the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation to help promote Buddhist tourism in India. He has been on the Government of India’s expert committee for the promotion of Buddhist teaching and learning, has trained guides for the Government of India and UNESCO, is on the Indian executive of the interfaith group Temple of Understanding, and has addressed a number of forums and universities including the Chicago Council of Global Affairs, the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the UNDP executive board, among others. He has also given a TEDx talk.
As an accredited guide, he is a great cultural interpreter, he enjoys sharing the subtleties of regional religion, culture, economy and politics. He lives with the mission of making the world a better place and helping people awaken to their fuller potential by exposing people to different ways of living and thinking, thereby expanding consciousness and building cross-cultural understanding.
Shantum Seth is one of the world’s foremost teachers and guides to the sites associated with the Buddha. He is an ordained Buddhist teacher (Dharmacharya) in the Zen tradition of the Vietnamese master, Thich Nhat Hanh. He teaches in India and other countries and has been leading his acclaimed pilgrimage In the Footsteps of the Buddha since 1988. In the last few years he has been leading interfaith, educational, cultural, and spiritual journeys to diverse regions of India. He has been deeply involved with social and ecological development issues for over 40 years.
Reflections from Journeys with Shantum Seth
“Shantum’s ability to coordinate scheduling, living accommodations, and transportation was impressive. His skill and knowledge as a guide are unsurpassed. He made the journey highly meaningful for me and my fellow travelers, all from the States. His passion for the history and teachings of the Buddha made the experience a life-changing one.”
— Katharine Bertolet, participant
“Shantum’s love of buddhadharma and in-depth historical understanding was a constant source of enrichment. For me, the value of an ‘outer’ pilgrimage is the ability to nourish the ‘inner’ pilgrimage – traveling with Shantum did just that.”
— Larry Rosenberg, Author and guiding teacherCambridge Insight Meditation Center, USA
“What was important to me was to be guided by someone with intimate knowledge of and sensitivity to the dharma, the sacred sites, the land and its people. Shantum Seth manifested this rare combination. For me, the pilgrimage was very rich and fulfilling. I will savor it for years.”
—Eloise Ross-Jones., participant
“As a friend of Buddhist sanghas and communities, I was so happy that Shantum did not require me to be Buddhist to join. The nature of the journey is deeply spiritual, and everything that Shantum offers from Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings was eagerly received and nourished my soul. Shantum is a Master Teacher, Wise Counselor, and a beautiful dear friend. Participating in his traveling sangha will most likely lead to numerous life-altering experiences. As Mike Dooley often says, “Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones.” After four journeys with Shantum and his wonderful staff and, most recently, with his family, he’s one of the best.”
— Aura Wright, participant
Begin your own unforgettable journey—reserve your place today.
Details & Pricing
The total price includes guide services, transportation, meals, site entrance fees, bottled water, and lodging arrangements for the duration of the journeys.
The total cost for the Sri Lanka pilgrimage (January 5 – 17, 2026) is US $7,500, based on double occupancy. The single room supplement is an additional US $2,450*.
* Please note that if we are unable to room solo travelers with someone of the same gender, participants will be liable to pay 50% of the single room supplement.
What’s included
- Airport transfers and and transportation services in Colombo
- Guide services
- Domestic transportation inside Sri Lanka
- Site entrance fees
- All meals and bottled water
- Lodging arrangements for the duration of the journey
What’s not included
- International airfare to Sri Lanka
- Visas and other international arrangements
- Costs for any extra days spent in Sri Lanka beyond the dates of the journeys
- Any additional activities not included in the itinerary
- Medical or other insurance coverage, including travel insurance
- Phone calls during the journey
- Laundry
- Spending money
- Tips/ gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka right now?
Yes, Sri Lanka is currently welcoming international travelers and has been steadily rebuilding its tourism industry. Our itinerary is thoughtfully designed to avoid areas with any political unrest, and our local travel partners monitor conditions to ensure your safety and comfort. All transportation and lodging are private, vetted, and arranged by trusted operators with decades of experience leading Buddhist pilgrimages. While some travel advisories suggest increased caution, we are actively monitoring the situation and maintaining the highest safety standards throughout the trip.
What is the accommodation like?
The accommodations provided are comfortable and well-located high-end hotels. Prices are based on shared, twin-bedded rooms with a private bath or shower and toilet. If you prefer a single room (where available), there is a price supplement. Solo travelers who wish to room with another participant will be accommodated where possible. However, in the event that a solo traveler must room alone, they will be liable to pay 50% of the single supplement.
Food & Water
We stay in clean, safe places, and the food in the places we visit will be hygienically prepared, fresh, and cooked to suit a delicate digestive system. We will provide you with bottled mineral water for drinking along the journey.
Health Concerns
We carry a first aid kit with us, but you may wish to bring your own medicine supply, as you may not be able to purchase the same range of medications you are used to. We recommend bringing any prescription medications in their original labeled packaging. We also suggest you include an insect/mosquito repellent and medicines for diarrhea and constipation.
Please let us know at the time of registration if you have any special dietary restrictions or medical needs.
Medical Restrictions: For those traveling from Africa or some parts of Latin America, a certificate of Yellow Fever innoculation is required by Sri Lankan authorities.
Recommended Vaccinations: It is recommended to have a Tetanus vaccination. You may wish to seek out a local travel physician for advice addressing other personal needs.
What cultural considerations should I know?
For Western travelers visiting, it’s important to consider the unique cultural considerations of this South Asian country.
Transportation systems are generally good, but they typically do not meet the same standards as in Western cultures, and travelers must still expect the unexpected!
Sri Lankan people are friendly and welcoming; visitors will likely encounter warm hospitality and genuine kindness. People tend to be respectful, friendly and family oriented. While English is spoken in tourist areas, it is not widely spoken throughout. Packing your good sense of humor, flexibility, patience, and sense of adventure will stand you in good stead.
What is the cancellation policy?
For cancellations received up to eight weeks prior to the commencement of the tour, only the deposit will be forfeited. There is no refund for cancellations made within eight weeks of the beginning of the journey, 100% of the total cost will be forfeited.
What travel insurance will I need?
Participants are required to carry medical insurance. The range of coverage can vary significantly from policy to policy, and travelers are encouraged to speak with a travel agency to identify a policy that suits their needs. Things to consider are travel delays, trip cancellation or interruption, medical coverage, and baggage loss or delay. Before purchasing insurance, you may wish to check with your health insurance carrier to see if your policy includes medical care overseas. Please note that many insurance carriers require that insurance be purchased at the time a deposit or final payment is made; check with your carrier for details.
What happens upon arrival?
The journey will begin in Colombo on January 5, 2026, with a complimentary airport transfer upon arrival.
Participants are responsible for booking all international flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka. International flights, tickets should be booked as early as possible.
What happens upon departure?
We will arrange complimentary airport transfers for your departures on the last day of your journey.
The first leg of the Sri Lanka journey ends on the morning of January 17, 2026, in Colombo.
If you decide to extend your journey, it will end in the afternoon of January 19, 2026, in Colombo.
Can I book extra nights?
For those wishing for an extra day or two to recover from air travel before the journey begins, or who wish to stay longer after the journey ends, we would be happy to book on your behalf.
What travel documents are required?
Passports should be valid for six months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka. You will need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. We recommend you make a photocopy of your passport and keep it somewhere separate, or scan it and keep it in an accessible email account in case of loss or theft.
Sri Lanka Visa: You should apply for an E-Visa (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka for up to 30 days by paying US$50 for those from most countries. Please visit: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs/home.php
Once you have obtained your visa, please send us the details.
Will I need to bring money?
Hotels, food, transportation and guide services are all included by the tour fees. We suggest that travelers carry cash for expenses like gifts or souvenirs. Travelers will also need money if they plan to extend their stay before or after the journey. Credit cards such as VISA or Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels and large shops and there are ATMs in most locations where you can access cash. Banks are open from 0900 hours to 1300 hours Monday to Friday and some city banks close later at 1500 hrs. It is easy to withdraw money across the island at ATMs using international credit cards or debit cards.
We suggest bringing $500 USD in small denomination cash in notes that are mint condition, which are widely accepted in Sri Lanka.
One US dollar ≈ $302 Sri Lankan Rupees as of June, 2024. There is no need to exchange money in your country and it is best to do so in Sri Lanka. The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee, divided into 100 cents. (Though cents/coins are rarely used today). Currency notes are Rs.5000, Rs.2000, Rs.1000, Rs.500, Rs.100, Rs.50, Rs.20 and Rs.10. Beware of mistaking the Rs.500 note for the somewhat similar Rs100 one. To check whether notes are genuine when not given at a bank, look for a lion watermark.
Most hotels, restaurants and shopping centers accept credit cards. Some establishments may try to add a surcharge, which is illegal.
How does tipping work?
Travelers often have questions about tipping. We have developed a system where we collect a kitty at the beginning of the journey, and the tips are distributed from it (contributing is optional). This contribution covers all the incidental tipping/donations during the pilgrimage at hotels/restaurants etc. A tip for the guides and drivers is an optional addition to this kitty. Thus far, this has worked well. It usually works out to $10 to $15 per person per day. We recommend setting aside approximately $200 per person for tips.
If you arrive before the start of the journey or stay after it concludes, it is good to bring extra small-denomination cash.
Do I need a plug adaptor?
Sri Lanka uses 230. 240 volts, 50 cycles AC. It’s best to travel with a universal plug adapter and voltage converter.
What should I pack?
There is no need to bring formal clothing.
The average daytime temperatures in the coastal lowlands of Sri Lanka in January range from 23°C to 31 °C (73.4°F to 87.8°F). Meanwhile, the average daytime temperatures in the central highlands of Sri Lanka in January range from 10°C to 26°C (50°F to 78.8°F).Given that there can be variations between temperatures in some areas, this makes light layering a practical approach. Rain is a possibility and we recommend bringing warm clothes, a wind/rain jacket and a sweater for the hills and in the evening; perhaps a shawl if you want to meditate in the morning.
For the warmer part of the day, cotton shirts, T-shirts, and trousers work well. An umbrella or a parasol is recommended for light rain and sharp sunshine.
Please bring comfortable sneakers or sandals (which you can wear with socks if it gets cold). There is an opportunity for some trekking during the journey. We also visit temples where you will need to remove your shoes, so it is helpful to bring a pair of socks (the airline slip-ons are very convenient).
Modest dress is advisable, with legs and arms covered especially when visiting religious sites. For some meetings, pilgrims are expected to wear white modest clothing that cover shoulders and cover the knees, so please include these items in your luggage. Visitors are not allowed to wear the following when entering temples and cultural sites: See through clothes, sleeveless shirts, sportswear, tights/leggings, shorts, short skirts, three-quarter length trousers, robes, scarves, sandals, and swimwear/beachwear
Having a hat or cap to protect you from the sun is always useful and we also recommend that you bring sunscreen lotion and sunglasses.
Laundry facilities are available everywhere we stay, and laundry is usually returned within 24 hours.
Will I need vaccinations?
If you are traveling from Africa or some parts of Latin America, a certificate of Yellow Fever innoculation is required by Sri Lankan authorities.
It is recommended to have a Tetanus vaccination, but please speak to your physician for the most up-to-date requirements.
Can I use my mobile in Sri Lanka?
It is easy and inexpensive to get a local SIM card for your mobile phone at the airport upon arrival in Sri Lanka. If you have an iPhone, you may need to “unlock” it before you wish to use a different SIM card. Mobile telephony is inexpensive and accessible.
Another option for phone connection, if you do not wish to purchase a SIM card, is to utilize What’s App. In this case, all you will need to do is add the app to your device and your contacts and you will be able to call and text when connected to Wifi. All of the hotels we visit will have reliable WIFI connection.
Are there any age restrictions?
Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Step into one of the world’s most vibrant Buddhist cultures. Join us in Sri Lanka for a pilgrimage through sacred sites and timeless wisdom.
About Eleven Directions & Lion’s Roar
Since 1988, Eleven Directions and its sister company BuddhaPath have been organizing transformative journeys to sacred Buddhist sites. In 2017, CNN Travel recommended Eleven Directions and Shantum Seth as the go-to guides for pilgrims attending His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings in Dharamsala, India.
Lion’s Roar is an independent non-profit foundation whose mission is to communicate Buddhist wisdom and practices in order to benefit people’s lives and our society, and to support the development of Buddhism in the modern world. We do this by providing as many entry points as we can: our print and digital publications, our website, free virtual summits, podcasts, social media and online courses. Lion’s Roar is a registered charity in both the United States and Canada.
Pilgrimage has been an important aspect of Buddhist practice since the time of the Buddha himself. Lion’s Roar is pleased to present this opportunity to travel to a country Shantum has worked and taught in. These pilgrimages are organized and led by our friends at Eleven Directions with the expert guidance of dharma teacher and writer, Dharmacharya Shantum Seth.* Shantum Seth is a longtime student of the late Thich Nhat Hanh and studied under him for more than 35 years.
These pilgrimages are organized and led by Eleven Directions, with Shantum’s expert guidance.* By joining, you also support Lion’s Roar’s charitable mission to make the wisdom of Buddhism widely available and beneficial in today’s world.
*For groups of 10 or fewer, an alternate Eleven Directions guide may lead the journey.