Pilgrimage to Sri Lanka
with Kim Allen & Tricycle
February 27–March 13, 2027
Pilgrimage to Sri Lanka
with Kim Allen & Tricycle
February 27–March 13, 2027
One of the world’s oldest and deepest Buddhist traditions can be found on the island of Sri Lanka, a country of ancient archeological sites and breathtaking beauty.
Immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” on this Buddhist pilgrimage. Joined by Buddhist teacher and author Kim Allen, we’ll explore historic Buddhist temples and ruins, soak up the beauty of the region’s rich forests and highlands, and integrate Buddhist study.
Join us in early 2027 for a comprehensive, double-carbon offset, small group pilgrimage in Sri Lanka!
One spot still available!
Journey Highlights
- February 27–March 13, 2027
- Daily sessions with Buddhist teacher Kim Allen
- Accompanied by a representative from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
- Guided by Sri Lankan expert, Chandima Wanasinghe
- Escorted by RetreaTours owners, BJ Graf and Lauren Rathvon
- Explore the ancient Buddhist sites of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Poḷonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla & Kandy
- Explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise
- Discover the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Spot wild Asian elephants during an afternoon jeep safari
- Visit Sri Lankan monasteries
- Enjoy glimpses of rural life through home-cooked lunches in villages
- Visit the Buddhist Publication Society
- Delight in a high tea experience in Sri Lanka’s tea country
- Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s wild natural beauty & culture
- This journey is double carbon offset from door-to-door
- Limited to 20 pilgrims
- $7999 USD per person (based on double occupancy; please see “Price & What is Included” section for private room supplement and all inclusions)
Click to Jump to…
- Itinerary at a Glance
- About Buddhism in Sri Lanka
- Detailed Itinerary
- Price & What is Included
- How to Pay
- Cancellation Policy
- Our Carbon Offset Commitment
- Travel Insurance
- Packing List
- Vaccines & Staying Healthy Abroad
- Expected Temperatures & Suggested Packing List
- About our Hotels
- About Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
- About Kim Allen
- AboutﾠChandima Wanasinghe
- About RetreaTours
One space available!
How to Register
- Complete registration questions by clicking the button in this orange box
- Lauren will email you with options to pay the deposit
“I will help guide participants to experience our time together as a spiritual journey, however that unfolds for each person. We will make space to meditate each day, and as we visit sites, we may pause to feel into the richness of their history. There will be opportunities to consider connections to Buddhist teachings, and to integrate what we are experiencing.”
Kim Allen
“I will help guide participants to experience our time together as a spiritual journey, however that unfolds for each person. We will make space to meditate each day, and as we visit sites, we may pause to feel into the richness of their history. There will be opportunities to consider connections to Buddhist teachings, and to integrate what we are experiencing.” ~Kim Allen
Read more about Sri Lanka’s recent accolades
Wanderlust, #1 “World’s Most Desirable Island” 2024; #8 in 2025
CN Traveller “The Friendliest Countries in the World: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards”
CNN Travel’s “20 best places to visit in 2020”
Forbes “23 Best Places To Travel Around The World In 2023, Chosen By The Experts”
CN Traveller “Top Countries in the World: Readers’ Choice Awards 2022”
Bloomberg on Sigiriya, “Explore the New Seven Wonders of the World”
CN Traveller 2025 “Best Countries for Food”
Itinerary at a Glance
February 27 Ayubowan & welcome to Sri Lanka! Enjoy an oceanfront dinner tonight with your fellow pilgrims (overnight at Jetwing Sea in Negombo)
February 28 Today we’ll head towards historic Anuradhapura, with a sunset visit to the Jaya Shri Maha Bodhi tree (overnight at The Lake Forest hotel in Anuradhapura)
March 1 We’ll visit the ancient monastery at Kaludiya Pokuna and the sacred site of Mihintale, the cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism (overnight at The Lake Forest hotel in Anuradhapura)
March 2 This morning we’ll visit the ancient site of Anuradhapura and its awe-inspiring stupas (overnight at The Lake Forest hotel in Anuradhapura)
March 3 Today we’ll head into the heart of the cultural triangle, toward Sigiriya. This afternoon we’ll enjoy an elephant safari to see these beauties in their natural habitat. (overnight at Habarana Village Hotel near Sigiriya)
March 4 Discover Sri Lanka’s forest monastic tradition at Na Uyana Monastery and the nunnery meditation monastery of Dhammika Ashramaya. This afternoon, we’ll peek into rural life in Hiriwadunna Village. (overnight at Habarana Village Hotel near Sigirya)
March 5 This morning we’ll visit Sigiriya’s iconic “Lion Rock” Fortress, with an afternoon exploration of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. (overnight at Habarana Village Hotel near Sigiriya)
March 6 We’ll visit the stunning Dambulla Cave temples and explore the Alu Vihare rock monastery before we continue on to Kandy. (overnight at Hotel Suisse in Kandy)
March 7 At sunrise we’ll explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Maligawa. After breakfast, we’ll visit the scenic Royal Botanical Gardens. (overnight at Hotel Suisse in Kandy)
March 8 We’ll travel in the hills above Kandy to the forested Nilambe Meditation Centre. (overnight at Hotel Suisse in Kandy)
March 9 Pay a visit to the Buddhist Publication Society before heading into Sri Lanka’s iconic tea country. We’ll spend two nights in the cool highlands of tea country. (overnight at The Argyle in Hatton)
March 10 We’ll spend time walking in the tea plantations, as well as visiting a working tea estate. We’ll enjoy dharma discussions in these serene settings. (overnight at The Argyle in Hatton)
March 11 We’ll head to the capital, Colombo, and check into our centrally located hotel. This afternoon we’ll visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a sacred riverside shrine steeped in Buddhist history. His schedule permitting, we’ll have the opportunity to meet Buddhist scholar Oliver Tanner, PhD, at the University of Kelaniya. (overnight at The Granbell in Colombo)
March 12 We’ll spend our last full day in the forest at Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected forest monasteries. There will be time for practice and discussion, and we’ll share a simple and nourishing lunch at the monastery. We’ll share our final dinner together tonight. (overnight at The Granbell in Colombo)
March 13 We’ll arrange an airport transfer for your journey home, and we know you’ll be departing with a deep appreciation for the Dhamma, this beautiful island, and our traveling sangha.
Negombo
Anuradhapura
Kandy
Sigiriya
Dambulla
Hattan
Helen Tworkov, Founder of Tricycle, on this Sri Lanka Pilgrimage
“The combination of the uninterrupted Buddhist culture of Sri Lanka, the fantastic group of pilgrims, the breathtaking natural beauty of this island, and the extraordinary archaeological sites, made this one of the best trips I have ever taken. It offered a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in Buddhism to learn the basics, or to deepen or reinvigorate one’s personal practice.”
Click Here to See More Sri Lanka Pilgrimage Testimonials
Thank you so much for putting together such a great time for those of us lucky enough to go. All the support staff and hotel staff were lovely and helpful. I have had dreams about the trip every night since I’ve been back.
I absolutely loved the trip! I loved Sri Lanka, but also the amazing people that were in our group. Life long friendships were made with memories that will last a lifetime!
That trip was awesome. I’ve done a lot of group trips like this and I have to say that this one was the most organized. I can’t say anything negative about it, to be honest, and I had a fabulous time. Thank you for everything!
I wanted to THANK YOU for everything! I believe all the experiences surpassed what I had expected. In one of our group meetings I thanked everyone for being so inviting and helpful—it was such an honor to be with others who have had and believe the experience of Buddhism!
I loved the tour, the group, and the experience. Thanks for putting it together. I would do it again in a flash.
Although the emphasis is definitely Buddhist history and sacred texts, this tour also provides a spectrum of experiences across socio-cultural, nature, crafts, and shopping opportunities as well. A unique strength of this Tricycle–RetreaTours partnership is the incredible group of fellow travelers it attracts. I really appreciated the warmth, kindness, intellectual verve, and flexibility of this group. Chandima is an outstanding leader and guide in every way.
Fantastic trip, Sri Lanka is a paradise. Great mix of Buddhist historical and sacred sites with Sri Lankan culture and nature. Exceptionally well-designed and executed. A joy from start to finish.
About Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka holds one of the longest and most continuous living traditions of Buddhism in the world. The story begins in the 3rd century BCE, when the monk Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, brought the Buddha’s teachings to the island and converted King Devānampiyatissa. From that moment, Buddhism became woven into the fabric of Sri Lankan life, shaping its culture, art, sacred sites, and daily rhythms. The ancient capital of Anurādhapura grew into a great monastic center, home to some of the most important stupas in the Buddhist world, as well as the Bodhi Tree grown from a cutting of the original tree at Bodh Gaya.
Over more than two thousand years, Sri Lanka has safeguarded the Theravāda tradition through periods of flourishing, decline, and renewal. When famine and war once threatened the survival of the teachings, it was here that the Pali Canon was first written down, preserving the Buddha’s words for future generations. Great kings restored monasteries, while sacred objects like the Buddha’s Tooth Relic became enduring symbols of both devotion and national identity. Even during colonial rule, when Buddhism was suppressed, a powerful revival movement reawakened the tradition and carried it into the modern world.
Today, Sri Lanka offers a rare opportunity to experience Buddhism not only as history, but as a living tradition. From the quiet caves of Mihintale, where the teachings first arrived, to the great stupas of Anurādhapura and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the island remains deeply connected to its spiritual past. For pilgrims, it is a place where the continuity of the Dharma can still be felt, not as something preserved in books, but as something lived, practiced, and carried forward across generations.
Detailed Narrative Itinerary
About our Practice & Schedule
The following itinerary is intended to outline the sites of interest we’ll be visiting along our path. Part of each day will be spent on-site at important historic spots in central Sri Lanka. There will be dedicated time on-site and back at our hotels for group gatherings, discussion, and meditation.
Throughout our time together, Kim Allen will lead discussions and weave an insightful narrative throughout our experiences. There will be opportunities for group meditation each morning before breakfast and at many of the sites we visit.
You’ll be joined by Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, as well as the owners of RetreaTours, BJ Graf and Lauren Rathvon. Our expert Sri Lanka guide Chandima Wanasinghe will lead us through his gorgeous country, imparting precious historical knowledge and cultural wisdom.
The relaxed pace of this trip allows downtime for synthesizing your experiences, personal practice, relaxation, and for discussion with your fellow pilgrims and Kim Allen.
You can learn more about our hotels, our drive times, and suggested fitness requirements in the corresponding white boxes below the narrative itinerary.
February 27
Ayubowan–welcome to Sri Lanka!
You’ll be picked up at Bandaranaike International Airport and be driven to our hotel in coastal Negombo. Our journey officially starts with dinner tonight; if you wish to arrive early and stay at this seaside hotel, we can help arrange that. We’re using Negombo as a launchpad to explore the “Cultural Triangle” of Sri Lanka, starting with Anuradhapura tomorrow morning.
February 28
After breakfast, we’ll head north along the coast toward Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first great monastic capital and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 4th century BCE, this was once a major center of Theravāda Buddhism, supported by advanced irrigation systems that are still in use today.
Rich with natural beauty and steeped in sacredness, Anuradhapura flourished for an impressive 1,300 years as Sri Lanka’s political and religious capital. Although it was abandoned in 993 CE, Anuradhapura’s sites offer a glimpse into its storied past.
Later in the day, we walk along the bund of Tissa Wewa, a reservoir built over 2,000 years ago and still functioning today.
We will visit the Sacred Bodhi Tree, grown from a sapling brought from India in the 3rd century BCE by Sanghamitta Theri, daughter of Ashoka. It is believed to be a direct descendant of the Bodhi tree in BodhGaya, India under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. It was planted in 288 BCE and currently holds the world record (as in Guinness!) for the oldest-known human-planted tree.
March 1
Today we begin at Mihintale (40-minute drive), widely regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. According to tradition, it is here that Mahinda Thera, son of Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiya Tissa and introduced the teachings to the island in the 3rd century BCE. Today, the site stretches across a hillside, with terraces, stupas, and monastic ruins marking its long history.
From there, we’ll head to Kaludiya Pokuna (“Black Pond”), an ancient forest monastery dating to the 2nd century BCE. Set among trees and still water, the remains offer a glimpse into a highly developed monastic complex, with features like drainage systems, bathhouses, and even indoor toilets, evidence of a sophisticated hydraulic civilization.
Today’s lunch is hosted in a nearby rural home, offering a simple and personal look at local life.
March 2
This morning, we head into the ancient city of Anuradhapura, home to some of the most significant stupas in Sri Lanka.
We begin at Thuparama, closely associated with Mahinda Thera, Ashoka’s son. Considered the island’s first stupa (or dagoba in Sinhalese), it is said to enshrine the Buddha’s right collarbone. Originally built in the 3rd century BCE, the current construction of the dagoba dates to the 1842 restoration.
We’ll continue to the great monastic complexes of Abhayagiri and Jetavana. Abhayagiri, dating to the 1st century BCE, was once a major center of Buddhist learning, supporting thousands of monks and scholars. Standing over 100 meters high, it was an architectural marvel, ranking among the greatest structures of the ancient world. Its size was rivaled only by the pyramids of Giza and the nearby Jetavanarama Stupa.
Later, we’ll visit Ruwanweliseya, one of the most venerated stupas in the country. While not the largest stupa, it is believed to house a significant portion of the Buddha’s relics, making it an important site of devotion for pilgrims today.
March 3
From Anuradhapura, we’ll make our way toward Habarana, the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
Along the way, we stop at the Avukana Buddha (75-minute drive), a towering rock-carved statue dating to the 5th century CE. Carved directly into a granite cliff face, it stands over 40 feet tall and is considered one of the finest surviving examples of early Sri Lankan sculpture.
We continue on to Habarana (75-minute drive) for a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant, a delicious introduction to the flavors of the region.
This afternoon we’ll head out on safari in a nearby national park, where wild Asian elephants roam freely. Seeing elephants in the wild is an unforgettable experience. We’ll spend time simply being present with these majestic beauties. It’s one of those rare moments where paying attention comes naturally and being present doesn’t take any effort.
March 4
Today offers a look at Sri Lanka’s living forest monastic tradition. We’ll visit Nau Uyana Monastery, a well-known meditation center where monks continue to follow a disciplined, contemplative way of life rooted in the forest tradition. Walking through the grounds, you’ll notice how simple and intentional everything is–built for practice, not display. There may be an opportunity to meet a senior monk, offering some insight into how the teachings are lived day to day.
We will also spend time at Dhammika Ashramaya, the section dedicated to female practitioners, reflecting an equally important but less visible part of the tradition.
On the way back to Habarana, we will stop in Hiriwadunna village for a relaxed look at rural life, with a chance to experience local hospitality in a more personal, informal setting.
March 5
This morning we’ll depart early for the opportunity to climb the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, “Lion Rock.” Constructed in the 5th century CE, this UNESCO site is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning, from the ornate gardens and colorful frescoes to the imposing “Lion Rock” itself. Bloomberg calls Sigiriya one of the new seven wonders of the world.
We’ll also explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th centuries; during this period, it was a thriving center of political, religious, and cultural activities, showcasing the advanced civilization and architectural achievements of the time. From the rock temple at Gal Vihara to the Royal Palace and the circular relic house at Vatadage, Polonnaruwa’s sites are sure to fascinate and inspire.
March 6
Today we head to Kandy, our home base for the next 3 nights (2.5-hour drive if direct). Kandy is yet another former capital and the second-largest city in modern Sri Lanka. On our way to Kandy, we’ll explore Aluvihare Rock Temple. Aluvihare Rock Temple is the historic location where the Pāli Canon was first written down completely in text on palm leaves.
The Pāli Canon holds immense significance in Buddhism as the most authoritative and oldest collection of teachings and discourses attributed to Buddha and his disciples. The canon was primarily transmitted orally until the 1st century BCE when it was first committed to writing. This written preservation of the Pāli Canon in Sri Lanka ensured its longevity and facilitated its dissemination to other Buddhist traditions, making it a vital source of Buddhist doctrine and guidance for practitioners worldwide.
As we make our way up into the hills, we’ll stop at a spice garden to see how many of Sri Lanka’s culinary and medicinal herbs and spices are grown and used in everyday life.
We’ll also visit the Dambulla Caves, a cluster of ancient cave temples that originated in the 2nd century BCE; some evidence suggests that these caves were used as shelters in prehistoric times. The colorful caves were originally a sanctuary for Buddhist monks; they were later occupied and then abandoned by kings from Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, who funded renovations and contributed to the collection of artworks. The most recent repainting, done in the 17th century, follows the artistic style of the Kandyan era.
March 7
Early this morning we’ll pay a special sunrise visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Maligawa. This temple is a venerated place for Buddhists all over the world, as it is said to house the Buddha’s left canine tooth, retrieved from his funeral pyre. It is said that this important relic was smuggled into Sri Lanka in the 4th century and had been carefully enshrined in many former capitals of Sri Lanka, finally coming to rest in Kandy in the 17th century.
Later we’ll visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, where royal history and colonial-era botany overlap in a laid-back setting. The site dates back to 1371, when it served as royal grounds, before being established as a botanical garden under the British in 1843. With over 4,000 species, including one of the region’s best orchid collections, it’s an easy place to wander. Look up and you’ll likely spot the most adorable fruit bats draped across the upper branches!
March 8
This morning, we’ll head into the hills above Kandy to visit the Nilambe Buddhist Meditation Centre, set in a quiet forested area with open views.
We’ll spend time here sitting in meditation and informal Dhamma discussion. The setting is simple and intentionally low-key, offering a chance to slow down and be present.
After a simple lunch, we’ll return to Kandy for a free afternoon of resting or independent exploration.
March 9
Before leaving Kandy, we visit the Buddhist Publication Society (BPS), a charity whose goal is to explain and spread the doctrine of the Buddha. It was founded in Sri Lanka in 1958, and for thirty years, the Buddhist Publication Society in Sri Lanka was the most important publisher of Theravada literature in English.
From here, we begin the drive to Hatton, into Sri Lanka’s hill country (3 hours to hotel). The shift is noticeable–cooler air, a slower pace, and hills covered in tea as far as you can see. This area is renowned for its postcard-perfect landscapes and thriving tea plantations, as the area’s cool climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for growing tea.
Sri Lanka’s tea cultivation dates back to the 19th century when the British introduced tea plants to the island. Under British occupation, the Ceylon tea industry flourished, and Sri Lanka became renowned globally for its high-quality tea production, which continues to be a significant export for the country today.
We arrive at our hotel set among the tea gardens just in time for a traditional high tea. The afternoon is kept open, with time for meditation and informal Dhamma discussion, or simply to rest and take in the surroundings.
March 10
This morning offers the option to walk a scenic section of the Pekoe Trail, with gentle paths winding through tea estates and open views.
In the afternoon, we visit a working tea estate and factory, following the process of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup and getting a clearer sense of how this industry has shaped the country.
Later in the day, we will gather for a dhamma talk, with time for questions and informal discussion. Our time in the highland tea country provides time for integration and practice.
March 11
After breakfast, we’ll say farewell to the highlands and make our way downhill toward Colombo (~4-hour drive).
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the University of Kelaniya to meet Buddhist scholar Oliver Tanner, PhD, offering a chance to engage more directly with Buddhist studies in a contemporary academic setting.
Afterward, we’ll continue to the nearby Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, one of the most important temples in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist tradition. Sri Lankan chronicles maintain that the Buddha visited the island three times, with his final visit said to have taken place here at Kelaniya. The vihara remains an active place of worship known for its detailed murals and steady flow of devotees.
March 12
Today we’ll visit the Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya (90-minute drive), a forest monastery established in 1967 and known for its roots in Sri Lanka’s forest meditation tradition.
Set within a protected woodland area, the monastery is home to monks living a simple, quiet life centered on meditation. Over the years, it has become one of the country’s most respected practice centers, shaped by well-known meditation teachers within this tradition.
We’ll spend some time in meditation and Dhamma discussion, while observing the setting and rhythm of life in a place like this. It offers a different perspective from the temples we’ve visited: less about ritual, more about the day-to-day practice of meditation. We’ll enjoy a simple lunch on the monastery grounds.
And just like that, our pilgrimage is coming to a close! Tonight we’ll enjoy our farewell dinner and reflect on all Sri Lanka has shown to us, with a giant thanks to our guiding lights, Kim Allen and Chandima Wanasinghe.
Your hotel night is included tonight, but you are free to leave tonight if there is an outbound flight makes more sense for you.
March 13
Your breakfast is included at the hotel this morning, and we’ll arrange your transport back to the airport for your departure home. As our time together comes to an end, we hope this journey has offered something meaningful–whether through the places we’ve visited, the people we’ve met, or simply the space to pause and take in the Dhamma.
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Price & What is Included
This journey is $7999 USD per person, based on sharing a room with someone.
- The non-refundable deposit is $1000 and holds your space
- The 2nd installment of $4000 is due on August 1, 2026
- The balance is due on November 1, 2026
- The private room supplement is $899. (Please note that we cannot guarantee a roommate.)
There is a minimum of 12 pilgrims required for this journey and a maximum of 20. When we have reached our minimum, we will let you know, at which time you can buy airfare and your travel insurance.
Price Includes
- All meals, starting with dinner on February 27th through breakfast on March 13th
- All non-alcoholic beverages at mealtimes
- All accommodations from the night of February 27th through the morning of March 13th
- Airport pick-up & drop-off
- All site fees
- All tips to our guide
- All tips to drivers, hotel staff, and restaurant staff
- Dana to Kim Allen
Price does not include
- International airfare (although we are more than happy to help you decide on arrangements)
- Sri Lanka visa fee ($50) (Update: As of May 25, 2026, this visa is FREE for many nationalities!)
- Alcohol & other specialty drinks outside mealtimes
- Travel insurance (required)
- Laundry
Payment Details & Schedule
Please refer to the Price box for specific information about price & what is included in your journey.
The non-refundable $1000 deposit guarantees your space. The 2nd installment of $4000 is due on August 1, 2026, and the balance is due on November 1, 2026.
For our American guests, we accept payments via check, credit, or debit card (via PayPal), Zelle, or Venmo. Lauren will send you these details after receiving your registration form.
For our guests outside the U.S., Lauren will connect with you about the best ways to transfer money.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by our guests
The cancellation charges are as follows unless otherwise indicated on the detailed itinerary for each trip. All cancellations must be received via e-mail or US mail.
- Cancellations prior to 150 days to departure, money will be refunded minus the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellations received 76 to 149 days prior to departure are subject to a penalty of 50% of the total cost of the trip.
- Cancellations received 75 days or less prior to trip departure will forfeit the entire cost of the trip.
If a trip is cancelled by RetreaTours
When a tour is cancelled in the case of force majeure, the Tour Participant will receive a refund minus any funds that we are unable to recover from any supplier.
You can see the full cancellation policy in our contract here.
Our Carbon Offset Commitment
RetreaTours is Climate Positive!
We purchase double carbon offsets for your travels with us—that’s from your home, through the entire tour, and back to your home again, times two!
You may have heard the term “carbon neutral,” which means that a company offsets as much carbon as it produces. With this 200% offset, RetreaTours is actually offsetting more carbon than we produce each year, making us “carbon negative” (or “climate positive,” which has a nicer ring to it!)
Since 2012 we’ve focused on making travel safe and easy for our guests; with our double carbon offset tours, we’re pleased to make our trips as sustainable as they are memorable.
Please see more at RetreaTours.com/CarbonNegative
Suggested Fitness Requirements
We recommend being comfortable walking up to 2 miles at a moderate pace, as well as climbing several flights of stairs at a time.
Dambulla Caves and Ritigala ruins will require walking up moderate inclines and some stairs.
Walking to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress (via staircases and terraces) is optional and there are several spots where one can stop and descend. In total there are about 1200 steps to the very top of Sigiriya, spread out through different levels (not all in one go).
We encourage you to email us with any questions you may have about your fitness level and this journey!
Travel Insurance
Required Coverage
RetreaTours requires that each guest carries travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and emergency evacuation and repatriation.
The minimum coverage should be $100,000 emergency medical treatment and $250,000 emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Suggested Coverage
We suggest trip cancellation insurance, as well, as you never know what obstacles life can toss at you leading up to a trip. However, we do not require this coverage, we only suggest it highly. Please familiarize yourself with RetreaTours’ guest cancellation policy in your journey’s contract.
When to purchase your policy
Please purchase this insurance as soon as we tell you the trip has reached its minimum. Please do not wait until the last minute, should you need to use your (optional) cancellation coverage before then.
Important: If you are interested in a “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance policy or a policy that covers pre-existing conditions, you may need to purchase that coverage within a certain timeframe from paying the deposit, typically 14 days. If you are interested in this style of insurance but the trip has not reached its minimum guest count yet, please let us know and we will advise.
Where to search for policies
Below you will find some options to start your search for trip insurance. However, we ask that you carefully consider your choice in travel insurance. What works for some people may not work for others, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions. Please do take the time to consider the best policy for your individual needs.
Squaremouth.com and InsureMyTrip.com are two sites where you can see and compare many policies at once, and you can refine the options by what coverage you would like. Squaremouth’s interface is very easy and intuitive to use, and you can easily opt out of trip cancellation coverage for your quote.
HeyMondo provides policies for guests under 80 and younger that include trip cancellation options. Use the link above and pop in your info to get an immediate quote.
World Nomads provides policies for guests under 70 that include trip cancellation options. Use the link above and pop in your info to get an immediate quote.
It may also be a good idea to check with your credit card companies, especially American Express, to see if they offer any medical coverage for travel.
Passport & Visa Requirements
Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip (that is September 14, 2027).
You will obtain a Sri Lanka visa online before the start of the trip, and we will provide you with all of the information you need to do that. A Sri Lanka visa currently costs $50 USD.
Vaccines & Staying Healthy on Tour
Vaccines
No vaccines are required to enter Sri Lanka, but we suggest you work with your physician or your area’s travel health expert to decide what options are best for you. You can read the CDC’s recommendations here and the UK Health Security Agency recommendations here.
It is good general practice to be up to date on your flu shot and tetanus shot; please discuss with your physician if this is right for you.
Malaria & other Mosquito-borne Illnesses
Sri Lanka was certified by the World Health Organization as a malaria-free country in 2016.
Other mosquito-borne illnesses without a vaccine exist in Sri Lanka, so it will be important to bring mosquito repellent for when we are out at dawn or dusk or within the jungle.
March is the dry season and we don’t expect too many mosquitoes, but it is best to be proactive and avoid being bitten!
Staying Healthy on Tour
Please visit our comprehensive article, “How to Stay Healthy While Traveling…Naturally,” which addresses all of the most common travel ailments.
Expected Temperatures & Suggested Packing List
Weather Notes
Expect warm temperatures throughout the journey, with cooler, more temperate conditions in the hill country.
The average temperature in your travels around Sri Lanka will be between 65 and 95°F, with a high level of humidity.
Although this is not the rainy season, rain can still occur, so you’ll want to bring some protection from the sprinkles. We highly recommend a small travel umbrella for both rain and sun protection.
Suggested Packing List
We will provide you with a comprehensive packing list several months before our journey together.
About Our Hotels
We have chosen our hotels on this journey carefully, based on their comfort and location. They each have wifi (*sometimes it is only available in the common areas), hot water, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms with Western-style toilets.
Here are the names of the hotels we will be using and their websites:
- Negombo: Jetwing Beach (1 night, February 27)
- Anuradhapura: The Lake Forest (3 nights, February 28, March 1, 2)
- Habarana/Sigiriya: Habarana Village Hotel (3 nights, March 3, 4, 5)
- Kandy: Hotel Suisse (3 nights, March 6, 7, 8)
- Hattan: The Argyle (2 nights, March 9, 10)
- Colombo: The Granbell (2 nights, March 11, 12)
About our Drive Times
Sri Lanka is a small country and we will be using comfortable vehicles to make our way around the island. Here are the expected approximate drive times for this journey, listed by day.
- February 27: Airport to hotel is ~30 minutes.
- February 28: Negombo to Lake Forest Hotel is ~4 hours; Lake Forest Hotel to Jaya Sru Maha Bodhi tree is ~12 minutes each way.
- March 1: Lake Forest Hotel to Mihintale, 40 minutes each way
- March 2: Lake Forest Hotel to ancient Anuradhapura, 15 minutes each way
- March 3: Lake Forest Hotel to Avukana Buddha, ~75 minutes; Avukana Buddha to our hotel in Habarana ~70 minutes
- March 4: Habarana hotel to Nā Uyana Aranya Monastery, 90 minutes each way
- March 5: Habarana hotel to Lion Rock, 30 minutes each way; Habarana hotel to Polonnaruwa, 1 hour each way
- March 6: Habarana hotel to Kandy, total of 3 hours, with several site stops along the way to break it up
- March 7: Kandy hotel to Temple of the Tooth, 10-minute drive; Kandy hotel to Royal Botanic Gardens, 30 minutes each way
- March 8: Kandy hotel to Nilambe Meditation Center, 75-90 minutes each way in beautiful tea country scenery
- March 9: Kandy to Hatton, 3 hours through the highlands and tea country
- March 10: Short drive to tea estate
- March 11: Hatton to Colombo, 4-4.5 hours; Colombo hotel to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, 35 minutes each way
- March 12: Colombo hotel to Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya forest monastery, 90-120 minutes each way
- March 13: Hotel to airport is ~45 minutes.
Wifi Availability & Electricity
Wifi
The internet is accessible throughout this journey, although it may only available in the common areas in some hotels. We recommend staying connected with your loved ones via WhatsApp (which we will also use on the tour to communicate the schedule and updates). You may also wish to activate an international plan on your phone service or buy an eSIM. You can learn more about eSIMs that we recommend here.
Electrical Outlets and Adaptors
You’ll need an electrical adaptor for Sri Lanka. We highly recommend a Universal Adaptor such as this (for its Type G adaptor), which also has USB and USB-C outlets so you can charge multiple devices at once. You’ll also want to obtain a Type-D adaptor.
About your Arrival and Departure
Early Arrival
This journey will officially begin at dinner on February 27th. If you wish to arrive early, we can help you make arrangements at our first hotel.
Please remember that if you arrive in the wee hours of February 27th (~2 to 5 AM is not an uncommon landing time), you’ll still need a place to rest your weary head, necessitating a room the night of February 26th/morning of February 27th. Otherwise, you may have to wait until 2 PM on February 27th to check in.
No fear if you can’t arrive until later on February 27th; if your flight arrives after dinner on February 27th, we’ll make sure you are caught up to speed and know when to meet the group for departure on the 28th and you can meet everyone at breakfast!
Departure
Our last dinner together is on March 12th and your hotel night is included on the 12th. You can leave anytime you wish after 10 PM on March 12th, and you are free to leave any time on the 13th as your hotel is included. Your transportation from Kandy to the airport is included.
Contact RetreaTours
About Kim Allen
Kim Allen has been teaching the Dharma since 2008 with a focus on classical practices and contemplations based in the rich texts of the Pāli Canon. She has sat cumulative years of silent retreat, up to three months at a stretch, including practice and travel in Sri Lanka. As a teacher and author, she aims to bring classical Dharma to a modern context and to encourage lay practitioners in fully living a life of Dharma.
She trained primarily at the Insight Meditation Center with Gil Fronsdal, and now offers retreats, sutta classes, and Dharma programs in-person and online. Kim founded the Dharma organization Uncontrived and serves as its guiding teacher. Learn more at http://www.
“I will help guide participants to experience our time together as a spiritual journey, however that unfolds for each person. We will make space to meditate each day, and as we visit sites, we may pause to feel into the richness of their history. There will be opportunities to consider connections to Buddhist teachings, and to integrate what we are experiencing.”
About RetreaTours (BJ & Lauren)
You’ll be joined on this journey by Lauren & BJ, owners of RetreaTours (that’s us with Chandima!)
BJ Graf and Lauren Rathvon have traveled the globe year-round since January 2013, researching, designing, and leading impactful journeys. We are deeply grateful for the trust that our guests place in us to save them time and resources while they enjoy a memorable journey. You can learn more about us here.
We are committed not only to our guests but to the local communities in our destinations and the planet. We engage with local businesses and guides to keep money within the community, and we double carbon-offset each of our tours.
We invite you to visit our Testimonials page to see what other people have to say about us!
About Chandima Wanasinghe
We’ll be accompanied by our fantastic Sri Lankan guide Chandima who possesses a deep connection to the island’s Buddhist heritage, sacred landscapes, and living traditions. For more than a decade, he has guided travelers from around the world through Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms, forest trails, rural villages, and mist-covered hill country, creating journeys that invite a deeper understanding of the island beyond conventional travel.
Raised in Sri Lanka and shaped by its rich Buddhist culture, Chandima brings a thoughtful and personal approach to guiding. His interests in history, local culture, meditation, pilgrimage traditions, hiking, and wellness allow him to offer travelers a deeper connection to the places they encounter along the way.
Known for his warm and thoughtful presence, Chandima enjoys sharing both the celebrated landmarks and the quieter corners of the island that continue to inspire reflection and wonder. Through these journeys, he hopes travelers experience not only Sri Lanka’s history and beauty, but also create a genuine connection to the island, its people, and its enduring spiritual traditions.
About Tricycle
Established in 1990 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization, The Tricycle Foundation is dedicated to making Buddhist teachings and practices broadly available. In 1991 the Foundation launched Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, the first magazine intended to present Buddhist perspectives to a Western readership. Tricycle soon became the leading independent journal of Buddhism in the West, where it continues to be the most inclusive and widely read vehicle for the dissemination of Buddhist views and values.
Our readership includes longtime practitioners, those who are curious about Buddhism or meditation, and those who do not identify as Buddhist but value the teachings of wisdom and compassion that Buddhism has to offer. By remaining unaffiliated with any particular teacher, sect or lineage, Tricycle provides a unique and independent public forum for exploring Buddhism, establishing a dialogue between Buddhism and the broader culture, and introducing Buddhist thinking to Western disciplines. This approach has enabled Tricycle to successfully attract readers from all walks of life, many of whom desire to enrich their lives through a deeper knowledge of Buddhist traditions.
Tricycle has been recognized with the prestigious Folio Award for Best Spiritual Magazine three times, and has twice garnered the Utne Media Award, most recently in 2013. As part of our commitment to our readers who are seeking to implement or sustain Buddhist values and practices, Tricycle accepts advertising only from teachers, programs, centers, and businesses whose offerings we believe will support those aims. Because of this selective policy, we depend on donations to support ever-rising printing and production costs, content updates to our website, and life-enriching programs. The Foundation also hosts occasional pilgrimages that provide opportunities for new and experienced practitioners to explore sites of importance to Buddhist history and practice.
Mission Statement
The mission of The Tricycle Foundation is to create forums for exploring contemporary and historic Buddhist activity, examine the impact of its new context in the democratic traditions of the West, and introduce fresh views and attainable methods for enlightened living to the culture at large. At the core of the Foundation’s mission is the alleviation of suffering that Buddhist teachings are meant bring about. Tricycle is an independent foundation unaffiliated with any one lineage or sect.
Why “Tricycle?”
A three-wheeled vehicle aptly evokes the fundamental components of Buddhist philosophy. Buddhism itself is often referred to as the “vehicle to enlightenment,” and the tricycle’s three wheels allude to the three treasures: The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, or the enlightened teacher, the teachings, and the community. The wheels also relate to the turning of the wheel of dharma, or skillfully using the teachings of the Buddha to face the challenges that the circle of life presents.
Want to see our other Pilgrimages with Tricycle?
We love traveling with Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, and we know that you will enjoy these transformative journeys, too. Please click here to see all of our current Tricycle Pilgrimages at a glance.
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