Things to do
Buddhism & spirituality in Sri Lanka
Sacred mountains, temples, pilgrimages and the etiquette that protects them. What to know before you visit.
Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) pilgrimage: complete climbing guide
Everything for climbing Adam's Peak — season, start time, what to bring, the staircase, and how the pilgrimage works for non-Buddhist visitors.
Beyond the big four: 6 lesser-known Buddhist temples worth visiting
Six off-trail Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka that most visitors miss — Ridi Viharaya, Mulkirigala, Aluvihara, Embekke, Lankathilaka, and Gadaladeniya.
Buddhism in Sri Lanka: a 10-minute introduction for travellers
What kind of Buddhism is practised in Sri Lanka, how it arrived, and what you need to know as a visitor to Buddhist sites across the island.
Kataragama: Sri Lanka's multi-faith pilgrimage town
What to expect at Kataragama — the Esala festival, the sacred complex shared by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, and how to visit respectfully.
Meditation retreats in Sri Lanka: 7 verified Vipassana and forest centres
The best meditation retreats in Sri Lanka — Vipassana, forest tradition, and drop-in centres — with honest assessments of each and how to book.
Mihintale: visiting the cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism
Complete guide to Mihintale — the 1,840 steps, the dawn atmosphere, the story of Mahinda, and how to combine it with Anuradhapura.
Poya day in Sri Lanka: what to expect as a visitor
What is poya day, how does it affect tourists, and how to make the most of Sri Lanka's monthly Buddhist full moon holiday.
Should you climb Adam's Peak? An honest decision guide
A frank assessment of who should and shouldn't climb Adam's Peak — what it actually involves and when to choose Ella Rock or Pidurangala instead.
Sri Maha Bodhi: visiting the world's oldest documented tree
The complete guide to Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura — the 2,300-year-old sacred fig tree, the puja ceremonies, poya days, and how to visit.
The Buddhist art of Dambulla Cave Temple: what to look for
A detailed guide to the Buddhist murals, statues, and iconography in Dambulla's five caves — what's in each cave and how to read the art.
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