Buddhism & cultural tourism in Sri Lanka

It is reassuring in this day and age where, in tourism, the branded often overshadows the bone fide, that cultural holidays in Sri Lanka have something truly meaningful at their core. And that is Buddhism. It has been, and continues to be, the leading light that guides tourists here. Many are followers of Buddha from around the world, others simply fascinated by the religion’s history, the architecture associated with it as well as contemporary sacred practices.

No matter what your beliefs, it is hard not to be struck by the serenity, spiritualism and committed service of Buddhist monks seen at many of the country’s temples, whether they are ancient museum pieces or contemporary places of worship. Beira Lake, a landmark in the capital city of Colombo, for example, is home to hundreds of monks at Gangaramaya Temple. And there are thousands of monks in and around the Kandy region, where the Sri Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth is located, housing the sacred tooth belonging to Buddha. There are, in fact, 6,000 Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka with approximately 15,000 monks and, in many places, from the jungles to the beaches, you will hear chanting coming from all directions at sunrise.