This full-day experience with the monks in Sri Lanka, offered by YOLO Travel in the UNESCO-listed city of Kandy, includes visiting the Degaldoruwa Cave Temple, joining the daily alms-giving tradition of dana, cooking a meal for the monks and reflecting with a local guide who explains Buddhist customs, rituals and symbolism.
A soul-stirring experience in the UNESCO-listed city of Kandy with the monks of Sri Lanka beckons. Spend an entire day with those who left the world of materialism behind to pursue a life (or sometimes just a chunk of it) of total spiritual devotion.
Explore the Degaldoruwa Cave Temple, gaze upon the life of the Buddha in colourful hues depicted by century-old murals and indulge in the wisdom of a monk after cooking a meal for those clad in tones of vitality itself.
Kandy as a Base for the Monks in Sri Lanka
Best known as the city of Senkadagalapura, Kandy is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site simply because of its beautiful history. It captures the very essence of Buddhist mysticism.
In Kandy lies a history of Sinhalese culture that reigned for more than 2,500 years, British colonial occupation that left an indelible mark on the region, and a way of living that draws in millions of spiritual seekers.
For those wanting to marvel at the sacred tooth of the Buddha, Kandy is the place for just that. Being the second largest city after Colombo, it offers a myriad of historical and cultural attractions to fill the day, from indulging in the incredible sights of temples and architecture reminiscent of Europe, to savouring market foods and, of course, spending an entire day with the monks in Sri Lanka.
Participating in the Tradition of Alms in Buddhism
The monks in Sri Lanka rely on everyday people for meals and living essentials. This tradition of alms giving is called dāna, and it is believed to foster a spiritual connection between the monks and those doing the giving. It is a procession of humility and gratitude that occurs daily. Monks, from novice to elder, emerge from the monasteries to weave through the city in a single line, each cradling an alms bowl to accept rice from those standing on the sidelines.
It’s an exchange centred around sustenance: the community cares for the physical needs of the monks, and the monks, in turn, care for the spiritual well-being of the community. These Buddhist monks have no earthly possessions; their only goal is to reach Nirvana, or true enlightenment. Buddhist laypeople provide food and essentials because they seek spiritual blessings from the monks, but also because they earn merit through their giving to monks.
Almsgiving doesn’t always include food; it can also include
– Flowers
– Incense sticks
– Towels
– Stationery and materials
– Candles
– Hygiene products
– Herbs to use as medicine: ginger, whole cloves, garlic, etc.
– Never gift luxury items, only essentials.
During this exclusive experience by YOLO Travel, you will accompany this procession to see how monks in Sri Lanka accept gifts from the community with humility and grace.
Preparing a Meal for the Monks in Sri Lanka
YOLO Travel offers the perfect way to engage in Buddhist alms giving for an entire day. Not only are you participating in the tradition of dāna, but you’re also learning about the principles and doctrine around Buddhism, simplified Sri Lankan cuisine, giving time and effort to others with a gracious heart, and the role spirituality plays in society—a role often discarded or frowned upon in the overly self-obsessed 21st century.
A Moment of Reflection
Acts of charity, like cooking for the monks of Sri Lanka, have a multitude of positive effects on one’s mental and emotional well-being. Generosity triggers dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, often creating a type of euphoria, often referred to as a ‘helper’s high’. However, unlike the high that comes from substances, the high that springs from generosity has been shown to strengthen neural pathways, effectively making the act second nature. The emotional satisfaction is akin to that felt after a good laugh or chocolate indulgence.
Spending time with the monks in Sri Lanka also has a range of well-being enhancements. Mindfulness, growing still within oneself, learning how to let go of material things that seem to hold one hostage, being grateful to those who surround one’s life, and learning how to rely on others in times of need all sprout from this experience. Showing vulnerability and humility, like the monks in Sri Lanka, teaches us how to build strong relationships, how to trust, and to let go because we are not in charge of everything, regardless of our level of belief.
Experiencing the Magic of the Monks of Sri Lanka
The monks in Sri Lanka offer a whirlwind of wonder, wisdom, and wellness—our goal is to help you fully immerse yourself in all of it. With our local guide, getting the inside scoop on Buddhism comes effortlessly.
These guides are a crucial element in making this experience a success: they interpret customs, explain rituals, and provide insight into the symbolism. They act, essentially, as a cultural bridge to ensure respectful participation, forge connections, and deepen understanding. With them leading the way, this day with the monks will positively fly by.
You do not need to be a Buddhist to take part. You only need an open mind and a respectful heart. The monks welcome visitors who come with sincerity. Your guide will prepare you beforehand, explaining what to wear, how to offer food and which questions are appropriate. There is no pressure to speak or perform. Silence is welcome.
By the end of the day, something shifts. The world feels slower. Your own worries feel smaller. This is not a tour. It is a quiet exchange between two kinds of people: those who serve and those who serve differently.
The memory stays longer than most. Weeks later, you might find yourself remembering the quiet way a monk thanked you without speaking. Or the weight of the plate in your hands as you offered food. These small moments matter. Your guide does not rush you. There is no schedule to keep. You leave when you are ready. And when you go, you carry something invisible, a little more patience, a little less noise inside your head. Just sunrise, silence amd the slow work of being present.