Relive the legend of Ramayana in Sri Lanka by exploring many sites steeped in its history along the west coast, east coast and scenic hill country. A six day tour covering attractions such as, Manavari temple, Munneswaram temple, Koneswaram temple, Lovers’ leap, Sakthi Peetam, Seetha Kotuwa, Sri Baktha Hanuman temple, Ravana falls and caves; ending with a unique tea plucking experience in the hills.
Luxury hotels | daily breakfast | 6 dinners | vehicle with chauffeur | all excursions mentioned in itinerary
Day 1 – Explore the legendary temples of Manavari and Munneswaram steeped in history of Ramayana on the way to Dambulla
Day 2 – Discover the port city of Trincomalee, Fort Frederick, Koneswaram temple, Lovers’ Leap and Sakthi Peetam shrine
Day 3 – Explore the last royal capital of Kandy whilst visiting legendary sites of Ramayana along the way such as Seetha Kotuwa and Weragantota
Day 4 – Experience Nuwara Eliya by visiting Sri Baktha Hanuman temple and Seetha Amman temple, reflecting in history of Lord Hanuman and Sitadevi
Day 5 – Reminisce the tales of Ravana with a visit to the caves and waterfalls surrounded by epic views of Ella and Nuwara Eliya
Day 6 -7 – Indulge in a tea plucking experience walking through a plantation and factory, learning the process of the plucked leaf into the brewed cup
Upon arrival you will be greeted and escorted to your vehicle. Drive to Dambulla, a town in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Immerse yourself in the epic love story of Rama and Sita as narrated by Valmiki. On the way to Dambulla, you will visit the Munneswaram temple complex located in Chilaw, 2 hours north of the airport. The Munneswaram temple is one of the five major Shiva temples of Sri Lanka, the biggest and central temple which has been dedicated to Shiva. Thereafter, you will be taken to visit the Manavari temple, a historically significant place for Hindu pilgrims who come from India. The temple is also known as ‘Ramalinga Shivan’. This is where Rama installed the first Shiva Lingam as a remedy to Lord Shiva after he killed King Ravana. Check into your hotel, rest and relax. Overnight stay in Dambulla.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Amaya Lake, The Paradise Resort & Spa, Deer Park Hotel
Entrance tickets and excursions included: Manavari Kovil, Munneswaram Kovil
Other inclusions: Transport in air conditioned vehicle, guiding services
Early morning after breakfast drive to the port city of Trincomalee on the East Coast. Visit Fort Fredrick which was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and within its complex find the historical Koneswaram Temple that is mentioned in the Ramayana legend. The temple is located on top of the Swami rock which is a peninsula surrounded by the sea. Explore the temple and discover the Lovers’ Leap with its spectacular and picturesque views. Within the Koneswaram temple complex is the Sakthi Peetam, a shrine said to be built by Ravana himself. It was the first out of 18 Sakthi Peetas. After completion of the visit, head back to Dambulla. Overnight stay in Dambulla.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Amaya Lake,The Paradise Resort & Spa, Deer Park Hotel
Entrance tickets and excursions included: Fort Frederick, Koneswaram Temple, Lovers’ leap, Sakthi Peetam
Other inclusions: Transport in air conditioned vehicle, guiding services
After breakfast, drive to Kandy, the second largest city and last royal capital of Sri Lanka. En route visit some of the sites that are connected to the Ramayana legend – which include Seetha Kotuwa, where the palace of Lankapura stood, where Sitadevi was kept until she was moved to Ashok Vatika. A remote area, Seetha Kotuwa translates to ‘Seetha’s Fortress’ and was a stunning place enclosed by limestone caves, streams, waterfalls and more. None of this was of any interest to Sita because while she was kept here, she waited for her beloved Rama to save her from King Ravana and his persistent need to marry her. Throughout the entire period she was there she refused to eat or drink anything and she was gradually starting to give up and wondered if Rama would ever come – it was at this point in time when Lord Hanuman appeared with the intention of taking her back to Rama, but Sita told him she would prefer to wait for Rama and his army as her faith in him was restored. Visit Dunuwila, where King Rama had fired the Brahmastra, the weapon of the god Brahma at Ravana. Then you will see Laggala, which was the guard point of Rama’s army and was the first sighting point of the army. You will then visit Weragantota, the capital city of King Ravana. It was the first place where Sitadevi was brought into the country in Ravana’s vimana and it was said to have been one of the most beautiful palaces as it was surrounded by different varieties of flora, fauna and flowing waterfalls. Yahangala is a rock where Ravana’s body was laid to rest. After visiting the above mentioned places, drive to Kandy and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Amaya Hills, Hotel Topaz
Entrance tickets and excursions included: Seetha Kotuwa, Dunuwila, Laggala, Yahangala, Weragantota
Other inclusions: Transport in air conditioned vehicle, guiding services
Drive to Nuwara Eliya after breakfast. Nuwara Eliya was also known as ‘Little England’, the hill capital of the country that’s dotted with mountains and endless waterfalls. The first stop will be the Sri Baktha Hanuman temple, a revered temple for Hindu pilgrims who visit in thousands every year. It was built on the hills of Ramboda, one of the places Lord Hanuman visited in his search for Sitadevi. It is said in the legends that Hanuman searched for Sita in the jungle surrounding the temple. This temple was built by ‘Chinmaya Mission’ and dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and special poojas are conducted in this place during full moon Poya days. A statue of Lord Hanuman that’s made out of granite is inside the temple. Visit Seetha Amman Temple, dedicated to Sitadevi, it was where Lord Hanuman and Sitadevi’s first encounter had occurred. There are big and little footprints of Hanuman believed to be by the folks which are fascinating to see. Ashok Vatika, a place behind the temple was where Sita held her daily prayers for her Prince Rama. It is located closer to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Heaven Seven, Lourdes Hotel
Entrance tickets and excursions included: Sri Bakthi Hanuman temple, Seetha Amman Temple, Ashok Vatika
Other inclusions: Transport in air conditioned vehicle, guiding services
Drive to Ella to visit the Ravana caves, one of the main sites mentioned in the Ramayana legend for it says the caves were used by King Ravana to hide Sitadevi from Rama. Sita was trapped here before Ravana moved her to Ashok Vatika. According to the legend, Ravana lived here in the caves for a few years. The caves are man-made, although very mysterious, it is an architectural brilliance courtesy of Ravana. The Ravana Falls is located close to the Wellawaya main road, situated in the popular valley known as Ella Gap. It is famous since it was where Sitadevi bathed in during her stay in the nearby caves. Visit the temple at Divurumpola where the ritual of Agni Pariksha is performed in honour of Sitadevi proving her innocence to Rama. Upon completion head backfor overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Heaven Seven, Lourdes Hotel
Entrance tickets and excursions included: Ravana Caves, Ravana Falls, Divurumpola
Other inclusions: Transport in air conditioned vehicle, guiding services
Walk through a tea plantation, learn the art of tea plucking and visit the factory to discover the fascinating experience of plucking and processing of tea leaves into the dried leaves that brew the perfect cup of tea.
Upon completion drive to the country’s commercial capital – Colombo, a compact city with colonial grandeur and modernity. Overnight stay in Colombo.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Fairway Colombo, Mandarina
Entrance tickets and excursions included: Visit a tea plantation and Factory
Other inclusions: Transport in air conditioned vehicle, guiding services
Have breakfast and leave for your departure flight at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: none
Entrance tickets and excursions included: none
Other inclusions: Transport in air conditioned vehicle, guiding services
