Sri Lanka – This extraordinary island set in the Indian Ocean, off the south-eastern tip of India, has thousands of years of diverse culture. Still a predominantly Buddhist country, it also has strong Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities as well. Incredibly fertile and a great producer of exotic fruits and it was for centuries the spice producer of the world famous sand incredibly picturesque hill country. With a strong cultural past that now offers over 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Sri Lanka was once one of the richest countries in Asia. In recent times it has not developed at the dramatic pace of its neighbours’ in the region adding to its charm and character. The relative lack of development and gentle island pace make Sri Lanka the perfect destination for those looking for a varied and stimulating holiday. From beautiful beaches, unbelievable flora and fauna (much endemic), amazing architecture as well as a vast amount of historical & religious sites, white water rafting, cycling and many other adventures for the more active and finally the friendliest of people who carry infectious smiles with them every day!
Visit, feel and discover. Feel the vivacity of this island nation, bask in this emerald isle’s intoxicating beauty and enjoy an extraordinary travel experience. Explore Sri Lanka’s golden beaches, the glorious history, the rich wilderness and the bustling cosmopolitans and be amazed!
5N/6D Ramayana Tour of Sri Lanka
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 – Airport – CHillaw –Negombo
(DRIVING TIME FOR return journey APPROXIMATELY 03 hours AND 15 MINUTES)
Upon arrival, you will be introduced to your chauffeur guide and begin your journey to uncover the wonders of this island.
Proceed to Chillaw.
En route visit Punchi Katharagama Temple in Madampe
This neat and colorful new Replica of Kataragama temple in Madampe was dedicated to Lord Murugan in January 2012. The huge temple, situated 10 kms south of Chilaw was donated by a local businessman and land owner who is involved in the production and delivery of Today.
Visit Munneshwaram Temple in Chillaw
The Munneswaram Kovil close to Chilaw is one of the 5 major Shiva temples of Sri Lanka and Rameswaram islands. They are called Ishvarams. According to a Tamil legend, the temple is situated at a place where King Rama prayed to Shiva after committing the worst crime according to Hindu Dharma, namely Brahmahasti, the killing of a priest, because Ravana who had to be killed by Rama in order to liberate Sita, was of Brahmin caste. Rama stopped the Vimana vehicle at Munneswaram because of his feeling that the Doshana sin was not following him at this place. So he ascended from the vimana and prayed to God Shiva asking for a remedy. Shiva advised Rama to install four lingams at Manavari, Trinco, Mannar and Rameswaram for this purpose.
Visit Manawari Temple
Manavari, about 6 kms north of Chilaw, is the first place where Lord Rama installed a Lingam, as a remedy to Lord Shiva after committing Brahmincide by killing the King Ravana who was a Brahmin. This Shiva Lingam in Manavari is called Ramalingam because it was made by Lord Rama. There are only two Lingams in the world named after Lord Rama, the other is in Rameswaram in India.
Check-in to Hotel and Freshen up
Overnight stay at Hotel in Negombo
Day 02 – Negombo – Nuwara eliya
(Driving TIME APPROXIMATELY 05 Hours and 55 MINUTES)
After Breakfast checkout from Hotel and Leave for Nuwara Eliya
En route Visit Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple in Ramboda
The Sri Lankan branch of the Chinmaya mission, committed to promoting the Ramayana philosophy as well as Ramayana Trail pilgrimages, has built a temple with Hanuman as a presiding deity in Ramboda at the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya mainroad. There is a new five meters tall granite statue of Rama’s devote supporter. Hanuman is believed to have started his search for Sita in the Baroda hills. Hanuman traditionally was not as popular among Sri Lankan Tamil devotees as he indeed is in India, because he devastated parts of the island with his burning tail. But in recent times Hindu missionaries and local Tamil spiritual leaders began building shrines for worshiping Hanuman in Sri Lanka, too. The Tamil word for Ramboda, Rampadai, means “Rama’s force”, this is why Ramboda is believed to be the area where Rama collected his troops.
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya
Check-in to Hotel and Freshen up
Visit Seeta Amman temple and Ashoka Watika in late afternoon
The Sita Amman Temple, located halfway between the highland village Sita Eliya and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, has become the most venerated of all Ramayana Trail sites in Sri Lanka, because it is believed to be the place where Sita lived most of the time of her captivity on the island of Lanka. After she refused to stay in Ravana’s magnificent palace she was transferred to Ashok Vatika or Ashokavanam where she lived under Ashoka trees.
It was here that Ravana’s wife Mandodari visited her and that Hanuman met her for the first time, identifying himself with the finger ring of Rama. Sita is said to have bathed in the nearby stream. There are remarkable holes in the rocks at the river bank believed to be footprints of Lord Hamunan
Return to Hotel
Evening at leisure
Overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 03 – Nuwara eliya – Hakgala – Nuwara eliya
(Driving time for return journey APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES)
After Breakfast proceed to Hakgala
Visit Hakgala Botanical garden in the evening
Hakgala rock surmounts the Hakgala Botanical gardens, only a few kilometres away from Ashok Vatika. It is sometimes said that Hakgala rock is one of the pieces of the Himalayas that fell down when Hanuman carried Mount Dronagiri to Lanka. But usually the Ramayana Trail identifies only 5 other places as originating from these events. Rumassala near Galle, Dolukanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala near Habarana, Thalladi on Mannar, and Kachchativu island.
En route Visit gayatri Pitam in Nuwara Eliya
Gayathri Pitam, also spelled Gayaththri Peedam, inside Nuwara Eliya town is the first and most important temple built for Gayathri Amman in Sri Lanka, Gayatri being an aspect of Saraswati and the Universal Mother. It was founded by the Gayathri Siddhar Swami Murusegu. The Shiva Lingam for this Tamil temple was brought from the Holy River Narmada. Gayathri Pitam is said to be the place from where King Ravana’s son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and worship and in turn was granted super natural powers by the mighty god
Return back to Hotel
Evening at Leisure
Overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 04 – NUWARa ELIYA – Ella – Nuwara Wliya
(DRIVING TIME FOR RETURN JOURNEY APPROXIMATELY 02 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES)
After Breakfast checkout from Hotel and Leave for Ella
Enroute Visit Diwurumpola
Divurumpola is said to be the location where Sita underwent the famous fire ordeal Agni Pariksha, in order to prove her chastity. From the flames arose the fire god Agni who was invoked by Sita. He lifted her from the flames unharmed and presented her to Lord Rama who explained this test was only necessary to prove the truth of her purity and innocence to everybody. Divurumpola is said to have been the location of this episode, because the Sinhalese name means a ‘marketplace of oath’. Today the temple is respected as a suitable place for oaths that can be helpful in settling disputes between parties.
Visit Ravana Caves and Ravan Falls in Ella
The Ravana Ella Falls and the Rawana Ella Cave are located close to the Wellawaya mainroad in the famous valley called Ella gap, only about 6 kms away from the town of Ella well known for its splendid views to the Ella gap. The cascading waterfall measures about 25 metres. It is believed that Sita bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall. The nearby Rawana Ella cave is quite small, only 50 metres long. As in the case of Ishthripura Cave in Welimada, legend has it that it was used by King Rawana to hide princess Sita. It is believed to belong to a network of tunnels also connecting it to the Dova temple and to all the palaces and airports and dairy farms of King Ravana. Archaeological findings in the Rawana Cave include a human skull dating back to 20,000 BC.
These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. These tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret passage. These tunnels networked all the important cities, airport and dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are where a palace and a tunnel existed. Existing tunnels mouths are situated in Ishtripura at Welimada, Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, Labookellie, Wariyapola, Matale and Sitakotuwa Hasalaka. In addition there are many more tunnels.
Return back to Nuwara Eliya
Overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 05 – Nuwara Eliya -Colombo
(DRIVING TIME FOR RETURN JOURNEY APPROXIMATELY 05 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES)
After Breakfast checkout from Hotel and Leve for Colombo
En route visit Mani Katthuter, Labookellie
Mani Kattuther is a small and flat rock boulder within the tea plantations of Labookellie estate. It is believed that Lord Hanuman, after meeting Sitadevi, rested on this hill top on his way back to Lord Rama with the happy news of finding his missed consort. Nowadays an open temple with statues of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman stands on top of it. Locals visit the holy place frequently.
Arrive In Colombo
Colombo, is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and major port. A fine amalgamation of all the hues and cultures within this paradise isle. This chic metropolitan brings together the many facets of this island nation.
En route do a city tour in Colombo
Visit Hanuman Temple in Wellawatta
Check-in to Hotel and Freshen up
Overnight stay at Hotel in Colombo
Day 06 – Colombo – Airport
(DRIVING time APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES)
After Breakfast checkout from Hotel and leave for Airport
End of Tour
For Price Contact Us
This is a short five day scenic trek with great views, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, Read more
There are four places, the sight of which will arouse strong emotions in those with faith. Here the Tathagat was Read more
Arunachal is, literally, the land of the rising sun, where dawn first greets the easternmost state of India. Tawang is Read more
This comprehensive tour of Gujarat takes you to famous Textile Museum in Ahmedabad; the amazing complex of mosques at Champaner; Read more