Ramayana Trail

Ramayana Trail - 5N/6D

• Day 1 Arrival – Chilaw - Dambulla

  Our local representative will be at the Airport to greet you and transfer you to Dambulla via Chilaw
  Visit Munishwaram Temple & Manavari Temple in Chilaw.
  Munishwaram - It is believed that Munishwaram predates the Ramayana. Munishwaram means the first temple for Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya with Sita in one of King Ravana’s Vimaan. He felt he was being followed by a Bramhaasthi Dosham (a malevolent black shadow) as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin.
  Manavari temple - When the Vimana was passing over Munishwaram, he felt the Vimana vibrating, and realized the Brahmaasti Dosham was not following him at this particular point. He stopped the Vimana at this juncture and asked god Lord Shiva for advice. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised installing and praying at four lingams located at Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham. Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed by Rama and till date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Return back to the Hotel. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Dambulla

  Tip: Visitors of both genders have to wear decent clothing to cover the body appropriately when visiting religious places and shorts and sleeveless tops are not acceptable 

• Day 2 Dambulla - Kandy

  After breakfast, we will continue our journey towards Kandy.
  On the way, we will visit Sigiriya –one of the UNESCO’s world heritage site in Sri Lanka and Cobra Cave - This is called Cobra Hooded Cave as it has its shape. The tradition states that Sita was held in captivity here. There are many pre-historic drawings on its ceiling. There is a distinct link between Sita and the cave and it the following is inscribed, ‘Parumaka naguliya lene’. It would have been inscribed after Rawana’s period but positively it has a connection to Sita’s stay in this cave, as the word ‘naguliya’ refers to Sita.
  Transfer to Kandy.
  Kandy – the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, the world heritage site and the last royal capital of Sinhala kings until the occupation of Sri Lanka by the British in 1815.
  Experience the beauty of this lakeside town amidst misty hills, featuring the hustle bustle of the city market with the peace of the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, gem museum & lapidary. Enjoy your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka. Overnight Stay at Hotel

  Meal Plan: (Breakfast)

• Day 3 Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

  Enjoy your breakfast. Today, we will head towards Nuwara Eliya (nearly 2000 metres above sea level) via Kitulgala. Travelling through twisting roads, misty mountains, lush green valleys, and tea Estates you will arrive at Nuwara Eliya – often referred to as ‘the Little England’ by Sri Lankan tourist. Colonial style buildings, red brick Victorian style postoffice, hedgerows & golf course will all add up the flavor to that English Countryside atmosphere
  En-route visit Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple, Ramboda. The Ramboda area is believed to be an area where Rama’s forces were gathered against Ravana. RamPadai means Rama’s Force. The hills of Ramboda are also believed where Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi. The Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka has built an Anjaneyar temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity. This temple is called Sri Baktha Hanuman temple and the image of lord Hanuman here is 16 Feet tall..
  The service time at the Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple is between 7:00 am to 12:00 noon and again 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  Next we will visit to Ramboda Falls. And if time allows, we will make a visit to tea factory. Overnight Stay at Nuwara Eliya.

  Tip: Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka, but not obligatory.
  
  
  Meal Plan: (Breakfast)

• Day 4 Nuwara Eliya - Yala

  Have your breakfast. Today, we will visit to Gayathri Peedam, Seeta Amman temple, Divurumpola Temple, and Ravana Caves and Waterfall. The falls have been named after the legendary king Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. The reason for the kidnapping is said to be a revenge for slicing off the nose of his sister by Rama (husband of Sita) and his brother Laxmana. At the time, the cave was surrounded with thick forests in the midst of wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall. They believed that Ravana has played the Ravanahatha over here. Overnight in Yala.

  Meal Plan: (Breakfast)

• Day 5 Yala – Colombo

  Breakfast at the Hotel. We will head towards Colombo
  En-route visit Kataragama temple. This is the temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Lord Indra on the last day of war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahmasthra aimed by King Ravana which otherwise would have weakened Lord Rama. The benefit was one of the most powerful weapon brahma asthra aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya.
  Kiri Vehera Temple. Kiri Vehera is an ancient stupa situated in Kataragama, Sri Lanka. This stupa probably dates back to the 6th century BC and is believed to have been built by King Mahasena, a regional ruler of Kataragama area.
  En-route explore Ussangoda. According to Ramayana, after meeting Seetha Devi Lord Hanuman decided to test the strength of the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. In the event that unfolded Lord Hanuman's tail was set on fire by the Rakshasas, who in turn went on to torch some parts of King Ravana's empire. Ussangoda is one of the torched areas, which is said to have been an airport used by King Ravana.
  Visit Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple.
  A temple dedicated to Anjaneyar in Sri Lanka.This is the only temple in the world to have a chariot of Anjaneyar.
  Back to the hotel in Colombo.

  Meal Plan: (Breakfast)

• Day 6 Colombo – Departure

  Time to say good bye to Sri Lanka. Have your breakfast.
  If time permits –Colombo city and shopping tour. Visit the Race Course, Colombo Port City, Pettah Market, Red Mosque. Floating Market, BMICH, Arcade, Independence Square, Dutch Hospital, Ganagarama temple, Navam Mawatha, Colombo City Center, Nelum Pokuna, Vihara Mahadevi Park.
  Depending on your flight, we will transfer you the airport for your flight to Delhi.

  Meal Plan: (Breakfast)