Overview
Day 1 - Arrival in Negombo
- Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where, are welcomed with friendly Sri Lankan hospitality
- A De Silva Travel & Tours representative will greet you – this person will also serve as your guide throughout the Ramayana Tour
- Continue by private transfer to the charming coastal town of Negombo
- Complete check-in at your Negombo hotel
- If time permits, explore the highlights of Negombo including:
- Vibrant fish market – watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch
- Picturesque Dutch Canal – a colonial-era waterway built by the Dutch
- Negombo Beach – golden sands along the coastline
- Overnight stay in this coastal town
Arrival:
- Airport arrival scene
- Negombo beach shoreline
Day 2 - Journey to Kandy via Pinnawala
- Enjoy breakfast at your Negombo hotel
- Complete checkout formalities and depart for the day's journey
Munneswaram Temple – Chilaw (90-minute drive):
- Spend time at the sacred Munneswaram Temple complex
- According to legend, Lord Rama sought solace and received blessings from God Shiva here
- This temple holds great significance in the Ramayana epic
- Observe traditional Hindu architecture and rituals
Mannavari Temple:
- Proceed to the Mannavari Temple (also known as Manavari)
- This site features the first lingam established and worshipped by Lord Rama
- An important pilgrimage destination for devotees
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage:
- En route to Kandy, visit this famous sanctuary
- Witness majestic elephants in their natural habitat setting
- Observe feeding time – baby elephants bottle-fed by caretakers
- Watch the elephants bathing in the nearby river
- Learn about conservation efforts for orphaned and injured elephants
Evening:
- Continue your journey to Kandy – the hill capital
- Check into your Kandy hotel
- Overnight stay in the cultural heart of Sri Lanka
Ramayana & Elephants:
- Munneswaram Kovil – Chilaw temple
- Feeding a baby elephant at Pinnawala
Day 3 - Transfer to Nuwara Eliya
- After breakfast, begin your transfer to Nuwara Eliya
- Your journey takes you into the misty hill country
Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple – Ramboda:
- Stop at this temple constructed by the Chinmaya Mission
- Known for its special Pooja ceremonies throughout the day
- Dedicated to Lord Hanuman – the devoted servant of Lord Rama
- The temple offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and waterfalls
Gayathri Peedam:
- Evening visit to this sacred site
- Believed to be blessed by Lord Shiva for King Ravana's son
- A significant location mentioned in Ramayana traditions
- Peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection
Evening:
- Arrive in Nuwara Eliya – known as "Little England"
- Settle into your hotel
- Overnight stay in this cool highland town
Hill Country Temples:
- Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple in Sri Lanka
- Gayathri Peedam sacred site
Day 4 - Nuwara Eliya Exploration
- Check out from your Nuwara Eliya hotel after breakfast
Seetha Amman Temple:
- Stop at this beautiful temple situated beside a flowing stream
- According to legend, this is where Sita Devi bathed during her captivity
- The temple features statues of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
- Impressions believed to be Lord Hanuman's footprints can be found nearby
- The stream still flows through the temple grounds today
Divurumpola:
- Proceed to this sacred location
- According to Ramayana tradition, Sita Devi underwent a trial by fire here
- The name translates to "place of oath" in Sinhalese
- Sita proved her purity before being reunited with Lord Rama
- Spend time at the site where the sacred event is believed to have occurred
Afternoon:
- Travel to the charming town of Bandarawela
- Check into your Bandarawela hotel
- Rest of the day at leisure
- Enjoy the cool climate and scenic views of the surrounding tea country
- Overnight stay in the Bandarawela region
Sita's Trail:
- Seetha Amman Temple in Sri Lanka
- Ceylon Tea Trails – Hatton area views
Day 5 - Journey to Kataragama via Ella
- Enjoy breakfast before departing for today's journey
Ella Region:
- Head to the scenic hill country town of Ella
Ravana Falls:
- Spend time at the awe-inspiring Ravana Falls – a popular waterfall
- Cascades 25 meters (82 feet) down a dramatic rock face
- Named after King Ravana from the Ramayana epic
- Excellent spot for photography and cooling off
Ravana Cave:
- Discover the legendary Ravana Cave located nearby
- According to tradition, King Ravana resided in these caves
- The caves showcase the architectural brilliance of ancient times
- Believed to have served as secret passages through the hills
- Connects to other caves and hideouts in the region
Continue to Kataragama:
- Continue onward to the sacred pilgrimage city of Kataragama
- Settle into your hotel upon arrival
- Overnight stay in Kataragama
Legendary Sites:
- Ravana Falls waterfall
- Ravana Ella Cave
Day 6 - Discover Ramayana Sites
- Morning visit to explore significant Ramayana and religious sites
Kataragama Shrine:
- Spend time at the sacred Kataragama shrine dedicated to God Skanda (Murugan)
- Important pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims
- Famous for its annual festival and unique architecture
Ussangoda:
- Proceed to Ussangoda – a unique landscape of red earth
- Believed to be one of King Ravana's torched areas
- Considered an ancient airport (Dagoba) in Ramayana tradition
- Site features unusual soil composition and vegetation
Galle – Rumassala:
- Stop at Rumassala, a large hill adjacent to Galle harbor
- According to legend, parts of the Himalayan herbs brought by Lord Hanuman fell here
- Indian and Sri Lankan geologists have found unique medicinal plants only found here
- Beautiful views of the Indian Ocean from the summit
Seenigama Temple – Hikkaduwa:
- Stop at this temple associated with the legendary battle
- Connected to the battle between the Monkey King and King Ravana's forces
- Unique temple where justice is sought from the deity
Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple – Colombo:
- Conclude the day at this temple in Colombo
- Features a unique Anjaneyar (Lord Hanuman) chariot
- Five-faced Hanuman statue is the main attraction
- Perform evening prayers at this sacred site
Evening:
- Check into your Colombo hotel
- Overnight stay in the capital city
Ramayana Trail:
- Katharagama Temple in Sri Lanka
- Seenigama Temple in Sri Lanka
Day 7 - Departure
- Enjoy a final breakfast at your Colombo hotel
- Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to:
- Explore additional Colombo attractions
- Stop at local markets for last-minute souvenirs
- Take a final stroll through the city
- Your chauffeur will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Allow ample time for check-in and security procedures
- We hope this Ramayana Tour has fulfilled your desire to explore the epic story in Sri Lanka
- If you wish to extend your stay and explore more attractions, we can customize the itinerary according to your preferences
- Depart with cherished memories of your journey through the land of the Ramayana
Departure:
- Final airport transfer
- End of Ramayana tour
