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Divine Destinations: The Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka

The Ramayana was an ancient Hindu epic that narrated the journey of Lord Rama to rescue his wife, Sita, from the rule of the demon king Ravana, who ruled over Lanka, now known as modern-day Sri Lanka. This epic story emphasizes the truth that good will ever reign over evil and is inextricably woven with the cultural and religious life of Sri Lanka. Key spots like Ashoka Vatika, where Sita was kept captive, and places like where Lord Rama and Hanuman went are important pilgrimage places. Such sacred places give great spiritual experiences, relating the teaching of the ancient epic to the rich legacy of the island. Take part in the 7-day Ramayana Trail across Sri Lanka, visiting places like Munneswaram and Manavari Temples, Ramboda Falls, one of the highest in the country, Seetha Amman Temple, and Ashoka Vatika. After that, Ravana Ella Falls and Katharagama are on the agenda, followed by Tissamaharama and a little relaxation on the beaches of Bentota.

Explore colonial Galle and return to Colombo for further sightseeing, including Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and Galle Face Green, before finishing the day off with a farewell dinner. Spiritual inquiry is intertwined with cultural immersion in this itinerary, that is full of enrichment.

Highlights of the Trip

• Munneswaram Temple: This is an ancient temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It is the crucial place where Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva after his battle with Ravana.
• Manavari Temple: It is believed to be the first place where Lord Rama installed the Shiv Lingam, and the temple witnessed Rama's devotion and search for divine intervention.
• Kandy is a cultural city in Sri Lanka, housing the Temple of Tooth Relic. It also boasts excellent cultural shows to go with its scenic beauty.
• Ramboda Falls: One of the pretty waterfalls associated with Hanuman's search for Sita, Ramboda Falls is a beautiful spot representing natural beauty and mythological semblance.
• Seetha Amman Temple: This temple is dedicated to Sita. It shows where Sita was said to be lodged as a prisoner by Ravana in Ashoka Vatika, surrounded by greenery.
• Ashoka Vatika: Here lay Sita, in gardens held by none other than Ravana. Although historic and of profound spiritual importance, Ashoka Vatika is a quiet, serene beauty.
• Ravana Ella Falls: It is a fabulous waterfall linked with the Ramayana and associated with the legendary tales of Ravana and Sita.
• Katharagama Temple: This shrine to Lord Murugan has been transformed into a holy pilgrimage; it is believed that during the exile, it was also a sacred place of worship for Lord Rama and Sita.
• Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka, bears an ancient Buddhist site from where it is said that Rama and his army camped during their quest.
• Bentota is a coastal town with its magnificent beaches that offer relaxation and scenic beauty—an ideal relaxation, so to say, amidst the journey.
• Galle: This is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its superbly preserved colonial architecture and the historic Galle Fort, dating back to the 16th century.
• Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of the important Buddhist temples in Colombo, for the Lord Buddha himself visited it and is thus among the spiritual cornerstones of the city.
• Galle Face Green, Colombo: This is a seafront promenade, perfect for leisure walking while the beautiful ocean views give high energy.
• Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil: This Lord Shiva temple is an architectural beauty and a significant holy place in Colombo.

Itinerary Detail Day wise 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival at Colombo Airport - Munneswaram - Manavari - Kandy.

• Morning: On arrival at Colombo airport, you will be received by our representative, who will assist you with the departure towards Kandy.
• En route, you will stop at Munneswaram Temple—an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
• Afternoon: The next stop is the Manavari Temple, believed to be the place where Lord Rama installed a Shiva Lingam for the first time, this being symbolic of Lord Shiva.
• Evening: Arrive in Kandy and check in at the hotel. The evening is leisurely in this culturally vibrant city, or you can watch aшла traditional cultural show.

2nd Day: Kandy - Ramboda - Nuwara Eliya, 80 km, 2.5 hrs

• Morning: Leave from Kandy to visit Ramboda Falls, a beautiful waterfall where it is believed that Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Rama visited during his search for Sita.
• Morning: Continue your drive to Nuwara Eliya, one of the prettiest towns in Sri Lanka, nicknamed "Little England" for its colonial buildings and lavish tea plantations.
• Afternoon: Visit the Seetha Amman Temple dedicated to Sita and the Ashoka Vatika, a garden whose beauty entrapped Sita while Ravana incarcerated her.
• Evening: Spend the night in Nuwara Eliya and enjoy its cool climate amidst serene surroundings.

3rd day: Nuwara Eliya - Ella – Katharagama – Tissamaharama: Distance = 150 km. Time: 4 hours.

• Morning: Leave for Ella—a town famous for excellence regarding natural beauty and scenic landscapes.
• Noon: stop by the Ravana Ella Falls, which links the story of Ravana, the demon king who kidnapped Sita.
• Afternoon: Continue to Katharagama, one of the holy towns for pilgrimage among Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims in Sri Lanka.
• Evening: Visit the Kataragama Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is said that Lord Rama and Sita worshipped here during their exile. Overnight stay in Tissamaharama.

4th Day: Tissamaharama - Galle - Wadduwa, 230 km, 5.5 hours

• Morning: Proceed to Tissamaharama, a place where Rama and his army are reported to have camped during their search for Sita.
• Afternoon *12:00 pm: Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is one of the most significant and most essential stupas in Sri Lanka. Following this, stroll around Galle Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing some well-preserved colonial architecture with much historical value.
• Afternoon: Continue to Wadduwa, one of the beautiful coastal towns.
• Evening: Relax at your private Sea beach resort with serene beaches and the tranquil atmosphere of Wadduwa.

Day 5: Wadduwa - Colombo (65 km, 1.5 hours)

• Visit Wadduwa Beach and nearby villages during the morning, then return to Colombo.
• The evening is free for leisure in Colombo and a last-minute shopping chance or maybe enjoying the nightlife of Colombo. Overnight in Colombo.

Day 6: Colombo City

• Morning: Spend more time in Colombo today, this time visiting Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara—an important Buddhist temple that Lord Buddha visited.
• Noon: Stroll leisurely down Galle Face Green, a popular seaside promenade.
• Afternoon: Visit the majestic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner with authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. This would be your last night in Colombo.

Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Depending upon what time your various flights are, you will perhaps spend a couple of hours finishing off the last-minute sightseeing or shopping.
• 1200 hrs: You will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, thus ending a most spiritual, culturally enriching Ramayana Trail journey.
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Package Inclusions

• Luxury Van/Car: Comfortable, spacious transportation throughout with guide-cum driver.
• 3 Star Hotels: Smooth and comfortable stay assured with accommodation on a double sharing basis.
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner every day at the hotel. It includes the flavor of local cuisine.

Package Exclusions

• Flight Fare: Air travel expenses to and from Sri Lanka are not included.
• Entrance Fees: The individual traveler shall pay all access fees to the various temples, museums, and other places of interest.
• Sports/Adventure Activities: The costs of any sports or adventure activities are not included in the package.