Ramayana Tour - 9 Nights and 10 Days

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey along the Ramayana trail, exploring magnificent monuments and temples across Sri Lanka. From Mannar and Jaffna in the north to Trincomalee in the east, Kataragama in the south, and Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Colombo in the center and west, this comprehensive trip promises an immersive experience. Lanka Getaways invites you to customize the package according to your interests and budget, ensuring an unforgettable adventure filled with ancient temples and breathtaking scenery.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: BIA to Mannar Via Chilaw Day 2: Transfer to Jaffna Day 3: Explore Jaffna Day 4:Transfer to Trincomalee Day 5: Explore Trincomalee and Transfer to Dambulla Day 6: Explore Dambulla and Transfer to Kandy Day 7: Explore Kandy and Transfer to Nuwara Eliya Day 8: Explore Nuwaraeliya and Transfer to Kataragama Day 9: Proceed to Colombo Via Galle Day 10:Drop to Bandaranaike International Airport

Day 1: BIA to Mannar Via Chilaw

Arrive at Airport. Start your journey to Mannar. Enroute visit to Munneswaram Hindu Temple. Visit the Manavari Temple. Proceed to Mannar. Overnight stay at the Hotel. Munneswaram Hindu Temple, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology, as it is believed to be where King Rama sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva after committing the grave sin of Brahmahasti. According to legend, Lord Shiva blessed Rama and instructed him to install and worship four lingams at five different locations to absolve himself of the sin. Manavari Temple,is where Lord Rama installed the first Shiva lingam, now known as Ramalingam. This significant site is a key stop on the Sri Lanka Ramayana tour, embodying spiritual heritage and divine connection.

Day 2: Transfer to Jaffna

Start your journey to Jaffna. Enroute visit the Ramasethu Bridge. Visit the Thiruketheeshwaram Temple. Stroll around the city and check in to the hotel. Overnight Stay At The Hotel. Adams Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Sethu, is a chain of limestone shoals stretching between Rameshwaram Island in India and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. Mentioned in the ancient epic Ramayana, written by Valmiki between the 7th century BCE and 3rd century CE, it is believed that Lord Rama had his monkey army construct this bridge to reach Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of King Ravana. Thiruketheeshwaram Temple, believed to be built by King Mayan, father of Mandodari (wife of King Ravana), is steeped in legend. Maharishi Bhrigu and Hindu planetary god are said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here, giving rise to its name "Ketheeswaram."

Day 3: Explore Jaffna

Visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna is a significant stop on the Sri Lanka Ramayana tour itinerary. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, it houses the divine spear Vel, a revered symbol in Tamil religious culture. Visit the Naguleswaram Temple, also known as Keerimalai Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the northern part of Sri Lanka. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is considered one of the Pancha Ishwarams, five ancient temples revered by Hindus. Visit the Kachchathive Island. Visit the Jaffna fort and Nilavarai well. Overnight stay at the Hotel Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna is a significant stop on the Sri Lanka Ramayana tour itinerary. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, it houses the divine spear Vel, a revered symbol in Tamil religious culture. Naguleswaram Temple, also known as Keerimalai Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the northern part of Sri Lanka. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is considered one of the Pancha Ishwarams, five ancient temples revered by Hindus. Kachchathive Island, situated between Jaffna and India's Rameshwaram, is a small island in the Palk Strait. Legend says that during a war, Lord Rama and Lakshmana were injured and unconscious. To revive them, Lord Hanuman was sent to fetch life-saving herbs from the Himalayas. Unable to identify the herbs, Hanuman brought back the entire hill. As he flew over Sri Lanka, parts of the hill fell on five places, including Kachchativu in the north.

Day 4: Transfer to Trincomalee

Start your journey to Trincomalee. Enroute visit the Ritigala Sanjeewani Mountain. Explore the Kanniya Hot Springs. Overnight stay at the Hotel. Ritigala Sanjeewani Mountain is said to be a fragment of the Himalayas mistakenly dropped by Lord Hanuman. According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, King Ravana imprisoned Sita here after abducting her. When Prince Lakshmana was gravely injured in battle, Hanuman brought a piece of the Himalayas to treat his wounds with its medicinal herbs. This mountain thus holds significance in the legendary tale of the war waged by Lord Rama's army against King Ravana. Kanniya hot water springs originated when King Ravana performed the last rites for his mother here. Unable to find water for the rites, he struck his Trishula into the ground seven times in anger. Water gushed out immediately, but its extreme heat gradually cooled as Ravana's anger subsided. Each well at Kanniya has water of varying temperatures, adding to the mystique of this natural wonder.

Day 5: Explore Trincomalee and transfer to Dambulla

Visit the Thirukoneshwaram Temple and Shakthi Peetam Temple. You also have the choice of boat ride to pigeon Island. Transfer to Dambulla. Overnight stay at the Hotel. Thirukoneshwaram Temple, built by Rishi Agastya on Lord Shiva's instructions due to King Ravana's devotion, is unique. It's rare for a deity to build a temple for a devotee. Legend says Lord Rama prayed here to overcome the curse of killing Ravana, a Brahmin. Shankari Shakthi Peetam Temple, situated next to Koneswaram temple, holds significance for Hindu pilgrims. The original temple, built by Ravana and listed as the first of the Ashta Dasha (18) Shakti Pitas by Adi Shankara, was destroyed by Portuguese cannonballs. Only a commemorative pillar marks the spot now. The original idol of the Goddess is believed to be preserved, replaced, and worshipped in the nearby new Shankari Devi temple.

Day 6: Explore Dambulla and Transfer to Kandy

Check out from Hotel, start you day early and climb the Sigiriya rock for a fresh start. Explore the Sigirya Museum and the Sigirya Frescoes. Optional to visit the Pinnawala elepant Orphanage. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. Proceed to Kandy and attend a Cultural show in the evening. Overnight stay at the Hotel. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka provides a safe refuge for orphaned and injuredelephants. Established in 1975, it offers visitors the chance to observe elephants bathing and interacting with caretakers, all while learning about conservation efforts. Sigiriya rock, holds geological and historical significance. According to Ravana Watha, King Visthavasa, father of King Ravana, directed the construction of Sigiriya. The cave's frescoes depict various tribes, and it's believed that Sita was held captive here by King Ravana. Prehistoric drawings adorn the ceiling, with an inscription linking Sita to the cave. Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is a vibrant Buddhist site comprising five cave shrines. Carved by hand thousands of years ago, these caves house separate temples that visitors can explore. The ceilings are adorned with intricate paintings of Lord Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and deities, skillfully following the rock's contours.

Day 7: Explore Kandy and Transfer to Nuwara Eliya

Visit the Temple of the Tooth and stroll around kandy lake. Kandy sightseeing city tour Optional Visit to the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens and have some leisure time. Proceed to Nuwaraeliya enroute Discover the tea plantations and visit one of the tea factories to learn how tea is made. Then, enjoy a soothing cup of freshly brewed tea amidst the scenic surroundings. Visit the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple. Overnight stay at the Hotel. The Temple of the Tooth, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It houses a relic believed to be the tooth of Lord Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. The tooth relic is enshrined within the temple complex, and devotees from all over the world come to pay homage and seek blessings. It was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kandy is known for its scenic beauty, rich traditions, and annual Esala Perahera festival, during which the tooth relic is paraded through the streets in a grand procession. Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple stands as a testament to the belief that Lord Hanuman set foot on these sacred hills while searching for Sita. Today, it is a magnificent monument housing a 16-foot idol of Lord Hanuman as the primary deity, known as the moola murti.

Day 8: Explore Nuwaraeliya and Transfer to Kataragama

Start your journey to Kataragama and explore more locations and waterfalls. Visit the Seetha Amman Temple. Optional to visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens considering the time. Enroute to Kataragama visit the Divurampola Temple. Visit the Kathirkamam Temple in Kataragama. Overnight Stay at the Hotel. Seetha Amman Temple is said to have sheltered Sita during her abduction. Today, it draws Hindu devotees year-round. The discovery of three ancient idols on-site hints at the temple's age. Adjacent shrines honor Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman by a stream. Remarkably, footprints resembling Hanuman's, in various sizes, attest to his ability to change form. Divurampola Temple, meaning "place of oath," holds significant lore from the Ramayana. It's where Sita underwent the Agni Pariksha or fire test to prove her innocence and purity. She emerged unscathed, and Lord Agni, whom she invoked, presented her unharmed to Rama. This spot, initially protected by a fence and wall, now houses a sapling of the Anuradhapura bodhi tree and a small Stupa. Paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana adorn the temple, commemorating this legendary event. Kataragama Temple, Lord Kartikeya is worshipped. Legend has it that on the final day of the war, Lord Indra summoned Lord Kartikeya to the battlefield to shield Lord Rama from King Ravana's Brahmastra. This act neutralized the potent weapon, preventing it from weakening Lord Rama.

Day 9: Proceed to Colombo Via Galle

Start you journey to Colombo. Explore the galle fort. Visit the Ussangoda Ramayana Site and Rumassala Ramayana site. Proceed to Colombo and do Colombo City tour. Transfer to Hotel and relax. Ussangoda is steeped in Ramayana lore, believed to be one of the areas torched by Lord Hanuman during his mission to test the might of King Ravana's army. According to legend, after meeting Sitadevi, Hanuman's tail was set on fire by the rakshasas, leading to the burning of parts of Ravana's empire. Ussangoda, once thought to be an airport used by King Ravana, is among these scorched sites. Rumassala, also known as Sanjeewani Mountain, is steeped in the legends of the Ramayana. During the war, both Lord Rama and Lakshmana fell unconscious after being struck by powerful arrows. To revive them, Lord Hanuman was tasked with fetching life-saving herbs from the Himalayas. Unable to identify the herbs, Hanuman carried the entire hill back to Sri Lanka. As he flew over the island, parts of the hill fell in five places, including Rumassala in Galle, where it landed, carrying the miraculous healing properties of the Sanjeevani herb. The Galle Old Dutch Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort and Ramparts of Galle, is a UNESCO World Heritage site frequented by tourists and locals alike. Originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1588, the fort was further fortified by the Dutch after they assumed control.

Day 10: Drop to Bandaranaike International Airport

As you depart for Bandaranaike International Airport, let it be more of a "see you soon." May your future journeys be filled with endless discovery, joy, and fulfillment. Safe travels, adventurer, until our paths intertwine once more on this grand stage of the world.

Inclusions

- Travel comfortably in air-conditioned vehicles. - Benefit from expert guidance by our knowledgeable tourist chauffeurs. - Enjoy hassle-free travel with included expressway tolls. - Parking charges covered for stress-free stops. - Personalized airport paging services for convenience. - Fuel provided to ensure continuous journey. - Chauffeur's meals and accommodation included for a comfortable trip. - Chauffeur's bata to guarantee excellent service. - Receive complimentary 500ml water bottle per person per day and a free SIM card for connectivity. - Hotels (If Included In Your Package) - Pricing includes all government taxes

Additional Information

For more information or to request a quote, please contact us at +94 77 386 6402