Arrival at Colombo Airport – Transfer to Dambulla via Chillaw [230 kms / 6 hrs]

Arrival, Meet & Greet, transfer to Dambulla and en route visit to Chilaw Munishwaram Temple & Manavari Temple.

Welcome at the Colombo international airport, in the heart of the Pearl Island of the Indian Ocean.

Pls. wait at the airport for the other guests coming from different Parts of India who will be your co-travellers in this amazing cultural journey and holiday. We meet, greet and connect with ‘Jai Siya Ram’ and Ayubowan, the Sri Lankan Way of Greeting.

At 1300 Hrs: Our representative will meet and greet all the guests and assist with the transfer to Dambulla. Guests, who need separate transfer, due to arriving late /do not wish to wait, can do so by paying the additional supplement for Transfers.

After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and then proceed to Dambulla.

En route visit Chilaw Munishwaram Temple & Manavari Temple

Muneshwaram Temple.

Visit Muneshwaram Legend: Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya in one of King Ravana's Vimanas. He felt he was being followed by Bramahathi Dosham as he killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. He stopped the Vimana at this juncture because he felt at this place the "Bramahathi Dosham" was not following him. He discended from the Vimana and asked God Shiva for a remedy. God Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him to install and pray four lingams in Manavari, Thirukoneshwaram, Thiruketheeswaram and Rameshwaram in India, as the only remedy to get rid of the Dosham.

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.

Highlights

• Puja Archana at Two Important Mandirs
• All Meals & Tea Vegetarian Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Evening Tea/Coffee/Snacks
• Stay in Standard 3* Hotels
• Entrance Charges Included for : Mannawari Temple; Trincomalee Temple; Tuk-Tuk Charges while going up to Hanuman Temple; Kenniya Hot Wells; Temple of Tooth; Hakgala Botanical Garden; Gregory Lake; Victoria Park; Divirumpola Temple; Rumasalla
• Guided Pilgrimage to Important Ramayana Sites in Sri Lanka
• Services of a professional, friendly and multilingual Tour Manager or a local Representative. (Subject to minimum 15 customers).
• Pilgrimage to Ramayana Sites in Sri Lanka: Chilaw – the Manavari Group of Temples; Trinconamalee – Sri Thirukoneshwaram Temple; Sri Shankari Devi Shakti Peetha Temple; Sita Kotuwa – palace of Queen Mandodari; Divurumpola – Sita Agni Pariksha Sthala; Kelaniya Vibhishana Temple; Kataragrama – the abode of Lord Karthikeya (Murugan Temple); Ramboda – Hanuman Temple & Waterfall; Rumassala Sanjeevani Mountain; Ashok Vatika – where Foot-prints of Hanuman and many more holy places; Gayathri Peedam; Ravana waterfalls;
• Sightseeing of Other Attractions : Cities of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Tea Plantations, Kanniya Hot Springs; Kandy Cultural Show, Temple of Tooth Relic; Murugan Temple

Dambulla - Trincomalee – Dambulla [110km/2.5 hrs one way]

Morning after breakfast at your hotel, proceed for full Day Excursion  to Trincomalee visiting Temples of Koneshwaram, Shankari Devi, Kanniya Hot Springs.

Koneswaram temple of Trincomalee (also historically known as the Thirukonamamalai Konesar Kovil, the Temple of the Thousand Pillars and Thiru-Konamamalai Maccakeswaram Kovil) is a Hindu temple in Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka venerated by Saivites throughout the continent. It is built atop Swami Rock, a rocky promontory cape overlooking Trincomalee, a classical period harbour port town.

Visit Shankari Temple The famed SHANKARI Temple, in Sri Lanka, is one of the 18 Devi Temples (Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas). Many have heard the Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Shloka starting with LANKAAYAAM SHAANKARI DEVI composed by Sri Adi Shankara which means Shankari in Lanka. This Shloka enumerates the list of places of Devi temples which are considered.

About Shankari Devi Temple

The famed SHANKARI Temple, in Sri Lanka, is one of the 18 Devi Temples (Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas). Many have heard the Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Shloka starting with LANKAAYAAM SHAANKARI DEVI........... - composed by Sri Adi Shankara which means Shankari in Lanka. This Shloka enumerates the list of places of Devi temples which are considered to be part of the 18 Devi Peethas.

But almost nobody in Sri Lanka knew of any famous Devi Temple in the country. Even on Internet, not much authentic information was available. The temple is said to be in the famed town of Trincomalee on the eastern coast.

The Temple of Sri Shankari Devi according to the priest's in Trincomalee, say that the Portuguese who invaded the island in the 17th century completely cannon balled from their ship and demolished the cliff top Devi temple. In its site stands alone pillar, as a mute spectator. The present Shiva temple which is quite well known locally than the Shankari Temple was a recent construction.

The Shiva is called as TRIKONESHVARA (Probably because it is in Trincomalee which is truly TRI CONA MALAI- meaning triangle shaped hill). There is a small Devi Shrine built adjacent the Shiva temple. The famed Bilva tree which is perched right on the edge of the hill some hundred meters above the Indian Ocean. It is an exhilarating and spectacular sight to behold. All round, silence reflects which is needed most in this war torn nation rightfully called as a paradise. There is also a more famous Kali temple in the heart of the town to which devotees can make a visit en route from the Shankari Temple.[Pooja Time - Morning 11.30 & 12.00 to 04.00pm ] 

Visit Kanniya Hot Springs

The Kanniya Hot Springs is a site with hot wells located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. There are seven wells in a square shape. Wells are only 3–4 feet deep and you can clearly see the bottom. The temperature is considerably high but vary slightly from one spring to another. Wells run out of water, when 10-15 buckets of water are taken out.

Return to the hotel and relax

Overnight stay at your hotel in Dambulla.

Dambulla – Kandy [150 km/ 4 hrs]

Morning after breakfast at your hotel, proceed for Kandy. En route we visit Seetha Kotuwa and Gurulupotha Village; and later doing sightseeing of Kandy City including tte Cultural Show and Temple of tooth Relic Visit Sri Seetha Kotuwa.

It is located in the village of Gurulupotha. Translating to Sita's Fort, Seetha Kotuwa was named as such since it was the place where Sitadevi was kept hidden until she was moved to Ashok Vatika. Of late it has become an archaeological site due to the limestone cave with stalagmite and stalactite formations[Total tracking time – 01hour]

Visit Gurulupotha Gurulupota is a village in Sri Lanka. It is located within Central Province. The 8th-century Gurulupota Archaeological site is located in this village on the wayside of the Kandy-Mahiyangana road near the 18 hairpin bend

Kandy

Lying amidst the hills, Kandy is the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. While being the second-largest city in Sri Lanka it is also famous for its immense beauty and is named as one of the seven UNESCO-declared World Heritage sites in the country. With its luxuriant prairie, picturesque lake, longest river of the country and misty mountains, Kandy successfully mesmerizes every visitor unsurprisingly.

Experience the Kandy Cultural Show. – Optional – Subject to availability & Timing.

The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Be wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums 

Visit The Temple of the Sacred Tooth

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) was originally built by the Kandyan Kings in 1595, to house and honor the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Attracting crowds of white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus flowers for means of worship, the Maligawa features a myriad of intricate carvings that speak volumes of the architectural values of Kandy. Today the City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part because of the Temple of the tooth relic.

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya:

Morning after breakfast at your hotel, Proceed for exploring the City of Kandy

Sightseeing in *Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Crafts Centre, and Gem Museum.

Kandy the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815.

Visit Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple

Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple: According to the legend, this is where Hanuman searched for Sita in the jungles above and behind the temple. There is also said to be a pond - the ‘Sita Tear Pond' - here, which was formed from Sita's tears. The temple itself is one of the more enterprising establishments devoted to this legend and contains a granite statue of Lord Hanuman that is said to be over 40 feet tall. It is believed that Lord Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi from these hills of Ramboda. The Ramboda area is believed to be an area where Rama's forces were gathered against Ravana. 

Learn about Tea Production.

The production of tea involves a tedious procedure of plucking, withering, rolling, oxidizing and drying – a process that requires heavy machines and plenty of manpower. Once in the tea factory, you would generally start out in the plantation itself to learn about how tea is cultivated, then visit the factory where ancient machines pre-dating the industrial revolution wither, roll and dry the tea. There is normally a little time at the end of the tour for a tea tasting, either of one specific type of tea or occasionally of the various specialties’ of that factory.

Later explore the City of Nuwara Eliya.

Visit the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old red-bricked post office as you purchase a postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park and on the shores of Lake Gregory.

Check into the hotel and relax

Overnight stay at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya- Ella – Kataragama [150km/4 hrs

Nuwara Eliya- Ella – Kataragama [150km/4 hrs

Morning after breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Kataragama (Kathirgamam) visiting Gayathri Peedam, Sita Amman Temple, Hakagala Botanical Garden (Ashoka Vatika) - Divrumpola Temple - Ravana waterfalls - Murugan Temple

Gayathri Pedam

It is believed to be the place from where King Ravana”s son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and poojas and in turn was granted super natural powers by lord Shiva.

Seetha Amman temple the stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her stay at Ashok Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. About a century ago of three idols was discovered in the stream, one of which was that of Sita. It is believed that the idols have been worshipped at this spot for centuries. Now there is temple for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that footprints akin to Lord Hanuman's are found by this river and some are of small size and some are of large size, which tells us of the immense powers of hanuman transforming himself into any size.

Divurumpola Temple

Still revered by thousands, this holy haven was the place where Sita performed her Agni Pariksha (proving her chastity) to her husband Rama. Continuing the practice for thousands of years, villagers still pledge their fidelity or take oaths there and even in certain courts, this agreement was binding. This place has been respected and worshipped by people down the ages.

Ella is a small mountain village near Bandarawela and boasts three locations linked to the Ramayana where local legend claims Ravana was hiding Sita. First there is the Ravana Ella Cave, located at the massive Ella Falls; a breathtaking 1080 feet high waterfall that cascades into several falls. The rocky undergoes of the waterfall is Khondalite, a kind of limestone which undergoes faster decay as hard gneiss or granite. This has resulted in many caves being formed near the falls. King Ravana is said to have lived in one of the caves above the waterfall. A nearby pool bored out of the rock by the gushing waters is where Sita is said to have bathed.

Visit Ravana Cave.

The well-known Ravana Cave is where Ravana imprisoned Sita after stealing her. It was formerly hidden by dense forest, but now it is covered by the 82-foot Ravana waterfalls, with a lake at the base where Sita is said to have bathed. An old temple, waterfalls, and a cave may be found at this location. This location is around 6 kilometres from Ella railway station and 11 kilometres from Bandarwela. The cave is positioned 1370 meters above sea level on a rock. Surprisingly, there is a tunnel leading to Ravana Eliya in the rear of the cave. Archaeological research has also proven human occupancy, which dates back 25000 years.

Kataragama – Colombo [270 Kms/ 6 hrs]

Morning after breakfast, transfer to Colombo with en route visit to Ussangoda, Rumasala Sanjeevni Mountain, Galle Fort City, Kelaniya Temple, Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple towards. 

Visit Ussangoda.

It is believed that Ussangoda during the time of Ramayana, King Ravana used this flat hard land to travel on his Pushpak Vimana from one place to another and also he used this place to park his Pushpak vimana. Sand is red and some stones are black and people believe that hanuman came and burnt the land since then the land turned red. Therefore Ussangoda is a strange coastal area which is one of the most famous. Sri Lanka Ramayana places with an area of its lack of trees where the soil is with blackish color. Also there is another interpretation that during the battle with the Rakshasas, Lord Hanuman’s tail was set on fire which he used to torch parts of Ravana’s empire. Ussangoda is one such barren area where the soil continues to have a blackened and scorched effect. However, the adjoining area has differently coloured soil and has plant life. The soil in this area still has the blackened , burned scorched effect as a reminder of Lord Hanuman’s escapade. Only specific smaller plants were able to adapt to this soil as it is believed as a serpentine rock contains heavy toxic metals.

Visit Rumasala

According to the Ramayana trail tour Sri Lanka, this abnormal geographical piece believed to be fallen down when Hanuman carried the Dronagiri on his flight back to Lanka Pura in order to use lifesaving Sanjeevani herbs there, to rescue Lakhshmana and Rama who were in need of this medical plant to be treated after suffering severe injuries at their war. Therefor Rumassala is one of the five Sanjivani Mountains in Sri Lanka and important Sri Lanka Ramayana tour site.

Explore the Galle Fort

Galle is a historical jewel to Sri Lanka wonderful to explore on foot. Among the endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums the ancient Dutch fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts the hearts of tourists. Stroll around the ancient city where you will find a gourmet of fancy restaurants and coffee shop to chill and relax. The beach side is surely a bliss which will make you want to lock yourself up in this sun kissed island and indulge in the sea breeze and endless blue waters. 

Kelaniya Temple.

After King Ravana's death, Vibeeshana was coroneted as King of Lanka by Lakshmana at Kelaniya. There are murals enshrined outside the Buddhist temple depicting the crowning of Vibeeshana.

Visit Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple.

Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple is the only Temple in the world to have a chariot for Anjaneyar.   Hanuman’s mother is Anjan. Hanuman is known as Anjan + Aiyar = Anjaneyar in South India (Hanuman in North India).

Check into the hotel and relax

Shopping and Drop by 1300 Hrs at the Colombo International Airport For Departure

Morning after Breakfast at the hotel, we drive past the Colombo City Attractions and do Shopping for 1Hr. Pls. Book Flight Post 1600 Hrs.

Explore the City of Colombo

The city tour of Colombo a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a    Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha & the Independence Square.

Start Shopping in Colombo. [1 Hr]

The 5-hectare ribbon of beach stripe, the Galle face green is now the largest open space in Colombo that attracts hundreds of tourists and locals alike. Cotton Collection, House of Fashion and Odel, the largest departmental store in the island offers you stylish clothes to cute souvenirs with elegant Sri Lankan touch, also Beverly Street, visit bargain market in Colombo Pettah, Visit Noritake Showroom, Barefoot, Laksala, One Galle Face & Colombo City Center.

Proceed to the Airport for your departure flight back home with all the memories you had on this beautiful island. [Travelling Time: 1 Hours Approx. Pls. Book Flight Post 1600 Hrs]