Transfer to Dambulla - Enroute Visit Munneswaram & Manavari Temples in Chillaw - Transfer to Dambulla/Habarana

Munneshwaram Hindu Temple - Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Representatives from Real Lanka will greet you at the airport and facilitate your transfer to Dambulla/Habarana. Along the way, visit the Munneshwaram and Manaveri Temples, as well as Sigiriya/Cobra Hooded Cave.

Munneshwaram Temple: The name Munneshwaram signifies the first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Munnu + Eswaram). After his triumphant battle, Lord Rama departed for Ayodhya with Sita in one of Ravana’s vimanas. He sensed the presence of Bramhaasthi dosham (a malevolent shadow) due to killing Ravana, a Brahmin. As the vimana flew over Munneshwaram, it vibrated, and Rama realized the dosham was absent at this location. He halted the vimana and sought Lord Shiva’s guidance. Lord Shiva blessed Rama and advised him to install and worship four Lingams at Manaveri, Thiru Koneswaram, and Rameshwaram in India to eliminate the dosham.

Manaveriya - Manaveri Temple: Manaveri is the first lingam installed and worshipped by Lord Rama, known as Ramalinga Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam globally named after Lord Rama.

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Sigiriya/Cobra Hooded Cave: This natural geological formation is part of the renowned Sigiriya rock. According to the Palm Leaf Book, Ravana Watha, Sigiriya was constructed under King Visthavasa’s direction, King Ravana’s father. The blue-hued lady in the frescoes represents the Yakka tribe, while other ladies symbolize the Naga, Deva, and Gandabhbha tribes. It is believed that Sita was held captive in Cobra Hood Cave by King Ravana. The cave’s ceiling features prehistoric drawings. An inscription, ‘Parumaka naguliya lene,’ suggests a connection to Sita’s stay, as ‘naguliya’ refers to Sita.

Transfer to Trincomalee - Enroute Visit the Ritigala Mountain, Thirukoneswaram Temple and overnight stay in Trincomalee

Ritigala Forest Monastery - After breakfast, check out from the hotel in Dambulla/Habarana. Transfer to Ritigala Sanjeewanee mountain to explore the site and the Buddhist monastery. En route to Trincomalee, visit the Kanniya hot springs for a bath and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Thirukoneswaram temple/Shankari Devi temple in Trincomalee.

Ritigala Sanjeewanee Mountain: It is believed that this mountain is a fragment of the Himalayas accidentally dropped by Lord Hanuman. According to the Hindu epic Ramayanaya, King Ravana abducted Sita and imprisoned her here. Lord Rama’s armies arrived on the island to battle King Ravana. Prince Lakshmana, Lord Rama’s brother, was severely injured, prompting Hanuman to bring a piece of the Himalayas to treat his wounds with medicinal herbs.

Kanniya Hot Springs - Kanniya hot water springs: Legend has it that this is where King Ravana performed the last rites for his mother. Unable to find water, his anger led him to pierce the ground with his Trishula seven times, causing water to gush out. The water cooled to its current temperature as Ravana’s anger subsided. Each well’s water temperature varies.

Koneswaram Temple - Thirukoneshwaram Temple: Built by Rishi Agastya on Lord Shiva’s instructions, impressed by King Ravana’s devotion. This site is unique as the Lord built a temple for his devotee as a reward. Lord Rama is believed to have prayed here to rid himself of the malediction of killing Ravana, a Brahmin, known as Brahmahasthi Dosham.

Shankari Shakthi Peetam Temple: Adjacent to Koneswaram temple is a small shrine significant to Hindu pilgrims. The original Shankari Devi temple, said to be built by Ravana, was the first in the Ashta Dasha (18) Shakti Pitas list by Adi Shankara. The cliff was destroyed by Portuguese cannonballs, leaving only a commemorative pillar. The original Goddess idol is preserved and venerated in the nearby new Shankari Devi temple.

Transfer to Kandy - Enroute visit Dambulla Cave Temple - Explore Kandy - Overnight stay in Kandy

Dambulla Cave Temple - After breakfast, proceed to Kandy, visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple en route. Visit the Spice Garden, have lunch, and continue to Kandy. Enjoy a city tour and witness the Sri Lankan cultural dance in Kandy.

Dambulla Cave/Golden Temple: Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a living Buddhist site centered around five cave shrines. A large rock was hand-carved thousands of years ago to create a “cave.” Inside, there are five separate rooms, each with its own temple to explore. The cave ceilings are painted with intricate images of Lord Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and various gods and goddesses, following the rock’s contours.

Kandy - Kandy: Known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, this world heritage site is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. At the heart of Kandy is the man-made lake, Kiri Muhuda (Sinhala: the sea of milk), the only decorative lake in Sri Lanka. Kandy is renowned for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). This beautiful city boasts numerous attractions, including the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy Lake, Bahirawakanda temple for spiritual seekers, Udawattekele Sanctuary, Ceylon Tea Museum for tea lovers, and Wales Park for a peaceful walk.

Kandy to Nuwaraeliya - Visit Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, Tea Plantation, Ramaboda Waterfall, Nuwara Eliya city tour

Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple - Sri Bhaktha Hanuman temple: It is believed that Sri Hanumanji set foot in these holy hills while searching for Sita. This grand temple is a significant monument, featuring a 16 ft idol of Lord Hanuman as the moola murti.

Nuwara Eliya - Tea plantation in Sri Lanka: Contributing billions annually to the Sri Lankan economy, the Ceylon tea industry employs 1.5 million Sri Lankans directly or indirectly. Introduced in 1867 by Scotsman James Taylor, Ceylon tea is renowned as the world’s best and ranks fourth in global production. Visitors can taste fresh Ceylon tea and observe the tea-making process, from withering (drying) to rolling, fermentation, oxidizing, drying again, sorting, and bulk packing.

Nuwara Eliya: Known as “Little England,” it is one of the coldest cities in the country. British influence is evident throughout Nuwara Eliya, with red telephone boxes and well-tended hedgerows. The town’s high altitude offers breathtaking views of valleys, grasslands, and mountains.

Transfer to Kataragama (Kathirgamam) - Visit Sita Amman Temple (Ashoka Vatika) - Divrumpola Temple - Ravana waterfalls

Gayathri Peedam - After breakfast, visit the Gayathri Peedam & Seetha Amman Temple (Ashoka Vatika). Optionally, visit Hakgala Botanical Garden and have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Visit Aghnipariksha temple and proceed to Kathirkamam via Ravana Waterfalls, with an optional visit to Ravana tunnels. In the evening, visit Kathirkamam temple in Kataragama.

Gayathree Peedam: Believed to be where King Ravana’s son Meghanath regained Lord Shiva’s favor through penance and poojas, receiving supernatural powers in return.

Sita Temple - Seetha Amman Temple: This site is believed to have sheltered Sita during her abduction. Many Hindu devotees visit the temple year-round to worship with fervor. A century ago, three idols were found onsite, suggesting the temple’s ancient existence. Now, there is a temple for Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman by the stream. Footprints resembling Lord Hanuman’s are found by the river, varying in size, indicating Hanuman’s immense power to transform.

Hakgala Botanic Gardens - Hakgala Botanical Garden: Established in 1861, the garden was initially for cultivating Cinchona. After tea was introduced, it was used for tea cultivation. In 1884, it became a flourishing garden.

Divurumpola - Agni Pariksha / Divurampola Temple: Divurumpola means ‘place of oath.’ This is where Sita underwent the “Agni” test, emerging unscathed to prove her innocence and purity. Sita approached the fire, saying, “if I am pure, o fire, protect me,” and jumped into the flames. Lord Agni, the fire-god, lifted Sita unharmed and presented her to Rama. “Don’t I know she is spotless and pure at heart?” cried Rama, receiving her. “It’s for the world’s sake I made her undergo this ordeal, so the truth is known to all.” The spot was fenced and walled to protect it from the wilderness. The temple depicts Ramayana epic paintings.

Ravana Ella Falls - Stop and witness this beautiful waterfall.

Kataragama Temple - Kataragama Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Karthikeya at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested by Lord Indra to join the battlefield on the war’s last day to protect Lord Rama from Brahmastra, aimed by King Ravana. The powerful weapon was rendered useless by Lord Karthikeya’s presence.

Proceed To Colombo - Visit Ussangoda, Galle Fort, Rumassala Sanjeevani Mountain - Transfer to Colombo

Ussangoda National Park - After breakfast, visit the Ussangoda Ramayana site, then proceed to Galle Fort. Enjoy a walking tour of Galle Fort and visit the Rumassala Ramayana site and nearby Japanese Peace Pagoda. Continue to Colombo for a city tour. Optionally, visit Lord Anjenayar Temple.

Ussangoda: According to Ramayana, after meeting Sitadevi, Lord Hanuman tested King Ravana’s strength and his Rakshasa army. Hanuman’s tail was set on fire by the Rakshasas, leading him to torch parts of Ravana’s empire. Ussangoda is one such torched area, believed to have been an airport used by King Ravana.

Rumassala - Rumassala Sanjeewani Mountain: During the war, both Lord Rama and Lakshmana were struck by powerful arrows and fell unconscious. To revive them, Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch life-saving herbs from the Himalayas. Unable to identify the herbs, Hanuman lifted the entire hill and brought it. Parts of the hill fell in five places in Sri Lanka: Rumasala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar, and Kachchativu in the north.

Galle Fort - Galle Old Dutch Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle Fort attracts countless tourists and locals annually. Also known as Dutch Fort and Ramparts of Galle, it was built by the Portuguese in 1588. After the Dutch took over, the fort was extensively fortified. It has withstood over 400 years, continuing to amaze visitors with its spectacular appearance.

Colombo - Lord Anjenayar Temple: This is the first Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka and the only Panchamuga (five-faced) Anjaneyar Temple in the country. It is the only temple worldwide with a chariot for Anjaneyar. The chariot festival is held annually in late December or early January. Hanuman’s mother is Anjan, and Hanuman is known as Anjan + Aiyar = Anjaneyar in South India (Hanuman in North India).

Proceed to Airport for Departure - En route visit the Vibeeshana Temple

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara - After breakfast, proceed to the airport (1-hour drive without stops). Head to the departure terminal and conclude the tour. Have a pleasant flight!

Kelaniya Buddhist Temple / Vibeeshana Shrine in Kelaniya: After King Ravana’s death, Vibeeshana was crowned King of Lanka by Lakshmana at Kelaniya. Murals outside the Buddhist temple depict Vibeeshana’s crowning. The Kelani River is mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayana, and Vibeeshana’s palace was said to be on its banks. King Vibeeshana was considered a fair king, supporting Rama against his brother’s injustice. Many devotees visit Vibeeshana’s shrine, seeking his intervention for fair resolutions to their problems. A painting of King Vibeeshana adorns Sri Lanka’s new Parliament. While no temples are dedicated to Ravana, many exist for Vibeeshana, proving his commitment to dharma and justice, earning him reverence as a god in Sri Lanka.

• 06 nights stay at hotels with breakfast and dinner
• Last night dinner at an outside restaurant
• Service of English/Hindi/Tamil speaking chauffeur guide
• ‘Ramayanaya in Sri Lanka’ book for each family
• Dinner
• Breakfast

• Sightseeing entrance charges (unless specified).
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any expenses on private basis.

Sri Lanka is home to several Ramayana locations, from the areas where Sita was held prisoner to the battlefields where Lord Rama contended with Ravana. This tour serves as the ideal mix of holiday and pilgrim journey, combined into one. Real Lanka understands the significance of these locations to Hindu worshippers and if necessary, can schedule the tour around prayer times. Accommodations for a vegetarian meal plan can also be made during the trip.

The legendary journey of Ramayana allows pilgrims to express reverence and explore the locations in Sri Lanka where crucial events in the Ramayana took place. Places like Ashok Vatika, where Sita was detained, or Manavari, where Lord Ram installed a Shiva Lingam after his victory over Ravana, seeking Lord Shiva’s favor.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.