Ramayana Holiday in Sri Lanka (10 Days)

Day 01: Airport > Dambulla

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned Vehicle and proceed to Dambulla and check in to the hotel. En-route visit Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Learn more about Elephants than you ever have before. Get to see and touch these gentle giants. Feed and play with orphaned baby elephants. Get a chance watch the mahouts bathe them and maybe even help. This is an experience that takes you closer to Elephants.

Thereafter continue to Dambulla and visit Dambulla Cave Temple. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

On completion of the day check into the hotel for relaxation. 

Day 02: Dambulla > Trincomalee > Dambulla

After breakfast proceed to Trincomalee for visit Konesvaram Temple. (Travel Time: 2 to 2½ hrs.)

In Trincomalee visit, Koneshwaram Temple, Pigeon Island and Nilaveli Beach.

Konesvaram temple is situated in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. It is built atop Swami Rock, a rocky cape overlooking Trincomalee.  The primary deity is the Hindu God Lord Shiva in the form of Konesar. The legend says that Emperor Rawana meditated on this rock.

Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. Pigeon Island consists of two islands; large pigeon island and small pigeon island.

Nilaveli Beach is one of the most tourist attraction beach in Sri Lanka, located about 16 km North-West of Trincomalee. Nilaveli is ideal place for water sports like scuba diving.

On Completion, return to the hotel and relax.

Day 03: Dambulla > Sigiriya > Matale > Kandy

After an early breakfast check out of the hotel and visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Travel Time: 20 mins to 30 mins.)  

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ' the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns.  Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy. En – route proceed to Matale for visit Spice Gardens.  (Travel Time: 1 to 1½ hrs)

Euphoria Spice and Herbal is located 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call “The Spice Tour”, let the visitors feel the sensation of the Sri Lankan spices and herbs which is demonstrated in different foreign languages to suit our customer need.

Thereafter Proceed to Kandy and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Later, go on a city and Technical tour in Kandy city, after the City tour proceed see Kandy Cultural dance show.

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. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

On Completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 04: Kandy > Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

On completion proceed to Nuwara Eliya, en-route visit to Ramboda Falls. (Travel Time: 2½ to 03 hrs)

Ramboda Ella is the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and located by the Pussellawa. Ramboda falls consists of three sections. You will get a good view of the middle section from the A5 highway, just above the bridge. This is very small in size with compared to other parts. You can get a far view of the top part from the main road, but not the complete view of the fall. You need to climb up to see the top part of the Ramboda falls and there is a pathway just before the bridge. You may find the climbing bit difficult, but you will be compensated with the great view of the top fall and the surrounding.

Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 Mins)

Later on, the evening visit Sita Amman Temple and Divurumpola Temple.

The Sita Amman Temple can be seen en route to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The prominent temple architecture will not fail to attract your attention. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on one side of the temple. The temple today is a modern building with its paintings, statues and pillars decorated with sculptures; all depicting the tale of Rama and Sita.

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.

On Completion return to the hotel.

Day 05: Nuwara Eliya

With a packed breakfast early in the morning proceed to Horton Plains to go on a Lovely Trek. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Visit the beautiful Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, with its montane grasslands and cloud forests. Enjoy the majestic views from the precipice of World's End and the cooling sprays from Baker's Falls. Catch glimpses of the many endemic fauna that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archeological finds that were discovered in the area.

On completion of the Safari return to the hotel and relax. Later that evening goes on city tour in Nuwara Eliya City.

Nuwara Eliya is set in the heart of tea-country is a beautiful town where the British succeeded in creating a replica of the English countryside, with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne.Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church, a famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated 6,200 feet above sea level, the air is cool and fresh – a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

On completion of the day return back to the hotel and relax. 

Day 06: Nuwara Eliya > Ella > Yala

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Yala.  En-route make a stop at Ella and explore the city of Ella.

Explore the city of Ella and its most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lanka

Thereafter proceed to Yala and check into the hotel and relax.

Day 07: Yala > Kataragama > Yala

Early in the morning go on lovely jeep safari in Yala National Park. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

This amazing three-hour Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

After the lovely safari return to the hotel and relax.

Later in the evening visit Kataragama Temple. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

This is the temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Lord Indra on the last day of war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahmasthra aimed by King Ravana which otherwise would have weakened Lord Rama. The benefit was one of the most powerful weapon brahma asthra aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya.

3 pooja or offerings take place daily. Make sure you have a tray full of fruits, incense and of course little money, to be offered (You will get half the fruits back, which you may partake) 

Day 08: Yala > Ussangoda > Galle

After breakfast visit Ussangoda beach. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Ussangoda is a strange coastal area because of its lack of trees. Its serpentine rock contains toxic heavy metals. Only specific smaller plants were able to adapt to this soil. But according to the Ramayana legends there are two more explanation for the baldness of Ussangoda. After meeting Sitadevi Lord Hanuman provoked the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. It resulted in Lord Hanuman's tail being set on fire by Rakshasas. Hanuman in turn went on to torch parts of King Ravana's empire with his burning tail. Ussangoda is said to be one of these burnt areas. Besides the Ramyana Trail legend has it that earlier on the Ussangoda plateau was used an airport by King Ravana for his Dandumonara peachock chariot, before Hanuman devastated the landing site.

On completion proceed to Galle, on arrival to Galle visit Rumassala. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Rumassala hill 3 kms east of Galle is the landmark of Unuwatuna beach because of the picturesque white Buddhist dagoba on top of it. Rumassala rock is one of the five Sri Lankan spots believed to originate from parts of Mount Dronagiri. They fell down when Hanuman carried the Dronagiri on his flight back to Lanka in order to use its Sanjiwani herb to rescue Lakhshmana and Rama who were in need of this medical plant to be reanimated after suffering severe injuries. Rumassala is also said to be an abode of Sita during her stay in Lanka.

Thereafter go on a city tour in Galle.

Galle is the big unmissable destination in the south. It's at once endlessly exotic, bursting with the scent of spices and salty winds, and yet also, with its wonderful collection of Dutch colonial buildings, a town of great beauty. Classic architecture melds with a dramatic tropical setting to create a reality that is endlessly interesting. Built by the Dutch, beginning in 1663, the 36-hectare Fort occupies most of a promontory that's surrounded on three sides by the ocean. Just wandering the old walls and streets at random yields one architectural surprise after another as you explore the amazing collection of structures dating back through the centuries. Its glories have earned the Fort status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On Completion proceed to the hotel and check in. 

Day 09: Yala > Ussangoda > Galle

After breakfast visit Ussangoda beach. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Ussangoda is a strange coastal area because of its lack of trees. Its serpentine rock contains toxic heavy metals. Only specific smaller plants were able to adapt to this soil. But according to the Ramayana legends there are two more explanation for the baldness of Ussangoda. After meeting Sitadevi Lord Hanuman provoked the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. It resulted in Lord Hanuman's tail being set on fire by Rakshasas. Hanuman in turn went on to torch parts of King Ravana's empire with his burning tail. Ussangoda is said to be one of these burnt areas. Besides the Ramyana Trail legend has it that earlier on the Ussangoda plateau was used an airport by King Ravana for his Dandumonara peachock chariot, before Hanuman devastated the landing site.

On completion proceed to Galle, on arrival to Galle visit Rumassala. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Rumassala hill 3 kms east of Galle is the landmark of Unuwatuna beach because of the picturesque white Buddhist dagoba on top of it. Rumassala rock is one of the five Sri Lankan spots believed to originate from parts of Mount Dronagiri. They fell down when Hanuman carried the Dronagiri on his flight back to Lanka in order to use its Sanjiwani herb to rescue Lakhshmana and Rama who were in need of this medical plant to be reanimated after suffering severe injuries. Rumassala is also said to be an abode of Sita during her stay in Lanka.

Thereafter go on a city tour in Galle.

Galle is the big unmissable destination in the south. It's at once endlessly exotic, bursting with the scent of spices and salty winds, and yet also, with its wonderful collection of Dutch colonial buildings, a town of great beauty. Classic architecture melds with a dramatic tropical setting to create a reality that is endlessly interesting. Built by the Dutch, beginning in 1663, the 36-hectare Fort occupies most of a promontory that's surrounded on three sides by the ocean. Just wandering the old walls and streets at random yields one architectural surprise after another as you explore the amazing collection of structures dating back through the centuries. Its glories have earned the Fort status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On Completion proceed to the hotel and check in. 

Day 10: Galle > Colombo > Negombo

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Colombo and go on a city tour in Colombo City. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores. 

On completion proceed to Negombo and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 40 to 50 mins)

Day 11: Negombo > BIA

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Munneswaram Temple. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Later, proceed to Chilaw to Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva in the region

On completion return to the hotel and relax. Later in the afternoon check out of your hotel and proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island.

End of Tour 

Tour Includes

• Accommodation on sharing a double/twin/triple room at the hotels specified in hotel collection. 
• Meal plan on Bed and Breakfast basis starting with breakfast on day 2 and ending with breakfast on day 10.
• Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of all Chauffeur accommodation, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.
• Private Transport with airport transfers in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle throughout the tour. (2015 and Above Manufactured)
• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide. 
• All prevailing taxes and service charges (Except for Credit Card/Bank Charges).

Tour Excludes

• Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details / submit your individual visa application.
• X’ Mas & New Year Evening Gala Dinner Supplements.
• International / Domestic Airfare.
• Any expenses of personal nature.
• Tips & Portages.
• Cost of Beverages
• Meals where not specified.
• Entrance fees.