Ramayana Trail Cultural Tour (8 Days)

After breakfast, explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site and cradle of the glorious Sinhalese Buddhist civilization. Marvel at the ancient stupas and reservoirs that showcase the engineering brilliance of early Sri Lankan civilization. Later, transfer to Trincomalee and visit the magnificent Thirukoneswaram Temple and Lover's Leap. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Trincomalee before dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.

Anuradhapura - This UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a testament to the glorious Sinhalese Buddhist civilization. The city's pride lies in its ancient stupas and remarkable reservoirs, showcasing the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient Sri Lanka.

Thirukoneswaram Temple - Built by sage Agasthyar following Lord Shiva's instructions, this temple has a unique history. Lord Shiva was so impressed by King Ravana's devotion that he instructed the sage to build this temple as a reward, making it one of the few instances where a deity honored a devotee with a temple

After breakfast, continue exploring Trincomalee's attractions before departing for
Kandy. En route, visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage
site featuring the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
Also visit a spice garden in Matale and enjoy lunch. Upon reaching Kandy, visit the
Sacred Tooth Relic Temple and enjoy a city tour before dinner and overnight stay.

Kandy - An exotic city that served as the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the
Sinhala Kings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is encircled by hills with a
tranquil lake at its center. Home to the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple and the Royal
Botanical garden, Kandy offers a perfect blend of cultural and natural beauty.

Dambulla Cave Temple - Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this
UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the largest and best-preserved cave temple
complex in Sri Lanka, featuring stunning Buddhist mural paintings and sculptures.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Kandy with a city sightseeing tour. Visit the Elephant
Orphanage in Pinnawala, where you can observe the care provided to orphaned
elephants. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kandy, renowned for its orchid
collection and avenue of royal palms. In the evening, witness a cultural dance
performance showcasing traditional Sri Lankan arts. Dinner and overnight stay in
Kandy.
This leisure day during our Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour Package allows you to relax
and absorb the serene atmosphere of this historic city while enjoying some free
time at your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman
Temple in Ramboda, a significant site on the Ramayana trail. Continue to Nuwara
Eliya, known as "Little England" for its cool climate and colonial architecture. Enjoy
sightseeing in this charming hill station before dinner and overnight stay.

Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple - According to legend, Hanuman searched for Sita
Devi from a place called "Ravana Goda" close to this temple. This site holds
significant importance on the Ramayana trail as it commemorates Hanuman's
dedicated search for Sita.

After breakfast, visit the Sita Amman Temple and Ashoka Vatika (now converted to Hakgala Botanic Gardens) in Nuwara Eliya. These sites are closely associated with Sita's captivity during the Ramayana era. Later, transfer to Kataragama,visiting Divurumpola Buddhist Temple, Ravana Water Falls, and Ravana Caves in Ella en route. Dinner and overnight stay in Kataragama.

Divurumpola Temple - This sacred site marks the place where Sita underwent the
famous fire ordeal (Agni Pariksha) to prove her chastity to Lord Rama after being
rescued. According to legend, she emerged unscathed, proving her innocence and
purity. This remains one of the most important sites on the Ramayana trail in Sri
Lanka.
Sita Amman Temple - The only Hindu temple in Sri Lanka dedicated to Princess
Sita. It is believed that this is where Sita was held captive by King Ravana, making
it a site of profound significance for followers of the Ramayana.

After breakfast, visit the Kataragama Temple dedicated to God Skanda. Depart for
Colombo, visiting the Ussangoda Ramayana Site (Ussangoda National Park) en
route. According to legend, King Ravana used this flat, hard land as a landing strip
for his Pushpak Vimana. Continue to Galle to visit Rumassala sanjeevani mountain
and the Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Transfer to Colombo for
dinner and overnight stay.

Kataragama Temple - A sacred shrine dedicated to God Skanda (Murugan),
revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, showcasing the religious harmony in Sri
Lanka.

Ussangoda - One of the areas believed to have been scorched during the
Ramayana era. Legend has it that King Ravana used this unusually flat terrain as a
landing strip for his flying chariot, the Pushpak Vimana.

After breakfast, visit the Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple, the first temple in Sri
Lanka dedicated to Lord Hanuman in his five-faced form. Enjoy a Colombo city
tour and visit the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, associated with Vibhishana, Ravana's
brother who sided with Lord Rama. According to the Ramayana, after Ravana's
death, Vibhishana was crowned king by Lakshmana and ruled from Kelaniya.
Transfer to the airport for your departure.

Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple - The first temple in Sri Lanka dedicated to Lord
Hanuman in his Panchamuga (five-faced) form, representing his various aspects
and powers. This temple forms an important part of the Ramayana trail in Sri
Lanka.

Kelaniya Vibhishana Temple - According to the Ramayana, after King Ravana's
death, his brother Vibhishana was crowned by Lakshmana and ruled from
Kelaniya. This site commemorates this historical transition of power and
Vibhishana's righteous decision to support dharma.