Programme

Assemble at Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai as per the scheduled flight departure time and proceed to Colombo. We will arrive Bandraranaike International Airport in Colombo- capital city of Sri Lanka. After completeing all the Airport formalities, you will be transferred to nearby hotel for freshen-up (wash & change). After breakfast, we will depart towards Dambulla. Via- Chillaw (240 kms.). Enroute we will visit Munneswaram Temple (it is believed that Munneswaram predates the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was located here. Munneswaram means the first temple for Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). A Shiva Lingam was already here when lord Rama visited the place. Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya with Sita in one of King Ravana's vimanas. He felt he was being followed by Bramhaasthi dosham (a malevolent black shadow) as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. When the Vimana was passing over Munneswaram, he felt the vimana vibrating, and realized the "Brahmaasthi Dosham" was not following him at this particular point. He stops the vimana at this juncture and asks God Shiva for a remedy. God Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised installing and praying for four lingams at Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India, as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham. Later we will visit Manawari Temple (Manavari is the first place where Lord Rama installed and prayed the Siva lingam after the end of the war with King Ravana. To date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in the world named after Lord Rama. We will arrive Dambulla. Check-in the hotel. Night halt at Dambulla.

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After breakfast, we will proceed to Trincomalee (95 kms.), which is one of the largest and safest Natural Harbours in the World. Sunny weather throughout the year, with white sandy beaches, calm, placid and warm waters, ideal for underwater activities and for Whale watching. After lunch, we will visit Koneswaram Temple. (Thiru Koneswaram was built by Rishi Agastya on the instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana. This place is unique in this respect because the Lord built a temple for his devotee as a reward for his devotion. Lord Rama is believed to have offered his prayers here in order to get rid of the malediction of killing Ravana who was a Brahmin, meaning Brahmahasthi Dosham). Evening will be at leisure. Night halt at Trincomalee.

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After breakfast, we will then proceed to Kandy (230 kms.). Enroute we will visit Pinnawala - well known for its elephant orphange, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Kandy.
In the evening we will visit to Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Tooth Relic). Thereafter we will attend a Kandyan Dance show (The cultural show which gives you the opportunity to witness a spectacular display of Kandyan dancing, Sri Lanka’s iconic art form, which includes elaborate costumes, boisterous mass drumming, and flamboyant dancing. Night halt at Kandy.

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After breakfast, we will be transferred to Mahiyanganaya. In Mahiyanganaya, you will visit Dunuwila - this is the place from where Lord Rama fired the Brahmaastharam at King Ravana, which eventually killed him. Dhunu means arrow and Vila Means Lake. This place got its name because Lord Rama fired his arrow from this lake. Laggala, the cartels behind the Dunuvila lake are called Laggala (Also Known as Lakegala). Laggala is derived form the Sinhala term Elakke Gala, which when translated into English gives us the meaning’ Target Rock’. Laggala served as a sentry point for King Ravana’s army. It was from this rock the first Glimpse of Rama’s army was sighted and information sent to King Ravana. This hill is geographically the highest part of the northern region of King Ravana’s city. On a clear day the north-east side that is Thiru Koneshwaran and north west side that is Talai mannar could be seen even today. King Ravana is believed to have meditated on this rock and prayed Shiva at Thiru Koneshwaran from this point. It is here that King Ravana was killed by Lord Rama’s Brahmaastharam. The top of Laggala is flat and is believed to have been hit by the Brahmaastharam. We will also visit- Weragantota, also spelled Weraganthota, means ‘a place of aircraft landing’ in Sinhala. Weragantota is believed to have been be the Capital of King Ravana and the first place where Sitadevi was brought into Lanka in King Ravana’s Vimana. The present jungles are the place where the city of Lankapura once stood .The city had a beautiful palace for queen Mandodari surrounded by waterfalls, streams and varieties of flora and fauna, Seetha Kotuwa (this is the place where the city of Lankapura once stood. The city had a beautiful palace for queen Mandothari surrounded by waterfalls, streams and varieties of flora and fauna. Seetha Devi was kept in this palace until she was moved to Ashoka Vatika. Seetha Kotuwa means Seetha’s fort and got its name because of Seetha Devi’s stay here. Thereafter we will visit- famous Spice Garden and Gem shop where you will get to know the history of gem mining in Sri Lanka Kandy is also famous for its shopping, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, batiks, Kandiyan sarees etc. Night halt at Kandy.

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After breakfast, we will leave for Nuwara Eliya (76 kms.) the center of hill country. En-route we will visit Bhakt Hanuman Temple in Ramboda - on these hills of Ramboda where Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi, the Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka built a temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity. Followed by a visit to Tea plantations and a Tea Factory, the producers of world famous Ceylon Tea. Further we will Arrive Nuwara Eliya. Check in the hotel. Nuwara Eliya means "city on the plain (table land)" or "city of light". Nuwara Eliya is known for its temperate, cool climate- the coolest area in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya, also known as Sri Lanka’s “Little England”, Its nickname comes from the many English style bungalows and buildings still in existence today. During the colonial times, it was a popular mountain resort and has retained its popularity as a holiday destination even today.

In the evening, we will visit- Gayathri Peedam- this is the first and foremost temple built for Gayathri Amman in Sri Lanka, Gayatri being an aspect of Saraswati and the Universal Mother. The temple was founded by the Gayathri Siddhar Swami Murusegu. The Shiva Lingam for this Tamil temple was brought from the Holy River Narmada. Gayathri Peedam is said to be the place from where King Ravana's son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and worship and in turn was granted super natural powers by the mighty god. Thereafter time will be at leisure. Night halt at Nuwara Eliya.

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After breakfast, we will visit Sita Amman Temple, this place has become the most venerated of all Ramayana Trail sites in Sri Lanka, because it is believed to be the place where Sita spent most of the time during her captivity on the island of Lanka. After she refused to stay in Ravana's magnificent palace she was transferred to Ashoka Vatika or Ashoka Vana where she lived under Ashoka trees. It was here that Ravana's wife Mandodari visited her and that Hanuman met her for the first time, identifying himself with the finger ring of Rama. Sita is said to have bathed in the nearby stream. There are remarkable holes in the rocks at the river bank believed to be footprints of Lord Hamunan. Thereafter we will visit- Hakgala Botanical Garden, considered as a Ashok Vatika and one of the pleasure garden of Ravana and Divurumpola, it is said to be the location where Sita underwent the famous fire ordeal Agni Pariksha, in order to prove her chastity. From the flames arose the fire god Agni who was invoked by Sita. He lifted her from the flames unharmed and presented her to Lord Rama who explained this test was only necessary to prove the truth of her purity and innocence to everybody else, as he himself never doubted Sita's faithfulness. Divurumpola means a ‘place of oath’' Today the temple is revered for the oath taken by Sitadevi and even the legal system permits and accepts the swearing done at this temple. Further we will visit- Ravana Caves, These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. The tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret passage. They networked all the important cities, airports and dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made and not natural formations. Evening will be at leisure. Night halt at Nuwara Eliya.

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After breakfast, we will depart to Wadduwa-Bentota (190 kms.- 4 Hrs.), arrive Wadduwa. Check-in the hotel.
Evening will be at leisure. You can enjoy the water sports like Banana boat ride, Parasailing and Jet-ski. Night halt at Wadduwa.

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After lunch, we will proceed to Colombo (130 kms.). Enroute we will enjoy Madu Ganga River Cruise, this Boat safari along the Madu River is a relaxing trip with plenty of interesting stops. You pass dozens of islets forested with mangroves and can appreciate the timeless natural rhythms of rural life. Further visit to Turtle Hatchery, These turtle hatcheries were constructed to rescue and protect turtle eggs because of the rapidly declining numbers of marine turtle in Sri Lankan shores. We will further proceed towards Colombo. Arrive Colombo. Check-in the hotel. Evening will be free for shopping (on your own). Night halt at Colombo.

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