Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is an island lying in the Indian Ocean and separated from peninsular India by the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka is an amazing tourist destination that attracted tourists from all over the world. This pearl shaped Island has rich heritage, enticing golden beaches, misty mountains, diverse wildlife, spicy cuisine, exquisite landscapes, and interesting historical and religious sites.
The warmest months, according to the mean monthly temperature would be April and August while the coolest months would be December and January. In Sri Lanka Buddhist occupies 70% , Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10% and Ethinic group – Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10%.
The history, culture and natural beauty of Sri Lanka is irrefutably alluring. Sri Lanka Ramayana Yatra is a tour which covered in detail major holy places mentioned in Ramayana. These unforgettable holy places connected to Ramayana are worth a visit at least once in a lifetime.
DAY 01 NEGEMBO – DAMBULLA
Arrival at International Bandaranayike International airport in the morning. After clearing the emigration formalities, we collected our baggage and went to the exit gate. At the exit point we met our guide, Lakshan, with a placard and a smiling face. For the next 6 days he will be with us to guide us throughout our Srilanka Ramayana Yatra.
As per our first day tour itinerary, transfer to Dambulla (via chilaw).(180 Kms 4-5 Hrs) Visit Punchi Katragama, Manavari and Munishwaram Temple.
MANAVARI TEMPLE
Manavari temple is one of the important Hindu Temples located in Chilaw, Puttalam District of North Western province. There is a direct link between this Manavari Temple and Sri Lanka Ramayana Yatra. The epic of Ramayana depicts that Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu and a Lingam is a representation of Shiva. Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed by Lord Rama and till date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Ramalingam is considered as an extraordinary object -of worship for Hinduism. It is said to be the only lingam which has named after him other than the one in Rameshwaram, India. Considering these facts, Manavari Temple chilaw is one of the significant Hindu temple which linked to the Ramayana Sri Lanka Yatra.
Manavari Temple contact number
0324 923 996
MUNNESHWARAM TEMPLE
Located in Chilaw of Puttalam District, North Western province of Sri Lanka, Munneswaram temple is one of the important Pancha Ishwara Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. 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 to get rid from his dosham. It is also states that Rama was advices to install and pray four lingams at Munneswaram, Manavari, trinco and Mannar by god Shiva after his blessings. Considering above, Munneswaram temple is one of the important sites of Ramayana tour Sri Lanka. This temple had been built under the Dravidian architecture. This is considered to be destroyed in Portuguese time period and then reconstructed in 1753 completely
The religious sites and its history were beautifully elicited by our tour guide. After dinner we stayed in a beautiful resort at Dambulla.
Day 02: Dambulla –Sirigriya – Trincomalee (115 KMS)
After breakfast check-out from the hotel. Photoshop for Sigriya fortress. Visit to Dambulla cave temple. Transfer to Trincomalee via Sirigriya. Later visit Thiru koneshwaram Temple, Sri Shankara Devi Shakthi Peedam, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Hot Spring Well and Marble Beach. Overnight stay at Trincomalee.
SIGRIYA FORTRESS
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress and one of the archeological wonders, located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It’s a masterpiece of ancient urban planning, & architecture . Its construction technology in hydraulic engineering & management is exceptional. Thus UNESCO declared this site as a World Heritage. There are approximately 1,200 steps are to be climbed to the top. Historians believe Sigiriya have a connection with Ramayana. It is believed that the plateau top was the site of Ravana’s majestic palace, made of solid gold and crafted by Kubera, the God of Wealth.. One look at the site, and you would know how big an architectural feat this place must have been. .It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress.
Opening time of Sigiriya
7.00 AM to 5.00 PM
Entrance fees for lion rock Sigiriya
30 USD per person / Foreign
15 USD per person only for SAARC Countries nationals (Need to submit the passport to get this discount)
DAMBULLA CAVE
The Dambulla Cave Temple is around 2000 years old. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. Most of these paintings and statues are related to Buddhism. There are approximately 364 steps to climb.
Dambulla Cave Temple Entrance Fee: LKR 1500 / INR 589
Dambulla Cave Temple Opening Hours: 7 am – 7 Pm
THIRUKONESWARAM HINDU TEMPLE
The temple is located in Trincomalee, the Eastern Capital of Sri Lanka. It is one of the important Pancha Ishwara Hindu temple in Sri Lanka. It is believed that the temple is built by Rishi Agastya on the instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of king Ravana. It is also said in the epic of Ramayana that Lord Rama built the second lingam here to get rid of the Brahmahasthi Dosham which was caused by malediction of killing Ravana who was a Brahmin. This temple had been built under the Dravidian architecture and one of the significant structure is its thousand pillar hall – “Aayiram Kaal Mandpam”.
Contact details .
+94 26 222 6688
DAY 03 : TRINCOMALEE – KANDY (180 KMS 3 HRS 45 MNTS)
Post breakfast proceed to Kandy.. Lunch at Kandy. Visit Bhairawakanda Bhuddha statue, Gem factory, Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya and enjoy Kandy cultural show in the evening. Later visit temple of sacred tooth relics. Overnight stay in Kandy hotel with dinner.
BHAIRAWA KANDA BUDDHA STATUE
The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is considered as one of the biggest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. Bahirawakanda temple with the big Buddha statue is a famous landmark which everybody can easily seen from Kandy city. it’s about five minutes drive away from the city center. the statue located in the summit of the Bahieawakanda mountain. The Statue displays Lord Buddha seated in the Nirvana pose and can be viewed from the entire city of Kandy.
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, PERADENIYA
It is about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is renowned for its collection of orchids.
KANDY CULTURAL SHOW
It is one of the traditional cultural show at Kandy. The cultural show is for one hour and within that period as many as 12 different folk and traditional dances are performed by Kandy lake club dance troop. The best among the shows is fire walk show.
TEMPLE OF TOOTH RELICS
Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth This temple was built in the 16th Century A.D which was built. Solely for the purpose of housing the tooth relic. , the most important one for The Sri Lankan Buddhists was built. solely for the purpose of housing the tooth relic. Observe the magnificent architecture of that period and experience the tranquility of the atmosphere. During the month of August Kandy becomes highly crowded due to the Kandy Esala Perehera which is hosted as an annual tradition of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. It usually attracts large number of local and foreign tourists who value tradition, customs and Buddhist heritage. The temple is also one of the country’s most important locations in relation to Buddhism
Day 04 : KANDY – RAMBODA – NUWARA ELIYA (80 KMS 2 HRS 30 MNTS)
Post breakfast check out from the hotel. Proceed to visit Pinnawale elephant Orphanage & Spice garden. After lunch proceed to Ramboda Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple. Later to Nuwara Eliya. Visit tea factory. Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.
RAMBODA SRI BHAKTHA HANUMAN TEMPLE
The Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka has built a temple with Lord Hanuman as the presiding deity. According to the legend, this is the place where Hanuman searched for Sita in the jungles above and behind the temple. There is supposed to be a stretch of barren land known as the ‘Chariot Path’ on which Ravana took Sita to Ashoka Vatika to showcase the beauty of his kingdom to her.
DAY 05 : NUWARA ELIYA – KATARAGAMA
Post breakfast visit Gayathri Peedam, Sita Amman Temple, Divurumpola Temple and Ravana cave. Post lunch visit Katragama temple &. Overnight stay at Hotel in Katragama.
GAYATHRI PEEDAM
The Gayathri Cathedral also known as Sri-Lankatheeswarar Temple is the very first temple dedicated for Goddess Gayathri It is believed that the Tri Moortis – Siva, Brahma and Vishnu, appeared here when prince Meganath also known as Indrajit, son of Ravana Performed Siva Thapas and Nikumbala Yagna propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and pooja’s and in turn was granted super natural powers by Lord Shiva. Therefore, Gayathri Peedam is one of important site of Ramayana Tour of Sri Lanka.
Contact Number of Gayathri Peedam Nuwara Eliya
0094 52 222 2609
SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE / ASHOKA VATIKA
The temple is located in the village of Seetha Eliya (also known as Sita Eliya). This place is believed to be the site where Sita was held captive by king Ravana, and she prayed daily for Rama to come and rescue her in the Hindu epic, Sita Amman temple is the only Hindu Temple which dedicated to Princess Sita in Sri Lanka. There is a stream by the side of the temple where that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sita Devi during her stay at Ashok Vatika. She is also said to have bathed in this stream. The soil here is black in colour. According to the epic of Ramayana it is the believed that Hanuman burnt this area before he left Sri Lanka. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hanuman’s are found by this river and some are of small size while some are of large size
Seetha Amman temple contact number
052 223 5536
052 222 2038
DIVURUMPOLA TEMPLE
Located 15 km from Seetha Eliya on Nuwara-Eliya – Welimada Road after the sacred site of Ashok Vatika, this place of Divurumpola is the second most crucial site in the Ramayana Yatra sites in Sri Lanka. This is the place where Seetha Devi underwent “Agni Pariksha” (test) in order to prove her chastity to God Rama after being rescued by him where she came unscathed and proved her innocence and purity. Considering these historical factors, Divurumpola is one of the important Ramayana Historical places in Sri Lanka. In Sinhala language Divurumpola means a “Place of oath”.. It is a popular place of worship among locals in this area. Divurumpola means place of oath in Sinhala. Divurumpola Raja Maha Viharaya is also a Buddhist temple and we can find some Buddhist stupas and sculptures of Buddha in the complex. There are sculptures of Hindu God Rama, Devi Sita, and Lord Hanuman here.. Today this Buddhist Temple is worship by both Buddhist and Hindu people of Sri Lanka and this Ramayana Site is considering as one of the Ramayana Historical Place in Sri Lanka. A sapling of the Anuradhapura Bodhi tree was planted as a mark of respect this place.
Divurumpola Temple Contact Number
0572245266 (+94572245266)
RAVANA CAVE
According to legend, it is said that Ravana, who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time had kidnapped Queen Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave.The trek to the Ravana Ella Cave starts near the Ravana Ella Temple. It is assumed to be a hike of 800 steps. Ravana cave and tunnel network is a massive creation by King Ravana which proved beyond doubt of his architecture brilliance. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made and not natural formations. Existing tunnel mouths are also situated at Ishtripura in Welimada, Senapitiya in Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola in Matale, and Seetha Kotuwa in Hasalaka and in many more places
Day 06 : KATARAGAMA – COLOMBO
Post breakfast checkout from the hotel and proceed to Colombo. Later proceed to city tour of Colombo including Light house with clock tower, Galle Face, Colombo Harbour, Beira Lake, Colombo Harbour, Independence square, National Museum town hall & shopping drop.
DAY 07 : COLOMBO & BACK
Post breakfast checkout from the hotel and visit Panchamugha Anjenyar Temple & Kalaneya Bhuddha Temple. After lunch drop to airport for return flight.
PANCHAMUGA ANJANEYAR TEMPLE
This temple is located Colombo Sri Lanka. This temple is considered as the first Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka. The temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman in his Panchamuga form, meaning five faces. It is believed that Swamy Chandrashekar built the first hanuman temple in Sri Lanka known as Sri Panchamukha Ancheneyar temple. Chariot festival is held annually at the end of December or in the beginning of January. According to historical Ramayana Yatra, Hanuman assisted Lord Rama to defeat the great and powerful King Ravana. Lord Shiva took the form of Hanumanji in the Ramayana epic. This is one of Ramayana tour related site in Sri Lanka.
Contact number of Anjaneyar Temple Colombo
+94 112 726 444
KELANIYA TEMPLE
It is a sacred Buddhist temple dating to the time before chronologically recorded history of Sri Lanka. It is believed that Kelaniya is the place from where King Vibeeshana ruled after being crowned by Lakshmana. As Lord Rama was in exile for 14 years, could not take part in any coronation ceremony, deputed his younger brother Prince Lakshmana to crown Vibeeshana. Today in this very place a Buddhist shrine and a temple for king Vibeeshana exist. There are murals enshrined outside the Buddhist temple depicting the crowning of King Vibeeshana. Today temples for King Vibeeshana are found throughout Lanka and he is still considered as one of the four guardian deities of Sri Lanka.. Kelaniya temple is famous for its Duruthu Maha Perehera procession each January The procession takes place on the eve of full moon pooja day of each January and is a feast full of whip crackers, torch carriers, flag carriers, caparisoned elephants, dancers, trumpeters, drummers and numerous other participants. The interior of the temple is simple magnificent. The paintings and the art depicted the different stories in Buddha’s life.
Places Covered
- Punchi Katragama
- Manavari
- Munishwaram Temple
- Photoshop at Sigriya fortress.
- Dambulla cave temple
- Thiru koneshwaram Temple
- Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple.
- Visit Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya
- Kandy cultural show
- Temple of sacred tooth relics.
- Bhairawa Kanda Buddha Statue
- Ramboda Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple.
- Visit to tea factory
- Gayathri Peedam
- Sita Amman Temple
- Gregory Lake
- Divurumpola Temple
- Ravana cave.
- Pinnawala elephant orphanage
- Colombo city tour
- Panchamugha Anjenyar Temple
- Kalaneya Bhuddha Temple
