Cultural
On arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be warmly greeted by your chauffeur who will transfer you Anuradhapura. enroute visit the Munneshwaram Temple in Chilaw and Manawari Temple near Puttalam. Munneshawram Temple predates the Ramayana yathra and a first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Munneshwaram means the first temple for Shiva and Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed by Rama and till to date it’s called Ramalinga Shivan.
Dinner and overnight stay in Anuradhapura
After an early breakfast begin your Journey to Mannar where you will embark on a voyage to explore the Rama Setu Islands on a Sail Lanka catamaran. You will board at the Talaimannar Navy Jetty at 7.30am and end your expedition at 3.30pm. This includes a Welcome drink, breakfast, lunch, fruit juice and tea or coffee.
In the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, Lord Rama, along with his army of vanaras (monkey warriors), constructed a bridge of stones and boulders to connect the Indian subcontinent to the island of Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka). This bridge allowed Lord Rama to cross over to Lanka to rescue his beloved wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana’s captivity.
Dinner and overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
After breakfast, embark on the Hiriwadunna village excursion. Where a resident guide will take you on a tour of the quaint village on a bullock cart and ends the day with a picturesque canoe ride down river. This also includes a lunch at one of the village resident’s homes, where you will indulge in mouthwatering Sri Lankan cuisine.
After which, embark on an adventure in Dambulla, exploring the city’s historic past through the well-preserved remnants of architecture, including the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dambulla has a storied history dating back to the reign of King Valagamba in the 1st century BCE. Seeking refuge from foreign invaders, the king took shelter in these very caves, which later became sacred shrines. The site also served as a place of worship during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods, making it a significant historical landmark.
Dinner and overnight stay in Dambulla
After breakfast, Journey to Kandy, Enroute, and visit the Matale Spice Garden to educate yourself on the wide variety of spices for which Sri Lanka is famous.
Upon arrival in Kandy, embark on a sightseeing tour of the Royal city and visit the Kandy Temple of the Tooth. After which, visit the Batik factory and learn of the intricate designs and workmanship that go into the manufacture of the fabric and visit the gem museum that has a wide range of precious stones found in Sri Lanka.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing at your hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy
After breakfast, begin your journey to Nuwara Eliya, where en route you will visit the Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple (a sacred haven dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the devoted and mighty monkey god from the Ramayana epic), the Chariot path (an ancient route steeped in mythology, is believed to be the very path Lord Rama and his army trod during their epic journey to rescue Sita) & Seetha tear drop pond (a tranquil and picturesque water body located.
Also, en route, you will be taken to see the majestic Ramboda Falls as well as a factory tour of a tea factory, where you will be able to learn and understand the process in which the world-renowned Ceylon Tea is manufactured.
Explore the picturesque city of Nuwara Eliya. Following which, visit the Seetha Aman Temple which is a testament to the enduring devotion and reverence for Goddess Sita. It is believed to be the spot where Sita, in the Ramayana, was held captive by the demon king Ravana. The temple’s serene surroundings and tranquil ambience create a sacred atmosphere where visitors can pay homage to the goddess and connect with the profound spirituality of her story.
Thereafter, you will be taken for high tea at the Grand Hotel that is befitting Royalty and equally tantalizing to your tastebuds.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast begin your journey to Ella where you will visit the Ravana falls named after the mythical demon king Ravana from the Ramayana and the Ravana caves, perched on the cliffs overlooking Ravana Falls, are steeped in the legend of Ravana. According to local folklore, these caves are believed to have served as a hideaway for the demon king Ravana, who is said to have kidnapped Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Optionally you may spend some time at leisure at the Ravana pool club.
Your journey to Yala begins here, enroute you will visit the Kataragama temple Kataragama which is a place of profound religious significance, drawing devotees from various faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous Sri Lankan beliefs. At its core, the temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda or Kartikeya), the Hindu god of war, and Lord Kataragama, a regional deity believed to be a guardian of the island.
Dinner and overnight stay in Yala
Embark on an early morning safari at Sri Lanka’s famous Yala Safari Park. Yala is famous for its remarkable biodiversity as it is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the highest density of leopards in the world. Other animals you may encounter include elephants, sloth bears, water buffaloes, crocodiles, and a rich variety of bird species (includes a packed breakfast).
Spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing at your hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay in Yala
After breakfast, begin your journey to Bentota. Enroute visit the Rumassala Rock. According to the Ramayana, this is believed to be a chunk of the Sanjeevini Mount that was dropped by Lord Hanuman while carrying the life-saving herbs to heal Lord Rama’s wounded allies. The herbs that fell in Rumassala are said to have bestowed the area with unique and exotic plant species, adding to its mystique.
After which, proceed to Galle where you will be taken on a tour of this historical town which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The tour will include an exploration of the famous Galle Fort, visit to the Galle National Museum and the light house.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bentota
After an early breakfast begin your journey to Colombo. En route, you will be taken to the Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple, which is a temple dedicated to Anjaneyar in Sri Lanka. This is the only temple in the world to have a chariot of Anjaneyar.
Proceed to the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil. This awe-inspiring temple is a true architectural masterpiece, boasting intricate carvings, colourful murals, and striking Dravidian-style architecture that transports visitors to the temples of South India. The temple’s towering gopuram (entrance tower) adorned with vibrant sculptures is a sight to behold, making it a visual delight for visitors and a testament to the artistry of Hindu temple architecture.
After the Colombo City tour, your chauffeur guide will facilitate your smooth and timely transfer to the international airport, ensuring your departure for your return flight is executed with the utmost professionalism and comfort