Tour Details:
The Ramayana is a monumental epic of Hindu mythology that recounts the adventures of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and their trials throughout their lives. Sri Lanka, often known as the Island of Ravana, is a crucial location in the Ramayana narrative. Our Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour offers a spiritual and cultural exploration of key sites connected to this ancient epic.
At Ceylon Waves, we present an 8-day Ramayana Tour, ideal for enthusiasts and families a like. This year-round journey covers the following significant Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka.
Key highlights of this tour include visits to:
Brief Itinerary Overview
Join us for this exceptional opportunity to discover the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka's heritage through the lens of the Ramayana epic. Whether you are a devout follower or simply curious about the mythology, our tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Ceylon Waves representative will welcome you at the Katunayake Bandaranayake Airport. Then you will travel to Chillaw. On the way there, you will visit Munneswaram Hindu Temple and Manavari Hindu Temple.Next, you will travel to Anuradhapura City. Your dinner and overnight stay will be there.
Munneswaram Temple is a renowned Hindu temple located in Chilaw, a town in the northwest coast of Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the five ancient temples on the island, known as Pancha Ishwarams. According to legend, the temple was established by Lord Rama, the protagonist of the Hindu epic, Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama visited the site during his exile and installed the lingam, a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva, at the temple. The temple complex includes several shrines, each dedicated to a different deity, including Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati.
Manavari Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in the town of Chilaw in Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is believed to be the first temple in the world to be dedicated to him. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, and thousands of devotees visit it every year.According to legend, Lord Rama, the protagonist of the Hindu epic, Ramayana, visited Sri Lanka to rescue his wife Sita, who was abducted by the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama is said to have prayed to Lord Shiva at several locations throughout Sri Lanka, including Manavari Temple. It is believed that Lord Rama installed a lingam, a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva, at the temple, which is still present today. The temple complex includes several shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, and Goddess Parvati. The main shrine is the Manavari Shrine, which is believed to be the original lingam installed by Lord Rama. The shrine is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations that depict scenes from the Ramayana. The Manavari Temple is an essential pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially those from South India. The temple’s annual festival, Maha Shivaratri, is celebrated with great pomp and splendor, and thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers and perform rituals.
In the morning of this day, you will visit Atamasthana, Eight sacred places in Anuradhapura. Then you will travel to Trincomalee, a city in eastern Sri Lanka. On the way there, you will visit Thirukoneswaram Temple. Then you will participate in sightseeing in Trincomalee. After that, you will come to your Tricomalee hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Anuradhapura, founded in the 4th century BCE, served as the capital of Sri Lanka for over 1, 000 years and is one of the most sacred cities in the country. Atamasthana includes the Sri Maha Bodhi tree and several ancient stupas and temples, making it a vital pilgrimage destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thirukoneswaram Temple is a Hindu temple located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built over 2,000 years ago and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the major deities in Hinduism. The temple is situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. It is known for its intricate carvings, colorful architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Thirukoneswaram Temple is also considered a sacred site by the Tamil community in Sri Lanka and is an important pilgrimage destination during the Hindu festival of Maha Shivaratri. In addition to its religious significance, the temple is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique blend of natural beauty, history, and spirituality
On the third day, you will travel to Kandy from Trincomalee. During this trip, you will visit Dambulla Cave Temple and Matale Spice Garden. After reaching Kandy, you will be lucky to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic on the evening of this day. Later, you will check into your Kandy hotel to finish the day.
Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a Buddhist temple located in the central region of Sri Lanka. It is situated in a vast cave complex and is considered one of the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka.The temple complex comprises of five main caves, each of which is filled with numerous statues and paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. The temple also houses over 150 Buddha statues, including a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha statue carved out of rock.The walls and ceilings of the caves are adorned with intricate murals and frescoes that depict various scenes from Buddhist mythology and Sri Lankan history. These works of art are considered some of the most important examples of ancient Buddhist art in Sri Lanka. the Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors each year, both tourists and pilgrims. It is considered a must-visit attraction in Sri Lanka for its historical and cultural significance, stunning art and architecture, and serene atmosphere.
Matale National Spice Garden is a botanical garden located in the city of Matale, Sri Lanka. It is known for its vast collection of spices and medicinal plants, many of which are native to Sri Lanka. The garden is spread across several acres of land and contains a variety of spice trees, such as cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and clove, as well as many exotic plants like vanilla and cardamom. Visitors can take guided tours of the garden and learn about the various spices and their uses in traditional medicine and cooking. In addition to the spice garden, there is also a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase a range of spices and herbal remedies, as well as traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. The Matale National Spice Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and is a must-visit destination for those interested in learning more about the country’s rich history and culture of spice cultivation.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the most sacred temples in Sri Lanka and is believed to house the tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple complex comprises several buildings, including a shrine room where the tooth relic is kept, as well as a museum and library. The shrine room is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, and is considered a masterpiece of traditional Sri Lankan architecture. The temple is also famous for its elaborate annual Esala Perahera festival, which takes place every summer and is a colorful procession of dancers, drummers, and performers, accompanied by the sacred tooth relic and various other relics and artifacts from the temple. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors each year, both tourists and pilgrims. It is considered a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka for its historical and cultural significance, stunning architecture, and serene atmosphere.
In the morning, you will travel to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. On the way, you will visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. After you reach Kandy in the evening, you will next participate in the Kandy Cultural Dance Show. Later, you will come back to your Kandy hotel for an overnight stay.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an elephant sanctuary located in the village of Pinnawala, Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 as a refuge for orphaned and injured elephants and is now home to over 80 elephants. The orphanage is spread over several acres of land and visitors can observe the elephants from close range as they play, bathe, and interact with their caretakers. The orphanage also has a breeding program aimed at increasing the population of Sri Lankan elephants. Visitors can also witness the daily bottle feeding of baby elephants and watch as the elephants take their daily bath in the nearby river. The orphanage also offers opportunities for visitors to interact with the elephants, including feeding and bathing them. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and is considered a must-visit destination for those interested in wildlife and conservation. It provides a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the behavior of these majestic animals up close.
The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is a botanical garden located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in Asia and is known for its diverse collection of plants and trees, including over 4,000 species of plants. The garden is spread over 147 acres of land and features several sections, including the ornamental garden, the spice garden, the medicinal garden, and the orchid house. The garden is home to a wide variety of trees, including palm trees, bamboo, and rubber trees, as well as several species of orchids, ferns, and tropical plants. Visitors can take guided tours of the garden and learn about the various plants and their uses, as well as explore the many walking trails that wind through the garden. The garden also features several attractions, such as the giant Javan fig tree, the royal palm avenue, and the suspension bridge over the Mahaweli River. The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and is considered a must-visit destination for those interested in horticulture, botany, and the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
The Kandy Cultural Dance Show is a traditional dance performance that takes place in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Sri Lanka through a series of dances and performances that are steeped in history and meaning. The dance show features a variety of traditional dances, including the Kandyan dance, which is performed by male dancers in colorful traditional costumes and includes acrobatic movements and drumming, and the Ves dance, which is performed by female dancers in ornate costumes and involves intricate footwork and spinning. The performances are accompanied by traditional Sri Lankan music and drumming, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for the audience. The dance show is held in several venues throughout the city, including the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre and the YMBA Cultural Centre. The Kandy Cultural Dance Show is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and is considered a must-see destination for those interested in learning about the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
On the morning of the fifth day, we will travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Along the way, we will visit the Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda. Then you will visit a beautiful waterfall and a tea factory. Next, you will come to Nuwara Eliya. After sightseeing in the city, you will come to your Nuwara Eliya hotel for an overnight stay.
The Bhaktha Hanuman Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Ramboda, Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman, who is revered for his strength, devotion, and loyalty. The temple features a large statue of Hanuman, standing at over 45 feet tall, making it one of the largest statues of Hanuman in Sri Lanka. Visitors come to the temple to offer prayers, seek blessings, and admire the impressive architecture and stunning natural surroundings. The temple is situated amidst lush green hills and overlooks a picturesque waterfall, making it a popular tourist destination.
On the sixth day, you will travel from Nuwara Eliya to Kataragama, visiting Sita Amman Temple and Ashok Vatika along the way. You will also see the Divurum Pola Buddhist Temple, Ravana Falls, and Ravana Caves before checking into your hotel in Kataragama for an overnight stay.
Sita Amman Temple is a Hindu temple located in the scenic town of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Sita, the wife of Lord Rama in the Hindu epic, Ramayana. It is believed that Sita was held captive in this location by the demon king Ravana. The temple is surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush greenery, and features a small museum showcasing artifacts and depictions of the Ramayana story. Many visitors come to the temple to admire its natural beauty and historical significance, as well as to seek blessings and offer prayers to Sita.
Ashok Vatika is a historical site located in the town of Hakgala in Sri Lanka. According to the Hindu epic, Ramayana, it is believed to be the garden where Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, was held captive by the demon king Ravana. The garden was also known as the ‘garden of pleasure’ and was said to be abundant with various flora and fauna. Today, the site is marked by a small temple and is a popular tourist attraction for those interested in the Ramayana story. Visitors can explore the garden and learn about the significance of the site in Hindu mythology.
On the seventh day, you will travel from Kataragama to Yala National Park for a wildlife safari. After the safari, you will head to Galle, visiting the Galle Fort in the evening. You will then check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.
Yala is one of Sri Lanka's largest national parks and is known for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and various bird species. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris to explore the park and observe its natural beauty.
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch. The fort features well-preserved colonial architecture, charming streets, and stunning ocean views.
On the final day, you will visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery before returning to Colombo. You will have free time for shopping and sightseeing in Colombo before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.
This conservation project is dedicated to protecting sea turtles. Visitors can learn about the different species, the hatching process, and the efforts made to safeguard these endangered animals.
