Tour Details:
The Ramayana is a significant mythological tale in Hinduism that narrates the life journey of Lord Rama and his wife Sita. In this legendary story, Sri Lanka, also known as the Island of Ravana, holds great importance. Undertaking the Ramayana tour to Sri Lanka offers visitors a chance to embark on a spiritual and cultural expedition to the prominent sites that feature in the epic.
Our company, Ceylon Waves, offers an 11-day Ramayana Tour package in Sri Lanka, which includes ten nights of accommodation, making it a perfect choice for Ramayana aficionados and families looking for a holiday.
Key highlights of this tour include visits to:
Brief Itinerary Overview
Accommodation for this tour will be arranged according to the guests' preferences.
A representative from Ceylon Waves will greet you upon your arrival at Katunayake Bandaranaike Airport. You will then travel to Chilaw, where you will visit the Munneswaram Hindu Temple and the Manavari Hindu Temple en route.
Next, you will proceed to the historic city of Anuradhapura for dinner and an overnight stay.
Munneswaram Temple is a renowned Hindu shrine situated in Chilaw, on Sri Lanka’s northwest coast. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams on the island.
According to legend, Lord Rama from the Ramayana epic established the temple during his exile, installing a lingam (sacred symbol of Lord Shiva). The temple complex contains various shrines dedicated to deities like Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati.
Manavari Temple is a significant religious site in Chilaw, believed to be the first temple worldwide dedicated to Lord Rama. Legend has it that during his search for Sita, Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva here and installed a lingam. Devotees frequently visit the temple to pay homage, especially during the festival of Maha Shivaratri.
The second day begins with a visit to Atamasthana, the eight sacred sites in Anuradhapura. Afterward, you will journey to Jaffna, the cultural hub of northern Sri Lanka. Dinner and an overnight stay will be in Jaffna.
Anuradhapura is an ancient city in Sri Lanka that was founded in the 4th century BCE and served as the capital of the country for over 1,000 years. It is considered one of the most sacred cities in Sri Lanka and is home to many important Buddhist sites. The Atamasthana, or “eight places,” are a collection of eight sacred Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura that are believed to have been visited by the Buddha himself during his three visits to Sri Lanka. These sites include the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which is said to have grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, as well as several ancient stupas and temples. Today, Anuradhapura and the Atamasthana are popular tourist destinations and important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists from around the world. The ancient city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical and cultural significance.
This day will include visits to the most prominent cultural landmarks in Jaffna, such as Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Naguleswaram Temple, Keerimalai, Jaffna Public Library, and Nilavarai Well. Your overnight stay will also be in Jaffna.
Nallur Kandasamy Kovil is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Kandasamy. This sacred site dates back to the 10th century, with its current structure completed in the 20th century. The temple’s annual festival draws thousands of devotees.
On day four, you will travel from Jaffna to Trincomalee. On the way, you'll stop by Thirukoneswaram Temple, a major Ramayana site. After visiting the temple, you will head to your hotel in Trincomalee for dinner and an overnight stay.
Thirukoneswaram Temple, located on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, it is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural surroundings.
This will be a full day of sightseeing around Trincomalee, followed by an overnight stay in the city.
On the sixth day, you will travel from Trincomalee to Kandy, with stops at Dambulla Cave Temple and Matale Spice Garden. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Your overnight stay will be in Kandy.
The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes. It contains numerous Buddha statues and intricate murals that depict scenes from Buddhist teachings.
Matale Spice Garden is renowned for its collection of spices and medicinal plants. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through the gardens and learn about the cultivation of various spices native to Sri Lanka.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temples. The shrine houses a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its annual Esala Perahera festival is one of the grandest celebrations in Sri Lanka.
The morning will start with a trip to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, followed by a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. In the evening, you'll enjoy the Kandy Cultural Dance Show before returning to your hotel in Kandy.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is home to over 80 elephants, offering visitors the opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat and take part in activities like feeding and bathing them.
This expansive garden features over 4,000 plant species, including rare orchids and exotic trees. It is a popular destination for those interested in botany and nature.
The Kandy Cultural Dance Show showcases Sri Lanka's rich heritage through traditional dance performances. Vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, and captivating dances make this show a highlight for visitors.
This day will involve traveling from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, with stops at Bhakta Hanuman Temple, a waterfall, and a tea factory. After exploring Nuwara Eliya, you will spend the night in the city.
The Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and features one of the largest statues of the deity in Sri Lanka. Set amidst scenic hills, the temple is a popular spiritual and tourist site.
On day nine, you will journey from Nuwara Eliya to Kataragama. Along the way, you'll visit Sita Amman Temple, Ashok Vatika, Divurum Pola Temple, Ravana Falls, and Ravana Caves. Your overnight stay will be in Kataragama.
This temple is dedicated to Sita and is believed to mark the spot where she was held captive by Ravana. The surrounding landscape adds to the temple’s peaceful and mystical ambiance.
Ashok Vatika, a significant site in the Ramayana, is said to be the garden where Sita was kept. It remains a sacred spot for devotees and tourists alike.
Ravana Falls and the nearby caves are tied to the Ramayana legend. Visitors can explore the caves or enjoy the natural beauty of the falls, which are among the most stunning in the region.
The day will start with a visit to the Kataragama Temple. As you travel to Colombo, you'll also visit the Ussangoda Ramayana site, Galle Fort, and Rumassala Sanjeevani Mountain. Your overnight stay will be in Colombo.
Kataragama is an important pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus. The temple complex includes several shrines, and its annual festival is one of the island's largest religious events.
This mountain is linked to the Ramayana epic, where Hanuman is said to have brought a part of the Himalayas to Sri Lanka to find a life-saving herb. The mountain offers scenic views and is popular for hiking.
On your departure day, based on available time, you may visit the Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple and Kelaniya Buddhist Temple. Afterward, you will be transferred to Katunayake Bandaranaike Airport to conclude your 11-day Ramayana Tour with Ceylon Waves.
This temple in Colombo is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is known for its depiction of him with five faces, representing the five elements. The temple draws devotees and tourists alike.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is a historic Buddhist temple believed to have been visited by the Buddha over 2,000 years ago. It is famous for its beautiful art and is a significant pilgrimage site.
