Sri Lanka Tour: Ramayana Saga 7-Day Tour

Highlights of the Trip

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey through Sri Lanka, with our Ramayana Saga Sri Lanka tour.

With a plethora of optional temple visits, you can choose to explore iconic Ramayana sites, tailoring our Sri Lanka travel packages to your spiritual interests. This immersive experience blends history, mythology, and pilgrimage, making it a memorable exploration of the Ramayana epic in the heart of Sri Lanka.

Your adventure begins in Colombo, where you have the option to explore the spiritual haven of Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple. From there, we journey to Sri Bhatka Hanuman Temple and the lush Hakgala Botanical Gardens before an overnight stay in the picturesque Nuwara Eliya. Optional visits await you at the Divurumpola Temple in Welimada and the enigmatic Ravana Cave. The scenic drive takes you to Ella, followed by a stay in the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy. Opt for a visit to the Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Matale or an exhilarating jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Continuing the epic journey, we explore the ancient Koneshwaram Temple in Trincomalee, staying in Habarana, where history and nature converge. Finally, we return to Negombo with optional visits en route to the sacred Munneshwaram Temple and the hallowed Manavari Temple in Chilaw. This tour adapts to your desires, letting you choose the highlights and activities that resonate with your interests, making it a truly personalised and enriching experience.

If you are looking for cheap flights to Sri Lanka, you might like to consider our 7-day flight only package below which aligns perfectly with this Sri Lanka trip package.

Sri Lanka, 7-Day Flight-only Package (asiara-holidays.com)

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Colombo

Option for evening visit to:

• Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple: Discover spiritual serenity at Panchamuga Anjaneya Temple, known for its five-faced Hanuman deity, offering devotees a tranquil place for reflection.

Nuwara Eliya

Enroute optional visit to:

• Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple: Embrace the sacred ambiance of this beautiful temple in Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by misty hills, where devotees seek blessings and enjoy breathtaking views.
• Kotmale Valley: Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Kotmale Valley and visit Sita Tear Pond, a mythological site associated with the Ramayana, offering a picturesque and serene escape.

Option for evening visit to:

• Hakgala Botanical Garden: Enjoy the tranquillity of Hakgala Botanical Garden during the evening, where a diverse collection of flora, scenic landscapes, and cool climates create a refreshing experience.

Ella and Kandy

• Divurumpola Temple: Explore the historic Divurumpola Temple, known as the place for Sita’s Agni Pariksha.
• Ravana Cave: Delve into the mystique of this natural marvel, associated with the Ramayana. Explore the dark recesses of the cave, reliving ancient legends amidst the scenic landscapes of Ella.
• Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Matale: A cultural gem in Kandy offering a vibrant Hindu experience.

Option for evening safari at:

• Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary: Witness the majesty of Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, in their natural habitat, creating an unforgettable safari adventure.

Trincomalee

Optional visit to:

• Koneshwaram Temple: Visit the ancient Koneshwaram Temple in Trincomalee, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, where spirituality and scenic beauty converge.

Negombo

Choose to discover either or both of the following:

• Munneshwaram Temple and Manavari Temple in Chilaw: Experience the spiritual aura of these two revered shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva, set against the backdrop of cultural significance.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari: Immerse yourself in the cultural significance of Sri Lanka’s wildlife conservation efforts during a Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari, offering a unique encounter with elephants and diverse fauna in their natural habitat, reflecting the country’s commitment to ecological heritage.

The Kandyan Cultural Show: If time permits, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and experience the vibrant traditions of Kandy through its Cultural Show, a colourful spectacle of dance, music, and rituals that convey the rich cultural heritage of the Kandyan Kingdom, celebrating the island’s artistic diversity.

Guided Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory Tour: Uncover the cultural heritage of Ceylon tea through a guided tour of Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory. Gain insights into the art of tea productions, steeped in Sri Lanka’s colonial history, reflecting the cultural importance of this globally renowned beverage.

Local Markets in Chilaw: Explore the local markets and engage with the community to understand their cultural practices.

Visit Local Villages in Matale: Explore local villages in Matale to witness traditional crafts and customs.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Sri Lanka

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in rice & curry, a staple featuring aromatic rice served with an array of curries, including dhal, coconut, sambol, and various vegetable or meat curries; hoppers, thin bowl shaped pancakes made from fermented rice batter, often served for breakfast or dinner with different accompaniments; kottu roti, a popular street food made by chopping flatbread, vegetables, and meat (or eggs) mixed with a flavourful blend of spices and sauces; string hoppers, delicate steamed rice noodle nests served with curries, coconut sambol, and dhal; fish ambul thiyal, a sour fish curry made with goraka (a type of tamarind), black pepper, and other spices, creating a unique and tangy flavour; Sri Lankan devilled chicken, a spicy and flavourful chicken dish stir-fried with onions, peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices; pol sambol, a fiery coconut relish made with grated coconut, chilli, lime juice, and other spices, often enjoyed as a side dish; wambatu moju, a sweet and sour eggplant pickle; and kiribath, a ceremonial dish of milk rice, often enjoyed during special occasional and festivities, symbolising prosperity and good fortune.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Colombo Harbour Cruise: Explore the vibrant cityscape of Colombo from the waters, enjoying a harbour cruise that offers stunning views of the skyline, port activities, and nearby landmarks.

Gregory Lake Boat Ride: Experience the charm of Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya with a boat ride, surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations.

Rafting on the Kelani River: Experience thrilling white-water rafting adventures on the Kelani River near Ella.

Kandy Lake Boat Ride: Leisurely cruise on the scenic Kandy Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooked by the Temple of the Tooth Relic, providing a serene escape in the heart of Kandy.

Trincomalee Whale Watching: Embark on a whale-watching tour to witness majestic whales in the waters around Trincomalee.

Boat Ride to Munneswaram Temple: Enjoy a boat ride to Munneswaram Temple, offering a unique approach to this cultural site.

Boating in Sembuwatta Lake: Experience tranquillity with a boat ride on Sembuwatta Lake, surrounded by lush greenery.

Accommodation of this Tour

Colombo: Hotel in Colombo

Nuwara Eliya: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Kandy: Hotel in Kandy

Habarana: Hotel in Habarana

Negombo: Hotel in Negombo

Itinerary

Day 1: Sri Lanka Arrival

 Arrive at the airport and find your guide who will be waiting for you. You will then transfer from the airport to Colombo, which takes around 1 hour. Check in at hotel in Colombo for overnight stay.  Today you have the option in the evening to explore Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple, the first Anjaneya temple in Sri Lanka, and the only Panchamuga (five-faced) Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka. This is the only temple in the world that has a chariot for Ajanyear.

Day 2: Explore Nuwara Elyia

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Nuwara Eliya – approx. 5 hrs. On route, you can choose to explore the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple. The temple is situated in a spectacular location overlooking the Kotmale Valley. According to the legend, this is the place where Hanuman searched for Sita in the jungles and mountains overlooking the temple. This area is referred to as the “Chariot Path”, as this is the road on which Ravana took Sita to Ashoka Vatika to show her the beauty of his kingdom. Additionally, there is a pond called the “Sita Tear Pond”, thought to have been formed from Sita’s tears.

Today, you can also enjoy an optional evening visit to the Hakgala Botanical Garden. King Ravana created the Hakgala Botanical Gardens as one of his pleasure gardens. During the British period, the area was expanded and many varieties of flowers, including an impressive selection of orchids, were added. Legend has it that this is the very place Ravana brought the depressed Sita to, hoping to convince her to marry him.

Overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 3: Discover Ella and Kandy

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before transferring to Ella (approximately 1.5 hours) and Kandy (approximately 4 hours). Today you can choose to discover the Divurumpola Temple in Welimada. Divurumpola, means ‘place of oath’ in Sinhala, is a popular place of worship among locals in this area. It is significant for being the place in which Seetha Devi underwent the ‘Agni Pariksha’ (test). What’s more, the legal system allows and recognizes the oaths given in this temple when settling disagreements between parties.

You can also choose to discover Ravana Cave. The evidence of the brilliance of King Ravana’s architectural feats can be found in the many tunnels he built. These tunnels served as all manner of transport, whether through the hills, to secret passages or even to important cities, airports, and dairy farms. The existence of these tunnels was made by humans, not by nature, and their openings can be found in Ishtripura in Welimada, Senapitiya in Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola in Matale, Seetha Kotuwa in Hasalaka and many other places.

Overnight Stay at Hotel in Kandy.

Day 4: Admire Elephants in their Natural Surroundings

Enjoy a hotel breakfast, before transferring to Habarana (approximately 2.5 hours). You can choose to visit the Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Matale. Going back to the early 1800s, the history of this ancient temple lies in the south Indian immigrants, who flocked to the island looking for employment and chose this location as their place of worship. Present-day, it is one of the largest Hindu temples in the island.

Today, you can also embrace an optional evening Safari at Minneriya National Park. The Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful place to spot herds of Sri Lankan wild elephants in their natural habitat. Witness them enjoying a bath, with the young ones frolicking around, and have the chance to observe them up close. Surely, being in this piece of paradise will be a delight to nature lovers and those who admire these majestic creatures.

Overnight Stay at Hotel in Habarana.

Day 5: Discover Koneshwaram Temple

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before transferring to Trincomalee (around 2.5 hours). You can embrace an optional visit to Koneshwaram Temple in Trincomalee. It is said that Lord Shiva constructed the Thiru Koneswaram temple for King Ravana in recognition of his immense devotion. This is an extraordinary event as it is uncommon for a deity to construct a temple for a devotee as a reward. It is also believed that Lord Rama visited this temple to seek forgiveness for killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin, and thus attempt to absolve himself of the penalty of Brahmahasthi Dosham.

Overnight Stay at Hotel in Habarana.

Day 6: Uncover Beautiful Temples

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before transferring to Negombo (Via Chilaw – Approx: 6 Hrs). Today, you can choose to discover Munneshwaram Temple in Chilaw and/or Manavari Temple in Chilaw. Munneshwaram Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its serene ambiance and exquisite architecture, making it a significant pilgrimage site and a tranquil spot for spiritual reflection. Manavari Temple holds a unique distinction as the first temple in the world dedicated to Lord Rama’s devotion to Lord Shiva. This sacred site is believed to have the original lingam (divine symbol) of Lord Shiva, making it a revered pilgrimage destination for Hindus seeking spiritual solace and blessings.

Overnight Stay at Hotel in Negombo

Day 7:

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast transfer from Negombo to the airport for your departure – approx. 20 mins.

Price

Price per person based on two-people group size: £581
– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing
– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive at the airport, transfer to Colombo for an overnight stay. Optional visit to Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple in the evening.

Day 2: Transfer to Nuwara Eliya, visit Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple and optional Hakgala Botanical Garden tour.

Day 3: Transfer to Ella and Kandy, optional visits to Divurumpola Temple, Ravana Cave, and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 4: Transfer to Habarana, optional visit to Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Matale and Minneriya National Park safari.

Day 5: Transfer to Trincomalee, optional visit to Koneshwaram Temple.

Day 6: Transfer to Negombo via Chilaw, optional visits to Munneshwaram Temple and Manavari Temple.

Day 7: Transfer to the airport from Negombo for departure.

FAQs

1. What is the duration of the tour?

The tour lasts for 7 days.

2. Are meals included in the tour package?

Yes, breakfast is included daily at the hotel.

3. Are entrance fees to attractions included?

Entrance fees to attractions are not included but can be arranged upon request.

4. Can I customise the itinerary?

Absolutely, the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences.

5. Is transportation provided throughout the tour?

Yes, transportation for transfers and optional visits is provided.

6. Are the optional visits guided?

Yes, guided tours for optional visits are available.

7. Is accommodation included?

Yes, accommodation in specified hotels is part of the tour package.