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