Ramayana Trail
6 Day tour of Sri Lanka
Experience the famous Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka. Visit the sacred shrines and monuments distributed along the Paradise Island. Visit the ancient cities of Dambulla and Kandy. Walk among the central hill country and experience the once in a lifetime experience among the misty mountains. Explore the Wilderness in Yala, and peep into the Animal Kingdom. Finally rest yourself in the southern coastal belt and feel the warmth of the sun as it touches your skin before setting off to the west.
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Gentle Giants – Millennium Elephant Foundation Pinnawala.
- Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
- Misty Mountains – See the nature’s creations at Ella.
- Into the Wild – Yala National Park.
- On the Shores – Explore the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka.
Itinerary
kandy - 1 Night
Day 01
Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Kandy. En-route you will be making a stop in Pinnawala to visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
Millennium Elephant Foundation
The Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) is a family run non-government organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic elephants throughout Sri Lanka. The Foundation provide and fund the care, medical treatments, food, mahout salaries, the running costs of the charity as well as having an on call Mobile Veterinary Unit which travels around the country treating sick elephants in need. The Elephant Walk Experience is another alternative to elephant riding for tourists, which is an ethical, up close and personal experience for tourists.
Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check in to the hotel for relaxation. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)Later, experience the glorious Sri Lankan Cultural Dance show.
The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.
Upon completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Oakray Regency
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Earl’s Regency
Ella - 1 Night
Day 02
After breakfast check out from the hotel and visit Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. (Travel Time: 15 to 20 mins)
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.
Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya and visit Sita Amman Temple and Divurumpola Temple. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)
The Sita Amman Temple can be seen en route to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The prominent temple architecture will not fail to attract your attention. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on one side of the temple. The temple today is a modern building with its paintings, statues and pillars decorated with sculptures; all depicting the tale of Rama and Sita.
Divurumpola Temple still revered by thousands, this holy haven was the place where Sita performed her Agni Pariksha (proving her chastity) to her husband Rama. Continuing the practice for thousands of years, villagers still pledge their fidelity or take oaths there and even in certain courts, this agreement was binding. This place has been respected and worshipped by people down the ages.
On completion of the day proceed to Ella and check into the hotel for relaxation. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – 9 Arch
Standard Option (4 Star) – Ella Jungle Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – 98 Acres Resort
Yala - 2 Nights
Day 03
After breakfast at the checkout and visit Ravana Falls.
Ravana Falls is another must visit in Ella. Hill country of Sri Lanka is quite popular for beautiful waterfalls and Ravana Falls is right at the top.The falls have been named after the legendary character Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. At the time, the cave was surrounded with thick forests in the midst of wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall.
On completion of the day proceed to Yala and check into the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)
Day 04
Early in the morning go on lovely jeep safari in Yala National Park.
This amazing three-hour Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
After the lovely safari return to the hotel and relax.Later in the evening visit Kataragama Temple. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
This is the temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Lord Indra on the last day of war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahmasthra aimed by King Ravana which otherwise would have weakened Lord Rama. The benefit was one of the most powerful weapon brahma asthra aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya.
On completion of the day return back to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Chaarya Resort & Spa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala
Galle - 1 Night
Day 05
After breakfast visit Ussangoda beach. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)
Ussangoda is a strange coastal area because of its lack of trees. Its serpentine rock contains toxic heavy metals. Only specific smaller plants were able to adapt to this soil. But according to the Ramayana legends there are two more explanation for the baldness of Ussangoda. After meeting Sitadevi Lord Hanuman provoked the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. It resulted in Lord Hanuman’s tail being set on fire by Rakshasas. Hanuman in turn went on to torch parts of King Ravana’s empire with his burning tail. Ussangoda is said to be one of these burnt areas. Besides the Ramyana Trail legend has it that earlier on the Ussangoda plateau was used an airport by King Ravana for his Dandumonara peachock chariot, before Hanuman devastated the landing site.
On completion proceed to Galle, on arrival to Galle visit Rumassala. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
Rumassala hill 3 kms east of Galle is the landmark of Unuwatuna beach because of the picturesque white Buddhist dagoba on top of it. Rumassala rock is one of the five Sri Lankan spots believed to originate from parts of Mount Dronagiri. They fell down when Hanuman carried the Dronagiri on his flight back to Lanka in order to use its Sanjiwani herb to rescue Lakhshmana and Rama who were in need of this medical plant to be reanimated after suffering severe injuries. Rumassala is also said to be an abode of Sita during her stay in Lanka.
Thereafter go on a city tour in Galle.
Explore the secrets of Galle where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the museums of Galle and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names and listen to your guide tell their stories. Relax with a king coconut or a cup of tea caressed by a breeze of the tropics.
On Completion of the day check into the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Cantaloupe Aqua
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cantaloupe Levels
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Lighthouse
Departure
Day 06
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Chilaw and visit Munneswaram Temple. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)
Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva in the region.
On completion of the visit proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island.
Price Starting From:
USD 545 Per Person
When to go on this trip?
The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is from December to May. Calm south coast beaches, cool and sunny climate and green sceneries that blend perfectly with the locations you are traveling to.
When to book
We recommend that you book this tour at least 6 months ahead.
What add-ons are available for this trip?
We can arrange for just about any add-on’s on this trip. Have a chat with one of our Tour Consultants to help you decide.
Our Experts are ready to help
For more information or to book this wonderful tour please email our travel experts.
Hotel Timing
Standard Check in time : 1400 hrs.
Standard Check out time : 1200 hrs.
The above may differ from hotel to hotel. Speak to your travel expert for more details.
We are able to arrange early check-in and late check-outs depending on the hotels you choose. However, you may be subject to additional charges.
Booking Process
After deciding on which trip you want to go, send us an inquiry with the requested details. If you want to further customize this trip, our travel experts would be glad to help perfect the tour itinerary for you. Once all planning is final, the next step is starting the booking process. We request for a 20% deposit to confirm the booking. On receipt of the deposit, our team will start booking your hotels and the vehicles that were agreed upon. The balance 80% payment can be made 30 to 45 days prior to the date of arrival. For cancellation and refund policies please take a look at the terms & conditions.
Price
The price quoted is valid till April 2018. Will be subject to seasonal supplements. Speak to your travel expert to learn more details.
Packing Essentials
When packing for Sri Lanka, you only need to remember that this is a tropical country. Sunny weather & warm water. Hence, packing thin cotton clothing is essential. However, if your stay includes places like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya & Ella, we recommend that you pack a few sweaters just in case. You must not forget the following:
- Effective mosquito repellent.
- A good sunscreen.
- (Ladies) Tampons – Nearly impossible to find outside Colombo.
- Universal power adapter.
Travel Insurance
We recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel.
VISA
Visa can be obtained online via www.eta.gov.lk. You can obtain Visa on arrival as well, however, this option is not available for some countries. Do read more on this topic here.
Travel Information
Sri Lanka is a developing nation. Yet, there are many things you must look out for during your travel. For example; when visiting religious sites, it is important that you dress to cover. All key information you need to know before traveling is right here.