Ramayana Holiday
11 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 and famous Kovil at Trincomalee, Koneshwaram. 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 – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
- 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.
- Urban Adventure – Capital City of Colombo.
Itinerary
Negombo - 1 Night
Day 01
Arrive at Colombo International Airport at. 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 Car and proceed to Negombo and check into the hotel. (En-route enjoy a brief city tour in Negombo)
Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Negombo on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Watch the flourishing fish industry, which is a centuries-old tradition. Ride an adrenaline high with some fun water sports. Enjoy the corals and underwater life while diving. See the 50-year-old ship-wreck just off the coast, where many varieties of fish make their home.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel J
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Negombo
Dambulla - 2 Nights
Day 02
After Enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Dambulla. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)En-route visit Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala.
Learn more about Elephants than you ever have before. Get to see and touch these gentle giants. Feed and play with orphaned baby elephants. Get a chance watch the mahouts bathe them and maybe even help out. This is an experience that takes you closer to Elephants.
Day 03
After breakfast proceed to Trincomalee for visit Konesvaram Temple. (Travel Time: 2 to 2½ hrs.)
Konesvaram temple is situated in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. It is built atop Swami Rock, a rocky cape overlooking Trincomalee. The primary deity is the Hindu God Lord Shiva in the form of Konesar. The legend says that Emperor Rawana meditated on this rock.
Thereafter visit Pigeon Island
Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli. The national park contains some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. Pigeon Island consists of two islands; large pigeon island and small pigeon island.
Thereafter explore Nilaveli Beach
Nilaveli Beach is one of the most tourist attraction beach in Sri Lanka, located about 16 km North-West of Trincomalee. Nilaveli is ideal place for water sports like scuba diving.
On Completion, return to the hotel and relax.(Travel Time: 1½ to 2 hrs.)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Fresco Water Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Lodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Kandalama
kandy - 1 Night
Day 04
After an early breakfast check out of the hotel and visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Travel Time: 20 mins to 30 mins.)
Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘ the Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.
On completion proceed to Kandy. En – route proceed to Matale for visit Spice Gardens. (Travel Time: 01 hours to 01½ Hrs)
Euphoria Spice and Herbal is located 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call “The Spice Tour”, let the visitors feel the sensation of the Sri Lankan spices and herbs which is demonstrated in different foreign languages to suit our customer need.
Thereafter Proceed to Kandy and check in to the hotel. Later on go on a city and shopping tour in Kandy city, after the City tour proceed see Kandy Cultural dance show.
The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hourlong 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.
On 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
Nuwara Eliya - 1 Night
Day 05
After breakfast visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic 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, en-route visit to Ramboda Falls. (Travel Time: 2½ to 03 hrs)
Ramboda Ella is the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and located by the Pussellawa. Ramboda falls consists of three sections. You will get a good view of the middle section from the A5 highway, just above the bridge. This is very small in size with compared to other parts. You can get a far view of the top part from the main road, but not the complete view of the fall. You need to climb up to see the top part of the Ramboda falls and there is a pathway just before the bridge. You may find the climbing bit difficult, but you will be compensated with the great view of the top fall and the surrounding
Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya and check in to the hotel and relax. Later on the evening visit Sita Amman Temple and Divurumpola Temple.
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 return back to the hotel
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Summer Hill Breeze
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing St.Andrews
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Tea Factory
Yala - 2 Nights
Day 06
After breakfast proceed to Ella. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 Hours) and explore Ella.
Ella is a small mountain village near Bandarawela and boasts three locations linked to the Ramayana where local legend claims Ravana was hiding Sita. First there is the Ravana Ella Cave, located at the massive Ella Falls; a breathtaking 1080 feet high waterfall that cascades into several falls. The rocky undergoes of the waterfall is Khondalite, a kind of limestone which undergoes faster decay as hard gneiss or granite. This has resulted in many caves being formed near the falls. King Ravana is said to have lived in one of the caves above the waterfall. A nearby pool bored out of the rock by the gushing waters is where Sita is said to have bathed Ravana.
On completion proceed to Kataragama to visit the Kataragama Temple. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
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. 3 pooja or offerings take place daily. Make sure you have a tray full of fruits, incense and of course little money, to be offered (You will get half the fruits back, which you may partake)
Upon completion proceed to Yala and check-in to the hotel.
Day 07
Early in the morning go on lovely jeep safari in Yala National Park. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)
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.
Upon Completion return to the hotel and relax
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Oak Ray Lake
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala
Galle - 2 Nights
Day 08
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.
Day 09
After a busy couple of days visiting religious temples and enjoying a good safari in Yala, spend a day leisurely at the beach.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Amor Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cantaloupe Levels
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Lighthouse
Colombo - 1 Night
Day 10
After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Colombo enjoying a city tour during the day.
Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Zmax Fairway
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand
Departure
Day 11
After breakfast at the hotel on your final day, proceed to the Colombo International Airport (CMB) and get ready for your departure after spending a memorable time on the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Price Starting From:
USD 900 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.