Ramayana Tours – Sri Lanka

Arrival in Sri Lanka. You will be transferred to Munneswaram Temple, Chilaw. (40 km distance; approximately 90 minute drive)

Munneswaram Temple, Chilaw
* After his victorious battle, Lord Rama left for Ayodhya in one of King Ravana’s vimanas (carriages). He felt he was being followed by bramhaasthi dosham as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. Legend has it that when he came to this place he felt bramhaasthi dosham was still following him and he stopped the vimana and asked Lord Shiva for a remedy. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him to install four lingams there and pray to get rid of the dosham. Since then many Hindu devotees flock to the temple.

Thereafter proceed to Manavari Temple. (Approximately 20 minute drive)

Manawari Temple
* Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed to by Lord Rama and this lingam is also called Ramalinga Shivan. After the tour, proceed to Kandy (3 hrs. drive). Upon arrival, check-in to hotel in Kandy.

Dinner and overnight stay at Kandy.
Meals: Dinner

After breakfast go for a city tour of Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

* Kandy - The hill capital and venue of the annual Perahera, Kandy was the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings which was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple shrines and monasteries keeping Buddhist traditions alive are everywhere.

* Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Entrance fee applies) - Ever since 4th century A.D, when the Buddha’s tooth was brought to Sri Lanka, hidden from sacrilegious hands. Since then, the relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession.

Dinner and overnight stay at Kandy.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route visit the Sri Baktha Hanuman temple.
(0900 hrs.) – (Approximately 1 ½ hrs drive).

Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple, Ramboda
On these hills of Ramboda where Hanuman was searching for Sita, the Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka built a temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity. On every full moon day, special poojas are conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees.After the tour visit Seetha Amman Temple.

Seetha Amman Temple, Seetha Eliya. – (Approximately 20 minute drive)
The stream that runs from the hill catered to the needs of Sita during her stay at Ashoka Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. Now there is a temple erected for Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints similar to Lord Hanuman’s are found by this river.Check in at the hotel.
In the evening visit the Gayathri Pe(e)dam in Nuwara Eliya.

Gayathri Pedam
It is believed to be the place from where King Ravana’s son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and prayers and was in turn granted super natural powers by Lord Shiva.

Dinner and overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya. 
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Colombo. Upon arrival, check in to hotel. After a short rest proceed for your city tour.

Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple
* A temple dedicated to Anjaneyar in Sri Lanka.
* This is the only temple in the world to have a chariot of Anjaneyar.
Thereafter commence a tour of Colombo, which includes time to do the shopping.

* Colombo - A drive through the city takes you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the goldsmith's quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where there is a Hindu temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749 AD. The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.

Dinner and overnight stay at Colombo
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast