





- Sri Lanka
Durations
13 Days
Difficulty
Easy
Min Age
18
13 Days in Srilanka – Glimpses of Ramayan in the Pearl Island
13 Days in Srilanka – Glimpses of Ramayan in the Pearl Island 3 Nights Dambulla,2 Nights Kandy, 2 Nights Nuwara Eliya, 1 Night Yala/ Kataragama , 2 Nights Bentota/beruwla,and 2 Nights in Colombo
Arrive on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, where you will be greeted by our representatives and transferred to Chilaw (approx. 1.5 hours). Begin your journey with a visit to the sacred Munneshwaram Temple, one of the five major Shiva temples in Sri Lanka, believed to be where Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness after defeating Ravana. Continue to the Manavari Temple, just 6 km north of Chilaw, where Lord Rama is said to have installed the first Shiva Lingam known as Ramalingam. This site holds great spiritual significance, with only one other such Lingam in the world located in Rameswaram, India. After the temple visits, proceed to Dambulla (approx. 4–5 hours). Overnight stay at a hotel in Dambulla.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an excursion to Anuradhapura (approx. 3 hours), the ancient capital of Sri Lanka from the 5th century B.C. to the end of the 10th century A.D. Renowned as the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities, Anuradhapura is home to many magnificent dagobas, such as the Ruvanveliseya, built in the 2nd century B.C. and spanning 300 feet in diameter, the Jetawanarama, which rises to 370 feet, and the Thuparama Dagoba, believed to enshrine the collarbone of Lord Buddha. A major highlight is the sacred Bo Tree, grown from a branch of the very tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Planted over 2,250 years ago, it holds the distinction of being the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura offers a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural grandeur of ancient Sri Lanka. After the excursion, return to Dambulla for an overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, gear up for an active and adventurous day starting with a visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Fortress in the Sky,” Sigiriya dates back to the 5th century and is also called Lion Rock due to the enormous lion structure that once stood at its entrance. The climb and descent take approximately three hours, and at the summit, you can explore the foundations of the royal palace, ancient water tanks, guardhouses, and enjoy panoramic views. Along the stairways, don’t miss the famed frescoes of the Sigiriya maidens, still vibrant in their original colors. The beautifully designed Water Gardens, Boulder Gardens, Fountain Gardens, Summerhouses, and cave shrines are a must-see.Later, proceed to explore the archaeological site of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka. This well-preserved city reflects a blend of Buddhist and Hindu architectural influences and thrived between the 11th and 13th centuries, especially during the reign of King Parakramabahu I. His most impressive contribution was the creation of the massive Sea of Parakrama, an artificial reservoir spanning over 6,000 acres. The ruins—ranging from temples and stupas to royal palaces—are beautifully laid out in shaded areas, offering both historical depth and visual appeal. Interestingly, the band Duran Duran used Polonnaruwa as the backdrop for their 1982 music video “Save a Prayer.” After this enriching day, return to Dambulla for an overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses the revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century A.D., hidden in the hair of an Orissan princess, this relic is considered one of the island’s most sacred and venerated treasures. Next, explore the Gem Gallery, where you’ll find some of the finest gemstones in the world including Blue and Yellow Sapphires, Star Rubies, Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye, Alexandrite, and more. Learn about gem mining, the process of crafting fine jewelry, and even customize pieces in gold, white gold, or silver as per your preference. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant Kandy Cultural Show, a colorful display of traditional music and dance. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, an iconic symbol of Sri Lankan spirituality and heritage. Brought to the island in the 4th century A.D., the relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth has since been revered across the Buddhist world and is housed in a beautifully adorned temple in Kandy. Next, head to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, sprawling over 147 acres and originally established in 1374 as a pleasure garden for the kings of Gampola and Kandy. The garden boasts over 4,000 species of plants, including rare, endemic, and tropical varieties. Highlights include the Spice Garden, Orchid House, and the majestic Palm Avenues, with the oldest—Royal Palm Avenue—dating back to 1905. One of the main attractions is the Double Coconut Palm from the Seychelles, known for producing the largest seed in the plant kingdom. In the evening, return to Kandy and enjoy exploring the city at leisure. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the scenic hill town of Nuwara Eliya. En route, stop at the picturesque Ramboda Falls and visit the Ramboda Anjaneyar Temple, established by the Chinmaya Mission to honor Lord Hanuman. This temple, located along the Kandy–Nuwara Eliya road, features a 5-meter-tall granite statue of Hanuman, who is believed to have begun his search for Sita in the Baroda hills nearby. The name “Ramboda” is derived from the Tamil word “Rampadai,” meaning “Rama’s Force,” suggesting this area was where Rama gathered his troops. Continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England,” for its colonial charm, cool climate, and picturesque landscapes of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and tea plantations. The town showcases British influence through its cottage-style houses and Victorian mansions. Take a relaxing stroll in Victoria Park, a popular spot for picnics and bird watching, especially during the seasonal blooms in spring and fall. Later, visit the sacred Seetha Amman Temple near Sita Eliya and Hakgala Botanical Gardens—believed to be the site of Sita’s captivity in Ashoka Vatika, where she met Hanuman for the first time. Local lore even identifies impressions on riverbank rocks as Hanuman's footprints. Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day soaking in the scenic charm of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by breathtaking views of misty mountains, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and sprawling tea plantations, the town offers a cool climate reminiscent of an English spring day. British colonial influence is evident in the architecture, with country-style cottages and Queen Anne-style mansions scattered throughout. Enjoy a peaceful walk or picnic at Victoria Park, a haven for birdwatchers with its rare bird species, especially during the blooming seasons in spring (March to May) and fall (August and September). Visit the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Garden, known for its exotic flora, and spend time by Gregory Lake, where you can enjoy a tranquil boat ride. Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a scenic excursion to Ella. En route, visit the picturesque Ravana Falls and the nearby Ravana Caves, both steeped in the legends of the Ramayana. Continue to Divurumpola, a historically and spiritually significant site believed to be where Sita underwent the Agni Pariksha (fire ordeal) to prove her chastity. The name Divurumpola translates to “marketplace of oath,” and today, the temple is revered as a sacred place for settling disputes through sworn oaths. Later, proceed to Kataragama to visit the famous Kataragama Temple, dedicated to Lord Karthikeya (Subramaniam). According to legend, Lord Karthikeya was sent to the battlefield by Lord Indra to protect Lord Rama from the powerful Brahmastra launched by Ravana, neutralizing its effect. This sacred site holds deep spiritual importance for devotees of various faiths. Overnight stay at a hotel in Tissa or Kataragama.
Begin the day early with an exciting jeep safari at Yala National Park, which lasts approximately two hours. Yala, officially known as Ruhunu National Park, spans over 126,786 hectares including the Strict Natural Reserve (Block II), with Block I (14,101 hectares) being the most visited since its establishment in 1938. The park is renowned for its dense population of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, spotted deer, sambhur, crocodiles, wild boar, wild buffalo, and a variety of bird species—over 130 recorded, both resident and migratory. After the safari, proceed towards Bentota. En route, visit Rummasala, explore the historic Galle Fort, and enjoy the scenic Galle Beach. Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota.
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day of sightseeing and leisure in Bentota. You may choose to indulge in optional activities on a direct payment basis, with special offers available upon request. Recommended experiences include a serene Maadu River Ride, a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to witness conservation efforts up close, and an adrenaline-filled session of Bentota Water Sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and tube rides. Alternatively, if relaxation is preferred, you can be dropped off to simply unwind by the beach. Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Colombo, approximately a 4-hour drive. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour that takes you through the bustling commercial areas and the leafy residential neighborhood of Cinnamon Gardens. Explore historic sites including the Fort area, once the British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street—the goldsmiths’ quarter in the heart of Pettah—and the vibrant Bazaar area, home to a Hindu temple with intricate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, view the replica of the Avukana Buddha, and Independence Square. Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple, the first Anjaneyar temple in Sri Lanka dedicated to Lord Hanuman in his five-faced Panchamuga form. This temple is an important Ramayana-related Hindu site in Colombo. Next, visit the Kelaniya Vibhishana Temple, a Buddhist temple associated with Ramayana history, where King Vibhishana was crowned by Lakshmana after the death of King Ravana. This marks the final Ramayana-related site in this 8-day Ramayana tour of Sri Lanka. Later, enjoy shopping at ODEL Unlimited, offering a wide range of designer apparel for the whole family and a chance to explore diverse culinary delights. Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to this beautiful “pearl island.” You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight back to India. Carry with you loads of memorable moments and a promise to continue exploring this beautiful world.





