Classic Ramayana Tour

After breakfast we will enjoy a day trip to Trincomalee Visit Koneshwaram temple at Swami Rock, Trinco.

Konesvaram Temple on Swami Rock was built on a cliff high above the sea. Today this Hindu Konesvaram Temple is one of the five most sacred saivites sites in Sri Lanka and stands at the farthest end on Swami Rock on the place where the original temple was built. Associated around the legendary tales of Ramayana as the hero-king Rama, the temple of Koneswaram was built around 300 CE and 1600 CE by kings of the Tamil Pandyan and Chola empires, and Vannimai chiefs of the Eastern Province.

In 1624 CE, the Konewaram temple was destroyed by the Portuguese who occupied the coastal belt at the time. The people of the area built a successive temple at a nearby site around 1632 CE – the Ati Konanayakar temple in Tampalakamam – housed some of the destroyed statues. In the 1950s, the ruins of the temple were discovered underwater beside Swami Rock by divers and rebuilt with only a couple of stone pillars from the original temple have survived.

Return back to the hotel in Dambulla.
Overnight stay Dambulla

After breakfast visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress also known as the lion rock is an astonishing feat of engineering marvel. Rises a staggering 200 metres above a forested plain, Sigiriya is a terracotta and grey rock set in the cultural heart lands of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by a series of protected moats, ramparts and scenic water gardens — remnants of an ancient city — lay spread out on either sides of the rock, with the remains of a pair of giant stone lion’s paws still guarding the stairway that leads to the summit of the rock that was once occupied by a royal palace.

In 1982 is was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Remarkably, it is considered it to be one of the oldest tourist attractions in the world, with visitors recording their impressions in some of the earliest-known graffiti. Sigiriya is also Asia’s best preserved city of the 1st millennium, demonstrating complex urban planning around the base of the rock, coupled with sophisticated engineering and irrigation systems with the palace perched at the summit.

In the evening we will visit Dabulla Rock Caves which date back to the 1st century BC.

Proceed to Kandy, en route visit the Matale Spice Gardens.

Overnight Stay in Kandy

After breakfast travel towards Mahiyanaganaya to visit Seetha kotuwa – at Hasalaka (this is approximately a 2.5 hours journey)and come back to Kandy in the Evening.

Seetha Kotuwa in Hasalaka is where Queen Mandothri had her beautiful palace surrounded by the waterfalls and streams of Rathna Ella. It was here that Sitadevi was first kept captive until she was believed to have been moved to Asoka Vatika in Hakgala.

The remains that are found in the region now are the remnants of later civilizations. This place is now called Sita Kotuwa.

Optional – You can also opt to stay in Kandy and visit the ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDEN ofPeradenya which was a pleasure garden of a Kandyan King of the 16th Century and later made in to a Botanical Garden during the British regime. This gardens; one of the best in Asia, is a place of beauty and site for bird watchers. It is bounded on three sides by theMahaveli River, which snakes around the 60-hectare gardens.

Peradeniya is the second largest botanical garden in Asia. It has an orchid house which botanists should visit. In 1905 an avenue of palms were planted and now is one of the most photographed places in the gardens. The oldest tree here is a 150 year old double coconut tree. The Giant Fig tree on the Great Lawn is another notable tree. During World War II, it served as a base for Lord Mountebatten. Today it is a popular haunt for day trippers, botanists and birdwatchers.

In the evening visit KANDY CITY – Second largest city on the island, the city of Kandy is one of the most important sites owing to the presence of the Temple of the tooth that houses the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. Stroll through this scenic city overlooking the breathtaking Kandy lake that is located in the heart of the city. Stroll through its ancient alleyways and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.

During the tour you will visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a fascinating golden roofed temple, Kandy Museum, Market Place and Gem & Jewellery Museum. Later, enjoy a Traditional Cultural Dance Show.

Overnight Stay in Kandy

Morning take an interesting excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as temple of fertility. Situated on a hillockin the centre of the valley, this temple was built by Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as Divine Madman. It is about 1.1/2 hour walk fascinating nature walk (including both way).
Afternoon we shall also visit Wangduephodrang (1,300m/4,265ft). Located south of Punakha and the last town before central Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang is like an extended village with a few well-provisioned shops. The higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which is mined up a valley a few km. from the town.
Wangduephodrang Dzong: Stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers, the imposing Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha

After breakfast proceed to Ramboda waterfalls, which the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka at 109m in height. En route we will stop at Hanuman’s Temple. The legend has it that, Ramboda is the location where the forces of Rama’s army gathered to fight against King Ravana. The temple that stands here today was built by the Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka and dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This temple houses a mammoth 16ft statue of Hanuman.

We will then proceed to visit the Chariot Route on the summit of Pussellawa Hills and the Sita Tear Pond. The top of the hill overlooks the exact location where Lord Hanuman had first believed to have set his foot on Lanka. These hills stand tall in-between King Ravana’s capital city and Ashoka Vatika.

Amazingly the barren land in this region is believed to be the route in which King Ravana took Sitadevi from his capital city Lankapura to Ashoka Vatika, which was described as paradise on earth. Mysteriously no vegetation grows to date on this passage way except grass. King Ravana is believed to have taken this passage on top of these hills to show Sitadevi the beauty of his kingdom.

When we reach Nuwara Eliya, we will visit Sita Eliya which is the place where Sita Devi was held captive by King Ravana. This is also the only Sita temple in the world. There is a rock located nearby which is believed to be where Sita Devi sat and meditated. Recently a new temple was built to honor Lord Hanuman and is located opposite the Sita Kovil.

Visit the city of women, Ishtripura. As a precautionary measure Sitadevi was said to have been moved from place to place. And this was just one of the locations she was moved to. There are many of tunnels and caves in this area that is yet to be discovered. It is believed to be a part of a great ingenious network of paths, which is interconnected to all the major areas of King Ravana’s kingdom. The rock is know as Konda Kattu Gala as Sitadevi had said to have bathed in this very stream and while drying her luscious hair had kept her hair clips on the rock.

Visit Divurumpola is the location that Sitadevi came unscathed and proved her innocence and purity by taking anoath. . When the message of Rama’s victory against King Ravana reached her she had taken a bath and adorned herself with jewels and was taken on a palanquin before Rama. When she saw her husband after such a long time she was overcome with emotion, however Rama was lost in thought. He spoke in length, “I have killed my enemy. I have done my duty as a true king. But you have lived for a year in the enemy’s abode. It is not proper I take you back now.” Sita was shattered by these remarks. “You have broken my heart” she proclaimed, “only the uncultured speak like this. Have you forgotten the noble family I come from? Is it not my fault Ravana carried me off by force? All this time, my mind, my heart, and soul were fixed on you and you alone, my lord!”.

King Ravana’s architectural brilliance is proven beyond doubt when excavations are carried out to uncover Ravana Cave & Tunnel Network in this area. Many archeologists have examined these caves and tunnels over the decades and are convinced that they are man-made and not natural formations. This Buddhist shrine located in Kalutara was where once King Ravana’s palace and a tunnel existed. Existing tunnel mouths are also found in – Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Isthripur at Welimada, Labookelle, , Ramboda , Sitakotuwa/Hasalaka and Wariyapola/Matale. There is believed to be many more tunnels and caves scattered throughout the island and many are still undiscovered.

We shall then head towards Hakgala Gardens. After Peradeniya in Kandy, this is today the second largest botanical gardens of Sri Lanka and was also recorded in the legend Ramayana, where King Ravana had made a pleasure garden, to romance his beautiful new queen Sita. She was believed to have kept hidden in this region as well as his plans to keep moving her to protect her where about from Rama. During this tour will visit the site of the Ashok Vatika.

Depending on you the time available to you we will visit a Tea Factory en route to have a glimpse of the fascinating process that goes into making a simple cup of pure Ceylon tea. We will sightsee around the town of Nuwara Eliya and driver around the picturesque Gregory’s lake.

Overnight stay in Bandarawela

After breakfast drive to the South East Coast to Yala. We drive via the Ella Gap. Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful and breathtaking views, you could find in the already stunning landscape of Sri Lanka. Located 230km from Sri Lanka’s Capital city, Colombo, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside. At the Ella Gap we will not also enjoy the views from this cliff but will also visit the legendary Ravana Falls, and site visit of Little Adams Peak. We will visit the Ravana Caves, which were another site used to hide Seetha Devi.

Check into your hotel in Yala. Enjoy an evening 4×4 Jeep Safari excursion in Yala national Park. Yala National Park, is one of Sri Lanka’s premier eco tourism destination, lies 24km northeast of Tissamaharama and 290km from Colombo on the Southeast coast of Sri Lanka, spanning a vast 27,878 hectares over the Southernmost part of Sri Lanka. The park is renowned for the variety of its wildlife (most notably its many elephants) and its fine coastline (with association of coral reefs). It boasts the highest density of Leopard populationfound anywhere in the world and offers and range of some of the rarest endemic and migratory birds found in the region.

Overnight at in Yala

Enjoy the evening at leisure with dinner and overnight stay in Hill Club Nuwara Eliya or similar.

Visit Yala National Park for an early morning 4×4 jeep safari ride. We will set out before dawn and will be back in the hotel for a late breakfast.

Travel to Galle and enjoy a City Tour of Galle Fort Galle City Built by the Dutch beginning in 1663, the 36-hectare Fort occupies most of the promontory that forms the older part of Galle. Described by the notoriously hard-to-please Paul Theroux as being ‘garlanded with red hibiscus and smelling of the palm-scented ocean,’ the Fort is an amazing collection of structures and culture dating back through the centuries. Just wandering the streets at random yields one architectural surprise after another. And be sure to take in the dramatic views of town and ocean from the encircling walls. UNESCO has recognized Fort as a World Heritage Site

If time permits visit the Talwatta Bird Sanctuary.

Overnight stay in Galle

In the evening enjoy a Traditional Kandyan Dance show featuring the traditional dances of the Kandya era. Dinner and Overnight stay at Albatross Golfing Resort & Holiday Villa or similar.

After breakfast enjoy the morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport. En route visit theMoonstone Mines and Ambalangoda Mask Factory.

Airport authorities recommend passengers to check-in at the airport counters 3 hour prior to departure. Your tour with Ranfer Travels Sri Lanka end here. Have a nice flight and we lookforward to seeing you again soon.

Note: Hotel stipulates checkout is before 12:00hrs noon time. Late Checkout between 12:00-18:00 requires half of the room rate. Any checkout after 18:00 will cost one extra night room rate.

PRICE INCLUDES

• 7 Nights accommodation on Half Board basis (Breakfast and Dinner).

• Transfers in an excellent Air Conditioned vehicle accompanied with a fluent English Speaking Chauffer Guide. (Multi-lingual Guides can be organized on request. Additional charges apply)

• All Entrance Ticket charges for the mentioned visits.

• All local and government Taxes for services mentioned.

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Transportation, entrance & other Charges for optional visits & activities.

• Tips for Hotel & Guide / Driver.

• All additional expenses not mentioned on the package.