The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the poet Valmiki and an important part of the Hindu canon. One of the most important literary works of ancient India, the Ramayana consists of 7 chapters (Kānda), and narrates the story of Rama’s wife Sita being abducted by Rāvana, the demon (Rākshasa) king of Lanka.
According to the Ramayana, king Rāvana brought Sita Devi from India in a “Pushpaka Vimana” which is widely known in Sri Lanka as the “Dandu Monara Yanthranaya”, or Large Peacock Machine in Sinhala.
Sri Lanka shares a special bond with India geographically, historically, culturally and spiritually. The Ramayana begins with Ayodhya in India and climaxes at Lankapura. People in Sri Lanka through generations believed that King Rāvana ruled this country. There are many sites in Sri Lanka which are connected to the Ramayana and this tour will take you to some of these identified sacred sites
DAY 01
Airport – Mount Lavinia
Arrival at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka, the tropical paradise, will be met and assisted by representative of Crystal Holidays and transfer to Mount Lavinia (Approximately 1& 1/2 Hrs. drive) Check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon sightseeing tour in Colombo with including a visit to Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple in Dehiwala, the only Temple in the world to have a chariot for Anjaneyar.
Overnight stay in Mount Lavinia
Mount Lavinia – A peaceful yet lively beach resort just 12 kilometers south of Colombo with a maze of narrow lanes, small beachside restaurants and wayside boutiques. This township will also appeal to an adventurous spirit.
Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple – A temple dedicated to Anjaneyar temple in Sri Lanka. The only temple in the world to have a chariot for Anjaneyar.
DAY 02
Mount Lavinia – Nuwaraeliya
After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya, is one of the most scenic city & Little England of Sri Lanka En route for Dharshan at Ramboda Hanuman Temple and view the chariot tracks of Seetha Devi, Seetha tear pond, Seetha flower and Seetha Ghooli (approximately 3-4 Hrs. Drive)
There after proceed to Mani Kattuther at Labukalle Estate. Evening visit the Gayathiri Peedam / Lankatheeswarar Siva Lingam Temple and Return to hotel.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya – The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations and is 6,200 feet above sea level. In 1826 some British Officers out on shooting, chanced on Nuwara Eliya plains, and Sir Edward Barnes investigated on it. In 1828 a road was constructed over the ridge at Ramboda Pass and a station for convalescent soldiers was established.
Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple at Ramboda – Ramboda is a place where Hanuman was searching for Sita Devi. The name is also associated with Rama’s army. “Rampadai” means Rama’s force in Tamil. The Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka has built a temple with Hanuman as a presiding deity at this location.
Mani Kattuther– This is a rock in the Labukalle estate. Lord Hanuman met Sitadevi and on his way to announce this happy information to Lord Rama, rested on this hill top. The hill where Lord Hanuman is believed to have rested after meeting Sitadevi is known as Mani kattuther. Today an open temple with statues of Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman stands on top of it. Locals visit the temple often.
Gayathiri Peedam – Gayathri Peedam is believed to be the place from where King Ravana’s son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and pooja’s and in turn was granted super natural powers by Lord Shiva.
Sri Lankatheeswarar temple – was established in Nuwara Eliya with the Shiva Lingam installed in this temple which was found in the rivers of Narmada of India under the directions of a great Sage Sri Gayathiri Devi in the year of 1986.
DAY 03
Nuwaraeliya – Bandarawela
After breakfast proceed to Bandarawela. aEn-route for Dharshan at Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya. (Approximately 1/2Hrs Drive) and visit Veedurupola research center
Thereafter proceed to Divurumpola Buddhist Temple where Seetha Devi had the fire walk and also visit Isthiripura one of the place where Seetha Devi was transferred after visit of Hanumangi. (Approximately 4& 1/2 Hrs. Drive)
Overnight stay in Bandarawela
Bandarawela – Bandarawela is the second largest town in the district of Badulla. Due to a higher altitude, Bandarawela has a cooler climate throughout the year. Both road and railway transportation are available to reach the area. Bandarawela town, tinted with a colonial past resting among lush forestation has found its niche among its visitors as a base for eco-tourism.
Sita Amman Temple at Sita Eliya – According to the Indian epic Ramayanaya and the legends, this area is where Sita, queen of King Rama of Ayodhya in India was kept in hiding after abduction by Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka. A quaint little kovil (temple) with the statues of Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshmana & Sugriva, this is supposed to be the only temple dedicated to Sita – in the entire world. The stream by the side of the temple is a famous spot where Sita went for bathing.
Divurumpola – This is the place where Seetha Devi underwent “Agni Pariksha” (test). It is a popular place of worship among locals in this area. Divurumpola means place of oath in Sinhala. The legal system permits and accepts the swearing done at this temple while settling disputes between parties.
DAY 04
Bandarawela – Ella – Kataragama
After breakfast proceed Kataragama En-route visit the King Ravana’s giant Caves and Rāvana Falls (approximately 04 & 1/2 Hrs Drive)
Check in at the hotel. Evening proceed to Kataragama Lord Karthik Subramaina Temple.
Overnight stay in Kataragama
Kataragama – In the deep south of the country is Kataragama, where a shrine dedicated to God Skanda (Murugan) – the God of Love & War exists. It is believed that this shrine was created in the 2nd century BC by King Dutugemunu (167 –137 BC). Today Kataragama is a place of worship for Buddhists, Hindus and some Muslims. It is also believed that Kataragama God came from India, married a girl from the jungle and lived here. When his Indian wife came in search of him he refused to go back.
Ravana’s Caves – These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. These tunnels served as quick means of transport through the hills and also a secret passage. These tunnels networked all the important cities, airports and dairy farms.
DAY 05
Katharagama – Galle – Mount Lavinia
After breakfast proceed for Dharshan at Dondra Maha Vishnu Temple where King Shukriwas started his onslaught on King Ravana’s army.
On completion visit Ussangoda, the Airport of King Rāvana which was burnt by Hanumangi Thereafter proceed to Mount Lavinia En-route visit to Rumassala the Sanjeewani drop at Galle.
Overnight stay in Mount Lavinia
Dondra Maha Vishnu Temple – Dondra (also known as Devinuwara) is also known as the City of God. This religiously relevant and established city is located about four miles away from the main city of Matara, Sri Lanka. It is however situated on a small peninsula that is interspersed amongst a lot of architectural artifacts that comprise of the huts, plantations for coconut, various huts and pillars.
Ussangoda – According to Ramayana, after meeting Seetha Devi Lord Hanuman decided to test the strength of the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. In the event that unfolded Lord Hanuman’s tail was set on fire by the Rakshasas, who in turn went on to torch some parts of King Ravana’s empire. Ussangoda is one of the torched areas, which is said to have been an airport used by King Ravana.
DAY 06
Mount Lavinia – Airport
After breakfast, proceed to Airport in time to check in for your departure flight. (Approximately 1&1/2 Hrs. Drive)