There are many places in Sri Lanka associated with the popular legend involving Rama, Sita and Ravana . Locations where Ravana held Sita in captivity, places where Rama and Ravana fought their crucial battle, the bit of Himalayan forest which Hanuman carried to Lanka are scattered all over the Island and still retain names connected with the Legend. Most of these places are easily accessible and are worth visiting as they are relevant to those who are interested in the Legend of Rama,Sita & Ravana .
Day 01 ----- AIRPORT /KURUNAGALA / SIGIRIYA – 175 KM - 5 hours
AM
Arrival at Colombo Airport. Meet, assist and leave for Sigiriya
The Rock Fortress of the 5 th century AD which was built by King Kashyapa earlier became world famous for its artistic frescoes and the ever shining mirror wall. However during the more recent times it earned the unofficial title of the 8 th wonder on account of its marvelous water garden and its medieval architecture that baffled even the modern specialists in this field. This site has rightly been declared as a “World Heritage” by UNESCO.
PM
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Overnight stay at your Hotel.
Day 02 ----- SIGIRIYA / POLONNARUWA /SIGIRIYA – 65 KM - 1 hour
AM
After Breakfast, leave on an excursion to Polonnaruwa.
This city was considered the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Though smaller in scope, it is said to be aesthetically superior to Anuradhapura. The ruins of palaces, shrines, temples and dagabas built by King Parakrama Bahu the Great, whose statue stands sentinel over the 5,940 acre Parakrama Samudra or "Sea of Parakrama", (an enormous reservoir built by him for irrigation, and supply of water) are as fascinating as the history they unfold.
PM
At leisure or Optional visit to Minneriya National Wildlife Park
Overnight stay at your Hotel.
Day 03 ----- SIGIRIYA / KANDY – 90 KM - 3 hours
AM
After Breakfast, leave for Kandy en-route visiting Ritigala, Dambulla Rock cave temple, Spice garden and Batik Factory in Matale.
Ritigala – Hanuman, when carrying a chunk of mountain from the Himalaya, is said to have inadvertently dropped some herbs at Ritigala. There is an abundance of medicinal herbs even today in this area. Legend has it that Hanuman leapt to India from this Hill to break the news to prince Rama that Sita is being held captive by Ravana in Lanka.
Kandy :
This lovely city was the last Capital of the Kingdom of Sri Lanka before it became a colony of the British Empire. During the last two centuries of the Kingdom, Nanayakhar princes of India exerted substantial influence among the rulers of this country. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned " Temple of the Tooth". Places of interest are the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the Mahaweli Diversion Project in their impressive settings. Spice Gardens dot the outskirts of Kandy along with handicraft centers and the market-place is a hub of activity. Kandy retains an aura of grandeur which time has not effaced.
PM
Arrive at your hotel commence Kandy city tour including a visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha ...
EVE
Witness a traditional Kandyan Dance & Fire Walking Show.
Overnight stay at your Hotel.
Day 04 ----- KANDY /NUWARA ELIYA - 180 KM - 5 hours
AM
After Breakfast, visit Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya.
PM
Leave for Nuwara Eliya en- route visiting a tea plantation & a factory. Sri Lanka’s Garden city, Nuwara Eliya which means the "city of lights" is also the city of eternal spring, where the air is pure, cool and distilled up through 1,884 meters; windswept peaks lie shrouded in mist, while gaily clad tea pluckers wind their way among tea bushes. Listen to the wild music of the water falls. This is a holiday resort complete with a Lake, Golf course and Race course ideal for hikes, golf, horse riding and boating – the setting, a nostalgic reminder of the English country-side. In the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya there is a area known as Sita Eliya which is said to be a hideout where Ravana had kept Sita in hiding.
Hakagala Gardens – A delightful botanical garden, located about 10 Km south of Nuwara Eliya. The name Hakgala means “Jaw- Rock” and is derived from the legend that the Hakgala rock situated within the garden was carried from the Himalaya by Hanuman, the monkey god , in his jaw. He had been sent to Himalayas by prince Rama to bring back a particular medicinal herb to cure his wounded brother, Lakshman. But forgetting which herb it was, Hanuman brought back a representative chunk of mountain hoping that the required herb would be growing on it. Hakagala is believed to be a portion of this chunk that fallen on the way.
Commence Nuwara Eliya sightseeing including a visit to the Sita Amman Temple
Overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 05 ----- NUWARA ELIYA / KATARAGAMA – 190 KM - 5 hours
AM
After Breakfast, leave for Kataragama via Ella – Wellawaya.
En route you will pass through the area where Rama, Ravana battle said to have taken place.
Visit the legendary Ravana Ella water fall which is linked with the Rama –Sita legend.
Ravana Ella – When Rama was approaching with his army, Ravana moved Sita to a densely forested locality in the Uva Region and hid Sita in cave known as Ravana Ella cave. Here one can see the beautiful Ravana Ella water fall about 4500 feet above see level. Sita is said to have roamed around in captivity in this area and Bathed in a pool within a rock by the swirling waters of the Ravana Ella
PM
Arrive at Kataragama
Kataragama, located in the south east corner of the Island, is a sacred township dedicated to God Skanda. This is a popular pilgrim center for Hindus.
Visit Kataragama Temple
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06 ----- K’GAMA/ HIKKADUWA, BENTOTA OR KALUTARA–190 KM - 5 hrs
AM After Breakfast, Leave for Hikkaduwa, Bentota or Kalutara via Galle en -route visiting Rumassala and Dutch Fort in Galle .
Rumassala – Hanuman, when entrusted with the task of bringing a medicinal herb from the Himalayan mountain to treat the wounded brother of Rama, brought an entire piece of the mountain filled with all varieties medicinal herbs. This piece of the Himalayan mountain is believed to be existing up to now in Rumassala Hill situated in the southern coast, overlooking the Galle Harbour and the famous beach at Unawatuna.
This southern seaport was the 17th Century centre of Dutch rule. The town is full of Dutch monuments, ramparts and forts, to bear witness to this fact. Galle is also famous for its ebony carving and delicate hand made lace. It has a pleasant atmosphere and a fine view of the sea.
Sri Lanka 's west coast can proudly boast of one of the best beaches in the world for holiday seekers. Tourists can folic in Sun and sand while enjoying spicy Sri Lankan cuisine or any other international food. Besides the Golden Beaches visitors have many other attractions along this stretch. Rivers such as Kalu Ganga, Bentara Ganga, and Madu Ganga offer marvelous opportunities boating, rowing and other water sports.
Boat trips along the rivers will provide an valuable insight into the bio-diversity of natural vegetation rarely seen elsewhere. An ideal place for wind surfing and snorkeling.
Any visitor to this region is sure to be mesmerized by the traditional handicraft artistically turned out by the local craftsmen.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 07 ----- HIKKADUWA, BENTOTA OR KALUTARA/ AIRPORT –100 KM 2 hrs
AM
After Breakfast, leave for Colombo and on arrival commence City Tour of Colombo.
Colombo ,our Sea Port Capital, which is a town totally fascinating in its variety. Old Dutch Churches and other evidence of the colonial past, ornated Hindu and Buddhist Temples with murals and statues give a glimpse of history and architecture.
Sightseeing includes:-
- Fort - the heart of the city of Colombo.
- Pettah - the busy Bazaar area and Market Place.
- Buddhist Temple .
- Town Hall and Cinnamon Gardens.
- Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
PM
Proceed to Colombo Airport for departure to India
*****TOUR ENDS*****
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