Categories
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DAY 01- AIRPORT -CHILAW- KANDY (Approx. 4h 20m (173 km)
Upon arrival at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be received warmly by our representative. You will then be escorted to your vehicle to begin your holiday in Sri Lanka.
Your first destination will be CHILAW
Manavari Temple
Following Lord Shiva’s instructions at Munneswaram, Lord Rama traveled to Manavari and installed the first Shiva Lingam as an act of atonement for his sin. This Lingam was later named “Rama Lingam”, as it was the only one in the world personally placed by Lord Rama himself.
Manavari Temple thus became an important site in the Ramayana Trail, attracting devotees who believe that worshiping at this temple helps in overcoming sins and attaining divine blessings.
Munneswaram Temple
After defeating Ravana, Lord Rama was returning to Ayodhya in his flying chariot, Pushpaka Vimana. As he passed over Sri Lanka, he suddenly felt uneasy and realized that he had committed Brahmahatya Dosha, the sin of killing a Brahmin. Although Ravana was a demon king, he was also a highly learned Brahmin and a great devotee of Lord Shiva.
Feeling troubled, Rama stopped at Munneswaram and prayed to Lord Shiva for guidance. Moved by Rama’s devotion, Shiva appeared before him and revealed that the only way to purify himself was to install and worship four Shiva Lingams in Sri Lanka. This divine interaction made Munneswaram a sacred place of worship, where devotees continue to seek forgiveness, blessings, and divine protection.
Places you will be visiting in Kandy
• Gem Museum
• Temple of the sacred tooth relic
• Peradeniya Botanical Garden
Overnight Stay at Hotel in Kandy.
DAY 2-KANDY-NUWARA-ELIYA (Approx. 2hr. 57 min (82 km))
Breakfast at Hotel
Ramboda Temple (Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple)
According to the Ramayana, Ramboda is believed to be the place where Lord Hanuman first set foot in Lanka while searching for Sita. After leaping across the ocean from India, Hanuman landed in this hilly region and began his journey toward Ashok Vatika, where Sita was held captive by Ravana.
It is said that Hanuman rested in Ramboda and planned his next move before heading toward Sita’s location. Some legends also suggest that there was a battle in Ramboda between Hanuman and Ravana’s army before Hanuman set fire to parts of Lanka.
Today, the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda stands as a tribute to Lord Hanuman, where devotees worship him and recall his loyalty, bravery, and devotion to Lord Rama. The temple also houses a large Hanuman statue and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, adding to its spiritual significance in the Ramayana Trail.
Seetha Amman Temple
After Ravana abducted Sita, he brought her to Ashok Vatika, a beautiful garden in Lanka, where she was kept under strict watch. This place is now known as Seetha Eliya, and the Seetha Amman Temple stands there today.Sita refused all of Ravana’s advances and remained devoted to Lord Rama. She spent her days praying for her husband to rescue her.
One day, Hanuman arrived in search of Sita. He found her sitting under an Ashoka tree, weeping. To comfort her, he secretly approached and gave her Rama’s ring as a sign of hope. Overjoyed, Sita gave him a piece of her jewelry to take back to Rama. Hanuman then destroyed parts of Ashok Vatika, angering Ravana. Ravana captured him and ordered his tail to be set on fire. But Hanuman used his burning tail to set Lanka ablaze before escaping to deliver Sita’s message to Rama.
After Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita, she underwent a trial by fire (Agni Pariksha) to prove her purity. It is believed that this test happened at Seetha Eliya, where she stepped into the fire, and Lord Agni (Fire God) appeared to declare her innocence.Near the Seetha Amman Temple, there are small footprints believed to be Sita’s, and a stream where she is said to have bathed and prayed. The temple is now a sacred pilgrimage site for devotees who honor Sita’s faith, strength, and devotion.
Gayathri Peedam Temple – Nuwara Eliya
According to the Ramayana, the Gayathri Peedam Temple in Nuwara Eliya is believed to be the place where Ravana’s chief priest performed special prayers for Ravana’s victory over Lord Rama. The temple is considered one of the most sacred places of worship for Hindus in Sri Lanka.
It is said that Ravana, being a great devotee of Lord Shiva, ordered his priest to conduct yagnas (sacred fire rituals) at this site to seek divine blessings for success in the war. The location is also believed to be where Goddess Gayathri, the supreme goddess of Vedic chants, blessed Ravana with spiritual strength.
Today, Gayathri Peedam is an important site on the Ramayana Trail, attracting devotees who seek spiritual blessings and divine protection. The temple continues to hold prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gayathri, preserving its ancient connection to the Ramayana legend.
Places you will be visiting in Nuwara Eliya
• Tea Factory visit.
• Gregory Lake
• Pink Post Office
• Hakkala botanical garden
Overnight Stay at Hotel in Nuwara-Eliya.
DAY 03- NUWARA-ELIYA – KATARAGAMA (Approx. 3 hr 44 min (142 km)
Breakfast at the Hotel
Divurumpola
After Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita, doubts arose about her purity and faithfulness during her captivity in Lanka. To prove her innocence, Sita underwent the Agni Pariksha (trial by fire) at a sacred place now known as Divurumpola, meaning “place of oath” in Sinhala. Sita stepped into the fire, and Lord Agni (Fire God) appeared, declaring her purity. She remained unharmed, proving her loyalty to Rama. Witnessing this divine event, Rama accepted Sita back, and they returned to Ayodhya.
Ravana Ella & Ravana Falls
After Ravana abducted Sita, he hid her in a cave near Ravana Ella, deep within the mountains of Lanka. This cave was surrounded by dense forests and waterfalls, making it a secure place where Sita remained under strict watch.
Ravana, a mighty king and devotee of Lord Shiva, was said to have meditated inside the cave to gain divine strength. The nearby Ravana Falls flowed through the rocky terrain, and it is believed that Sita bathed in these waters during her captivity.
When Hanuman arrived in search of Sita, he discovered clues near Ashok Vatika and Ravana Cave, which led him closer to her location. This helped Rama strategize the battle against Ravana and ultimately rescue Sita.
Even today, the Ravana Cave and Ravana Falls remain sacred sites, linked to the legend of Ravana and the Ramayana.
Overnight stay in Kataragama.
DAY 04 – KATARAGAMA-COLOMBO (Approx. 3 hr. 45 min (260 km)
Breakfast at the Hotel
Kataragama
According to the Ramayana, Kataragama is believed to be the place where Lord Indra joined Lord Rama’s army to fight against King Ravana. Indra, the King of the Devas, was impressed by Rama’s righteousness and decided to support him in the battle.
It is also believed that Lord Skanda (Murugan), the deity worshipped at Kataragama Temple, helped Rama in his battle against Ravana. Some legends suggest that after Ravana’s defeat, Lord Skanda remained in Kataragama, making it a sacred place of worship.
Today, Kataragama Temple is a significant site in the Ramayana Trail, attracting Hindu, Buddhist, and local devotees who believe in its divine connection to the epic battle between Rama and Ravana.
Rumassala
During the great battle between Lord Rama and King Ravana, Rama’s brother, Lakshmana, was gravely wounded. To save his life, Hanuman was sent to fetch the Sanjeevani herb, a powerful medicinal plant, from the Himalayas in India. As Hanuman carried the entire Dronagiri Mountain back to Lanka, a piece of it fell off and landed in Sri Lanka. This place is now known as Rumassala, near Galle. It is believed that the rare medicinal plants still growing there are from the Himalayan herbs that Hanuman dropped.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
DAY 05 – COLOMBO
Breakfast at the Hotel
Panchamukha Anjaneyar Temple
During the great war between Lord Rama and Ravana, Ravana sought help from Mahiravana, the powerful king of the underworld (Patala). Mahiravana, a master of dark magic, kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana and took them to his underground palace, preparing to sacrifice them to Goddess Kali.
When Hanuman discovered this, he entered the underworld to rescue them. However, Mahiravana was invincible because his life force was hidden in five different lamps, placed in five directions. To defeat him, all five lamps had to be extinguished at the same time—a task no ordinary being could achieve.
Realizing this, Hanuman took the divine form of Panchamukha (five-faced) Hanuman:
1. Hanuman (East) – Strength and Courage
2. Narasimha (South) – Protection and Fearlessness
3. Garuda (West) – Power to Remove Evil
4. Varaha (North) – Stability and Support
5. Hayagriva (Sky) – Knowledge and Wisdom
With this five-faced form, Hanuman blew out all five lamps at once, defeating Mahiravana and rescuing Rama and Lakshmana. The Panchamukha Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka is believed to honor this event, marking Hanuman’s divine power and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.
Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil
Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple, located in Kochchikade, Colombo 13, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built entirely of granite in the traditional Dravidian architectural style, the temple stands as a magnificent symbol of devotion and craftsmanship. It was constructed in the early 20th century by Ponnambalam Ramanathan, a prominent Tamil statesman, to serve as a sacred place for Hindu worshippers.
The temple houses a Shiva Lingam in its sanctum and features intricate carvings, a beautifully sculpted gopuram (entrance tower), and a serene spiritual atmosphere. Maha Shivaratri is the most significant festival celebrated here, drawing thousands of devotees for prayers and rituals. The temple is open daily from morning to noon and again in the evening, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual solace. Easily accessible from Colombo city, Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple remains an important pilgrimage site and a testament to the rich Hindu heritage in Sri Lanka.
Places you will be visiting in Colombo
Colombo city tour and shopping
• Galle Face Green
• The Vihara Mahadevi Park
• National Museum
• Twin World Trade Centre towers
Overnight stay in Colombo.
DAY 06- COLOMBO-AIRPORT
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your divine Ramayana Trail tour in Sri Lanka.
DEPARTURE
We are a Destination Management Company based in Colombo, specializing in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia.
Paramount Tower, Level 02, No. 192/10, 9th lane,
Nawala Road, Kotte, Sri Lanka.
+94 777 121678
tours@jirehholidays.com