Ramayana Trail
The epicRamayana Saga has been linked to Sri Lanka due to its many Ramayana sitesincluding where Sita was held captive as well as the many battlefields andstrange land formations which was believed to have been carried by LordHanuman. From visiting a few known tourist hotspots including the Temple of theSacred tooth in the hills, the Yala National Park in the far south eastern sideof the island as well as the southern capital of Galle, the tour takes you tothe Sita Amman Temple and the Divurumpola Temple, all in which Sita wasimprisoned. Enjoy views of the beautiful Ravana Falls, the Ussangoda Beach andthe Rumassala Mountain with links to this popular Epic Ramayana.
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Ramayana Trail (6 Päeva)
Ramayana Trail (6 Päeva)
In this tour that proved the truth behind the Hindu literary epic of Ramayana, Worship at the Sita Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya where Sita the wife of Lord Rama was believed to have been imprisoned. Visit the barren strip at Ussangoda where the Pushpaka Vimana of Ravana was said to land. Explore the mysterious rock of Rummasala with its strange herbs, which is believed to be a piece from the Himalayas that Hanuman dropped and much more.
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01 Night in Kandy
Reminiscing the epic Ramayana saga, your first night of the tour will be spent in Kandy. During your stay in the hill capital, you will make a visit to the Millennium Elephant Foundation which is an NGO dedicated in improving the welfare of the domestic elephants in the country. You will be paying homage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is an important religious landmark in Kandy. You can enjoy a cultural
show that depicts the colourful traditions and cultural aspects of Kandyans. Listen to the drum beats and be mesmerized by traditional dances which are still practiced.
Millennium Elephant Foundation
The Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) is a family run non-government organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic elephants throughout Sri Lanka. The Foundation provide and fund the care, medical treatments, food, mahout salaries, the running costs of the charity as well as having an on call Mobile Veterinary Unit which travels around the country treating sick elephants in need. The Elephant Walk Experience is another alternative to elephant riding for tourists, which is an ethical, up close and personal experience for tourists.
TheKandy Cultural Show
The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.
Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.See “Hotels” for details on Accommodation.
01 Night in Ella
The next pit stop in our journey would be the cool climes of Ella where there are many important milestones belonging to the Ramayana Trail. You will visit the Sita Amman Temple where ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen. Next down the line would be the Divurumpola Temple which is where Sita proved her chastity to Lord Rama. This temple is still worshipped by thousands and has been the same throughout the centuries. The Ravana Falls is an important site in the trail which is where according to the legend, Ravana had kidnapped Sita and hid her. There is a cave network behind the falls which is where they say the queen Sita had been held captive.
Seetha Amman Temple
The Sita Amman Temple can be seen en route to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The prominent temple architecture will not fail to attract your attention. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on one side of the temple. The temple today is a modern building with its paintings, statues and pillars decorated with sculptures; all depicting the tale of Rama and Sita.
Divurumpola
Divurumpola Temple still revered by thousands, this holy haven was the place where Sita performed her Agni Pariksha (proving her chastity) to her husband Rama. Continuing the practice for thousands of years, villagers still pledge their fidelity or take oaths there and even in certain courts, this agreement was binding. This place has been respected and worshipped by people down the ages.
Ravana Falls
Ravana Falls is another must visit in Ella. Hill country of Sri Lanka is quite popular for beautiful waterfalls and Ravana Falls is right at the top.The falls have been named after the legendary character Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. At the time, the cave was surrounded with thick forests in the midst of wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall.
02 Nights in Yala
Since you will be closer the South East border of the island, your next two nights will be spent at Yala. You can experience an amazing three hour long safari to the Yala National Park where you can try to spot some endangered species such as the Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear and the Sri Lankan elephant as well as many birds, reptiles, and amphibians. A visit will be made to the Temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama which is also a part of the epic trail.
Yala National Park
This amazing three-hour Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
Kataragama
This is the temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Lord Indra on the last day of war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahmasthra aimed by King Ravana which otherwise would have weakened Lord Rama. The benefit was one of the most powerful weapon brahma asthra aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya.
01 Night in Galle
Heading towards Galle you will be visiting Ussangoda which is a coastal area that doesn’t have many trees with toxic heavy metals in its rocky surface. Only small plants grown here and according to the legend, it was set fire by Hanuman running wild with a torched tail. We will be visiting the Rumassala Mountain which is a well known site that goes along with the Ramayanaya. Located along the Unawatuna Beach with a quaint little Buddhist Dagoba, Rumassala is also known to be a place where Sita was kept during her stay in Sri Lanka. A visit to the Galle Fort could not be
overseen since there is a lot to explore. You can walk along the cobblestone
streets within the ramparts or walk along the strong walls of the fort itself
and drop into the lighthouse and visit the museums as well.
Ussangoda
Ussangoda is a strange coastal area because of its lack of trees. Its serpentine rock contains toxic heavy metals. Only specific smaller plants were able to adapt to this soil. But according to the Ramayana legends there are two more explanation for the baldness of Ussangoda. After meeting Sitadevi Lord Hanuman provoked the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. It resulted in Lord Hanuman’s tail being set on fire by Rakshasas. Hanuman in turn went on to torch parts of King Ravana’s empire with his burning tail. Ussangoda is said to be one of these burnt areas. Besides the Ramyana Trail legend has it that earlier on the Ussangoda plateau was used an airport by King Ravana for his Dandumonara peachock chariot, before Hanuman devastated the landing site.
Rumasalla Mountain
Rumassala hill 3 kms east of Galle is the landmark of Unuwatuna beach because of the picturesque white Buddhist dagoba on top of it. Rumassala rock is one of the five Sri Lankan spots believed to originate from parts of Mount Dronagiri. They fell down when Hanuman carried the Dronagiri on his flight back to Lanka in order to use its Sanjiwani herb to rescue Lakhshmana and Rama who were in need of this medical plant to be reanimated after suffering severe injuries. Rumassala is also said to be an abode of Sita during her stay in Lanka.
Galle
Explore the secrets of Galle where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the museums ofGalleand the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names and listen to your guide tell their stories. Relax with a king coconut or a cup of tea caressed by a breeze of the tropics
Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed directly to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure from Sri Lanka after spending a memorable time on the island.
Includes:
- Transport in a Private Vehicle, Fuel, Parking & Highway tolls.
- Service of English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
- All prevailing taxes and service charges.
- 2 x 500ml Water Bottles per Person per Day.
Excludes:
- Hotel Accommodation and Meals.
- Entrance fees to the respective sites.
- Chauffeur Guide's Accommodation.
- Expenses of personal nature.
- Visa and Related Expenses.
- Tips & Portages.
Complimentary:
- 1 x 1 Litre water bottle per person per day.
- 1 x Local SIM card per room.