Day 1: Ancient Legends and Majestic Vistas (Airport/Negombo)- Chilaw - Sigiriya - Dambulla

Highlights: Manawari Temple (Ramayana Trail Site), Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Morning: Your spiritual journey begins with a pick-up from the Airport or Negombo. We'll start the day with a complimentary welcome breakfast in Negombo before heading to Manawari Temple in Chilaw. This is a significant site on the Ramayana trail, believed to be where Lord Rama first installed a Shiva Lingam to worship Lord Shiva after defeating King Ravana. The temple, with its profound history and spiritual ambiance, is an essential pilgrimage for devotees.

A Note on the Manawari Temple Visit:

A puja is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and religious practices. We would like to confirm if you are willing to attend the puja during our visit. Please let us know so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Afternoon: Next, we'll travel to the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of ancient engineering and art. While famous for its breathtaking frescoes and lion's paw entrance, Sigiriya also has a legendary connection to the Ramayana. It's believed that this rock fortress was once the pleasure palace of King Ravana, and its summit may have been where Sita was held captive. The panoramic views from the top are truly unforgettable.

Preparing for Your Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit:

The climb to the top is well worth the effort, but please be aware that the summit can be quite windy. To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, we recommend:

• Wearing a hat with a chin strap or a cap you can easily secure.
• Wearing comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the steps can be steep and uneven.
• Bringing a light jacket or windbreaker.
• Staying hydrated by carrying a water bottle.
• Keeping your belongings secure, especially when taking photos near the edge.

Evening: After exploring Sigiriya, we'll check into your hotel in Dambulla for a well-deserved rest and a delicious dinner, preparing you for the next day's adventures.

Meals Included:

• Complimentary breakfast is included daily.
• Dinner is included at your hotel, offering either an à la carte or buffet option.
• Most of the hotels and restaurants on this tour will be offering vegetarian meals throughout your stay.

Day 2: Dambulla to Trincomalee

Highlights: Thirukoneswaram Kovil, Kanniya Hot Springs

Morning: Following a hearty breakfast, your adventure continues with a scenic journey from Dambulla to the coastal city of Trincomalee. Our primary destination is the revered Thirukoneswaram Kovil, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, dramatically situated atop a cliff. This sacred site holds significant importance in the Ramayana, believed to be where King Ravana performed penance to appease Lord Shiva. We'll explore the temple's rich history and serene atmosphere, and you'll have the option to attend a puja, offering a profound spiritual experience.

A Note on Temple Etiquette:

As Thirukoneswaram Kovil is an active place of worship, we kindly ask that you dress respectfully, ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered. You will also be required to remove your footwear before entering the temple grounds.

Afternoon: Next, we'll visit the mystical Kanniya Hot Springs. These seven wells are famous for their unique temperature variations and are believed to have been created by Ravana's anger-fueled trident strike into the ground. The hot springs are a fascinating blend of myth and natural wonder, offering a chance to relax and reflect. You can dip your feet in the warm, therapeutic waters before we begin our journey back to Dambulla.

Preparing for Your Kanniya Hot Springs Visit:

The experience at the hot springs is very informal and a great opportunity for a light rest. We recommend bringing a small hand towel and comfortable footwear that is easy to remove.

Evening: We'll return to your hotel in Dambulla, where you can unwind and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, reflecting on the day's spiritual and historical discoveries.

Meals Included:

• Complimentary breakfast is included daily.
• Dinner is included at your hotel, offering either an à la carte or buffet option.
• Most of the hotels and restaurants on this tour will be offering vegetarian meals throughout your stay.

Day 3: From the Plains to the Misty Mountains (Dambulla - Ramboda - NuwaraEliya)

Highlights: Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple (Ramayana Trail Site), Tea Plantation & Ramboda Falls

Morning: Your journey continues to the picturesque hill country, home to some of the most significant sites on the Ramayana trail. Our first stop is the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda. This sacred temple is a powerful tribute to Lord Hanuman, believed to be the very location where he began his search for Sita in the mystical land of Lanka. It is also historically significant as the place where Lord Rama's army, with its vast forces, was said to have gathered. The temple, maintained by the Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka, offers a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere amidst stunning mountain views.

Afternoon: After our visit, you will have a lunch break in Ramboda. Please note that lunch is not included in the tour package. Following lunch, we will enjoy a complimentary visit to a lush **tea plantation** where you can witness the tea-making process from leaf to cup. We will also make a stop at the magnificent **Ramboda Falls** for a breathtaking photo opportunity, a sight that will surely leave you in awe.

A Note on Lunch & Travel Options:

Should you prefer, we can also arrange for a late lunch with a quick shopping stop in the bustling city of Kandy, before continuing our journey to Nuwara Eliya.

Evening: We will then continue our scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, arriving at your hotel by the late afternoon. You will have the evening to rest and prepare for the next day's exploration of Sri Lanka's beautiful highlands.

Meals Included:

• Complimentary breakfast is included daily.
• Dinner is included at your hotel, offering either an à la carte or buffet option.
• Most of the hotels and restaurants on this tour will be offering vegetarian meals throughout your stay.

Day 4: Spiritual Trials and Mythical Caves (NuwaraEliya - Ella - NuwaraEliya)

Highlights: Divurumpola Temple (Ramayana Trail Site), Ravana Cave (Ramayana Trail Site)

Morning: Your day begins with a significant pilgrimage to the Divurumpola Temple in Welimada. This site is of immense importance on the Ramayana trail as it is believed to be the location of the 'Agni Pariksha', or the Trial by Fire, which Sita underwent to prove her chastity after her rescue. Even today, the temple is a place where sacred oaths are taken, as it is believed that any false vow made here will be exposed by the power of truth, a legacy of Sita's trial. Visiting this temple offers a deep sense of connection to the epic's most pivotal moments.

Afternoon: We will then travel to Ella, a scenic town famous for its natural beauty and legendary connections. Here, we'll embark on a short trek to the famous Ravana Cave. This cave is part of a fascinating network of natural and man-made tunnels that once served as a secret passage for King Ravana. According to local lore, this is where Ravana hid Sita, adding another layer of intrigue to the story. The hike itself is rewarding, leading to a stunning opening that reveals a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, providing a true sense of adventure.

Evening: After a fulfilling day of historical and spiritual exploration, we will return to Nuwara Eliya for a relaxing evening at your hotel. Dinner will be served, allowing you to reflect on the legends and beauty you have experienced.

Meals Included:

• Complimentary breakfast is included daily.
• Dinner is included at your hotel, offering either an à la carte or buffet option.
• Most of the hotels and restaurants on this tour will be offering vegetarian meals throughout your stay.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to the Capital of Legends

Highlights: Kelaniya Temple (Ramayana Trail Site)

Morning: Enjoy a final, delicious breakfast at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya before checking out. We'll then begin our journey to Colombo, a trip that takes you from the cool, misty highlands to the warm, bustling cityscapes of the capital.

Afternoon: Along the way, we will stop for a lunch break (not included), giving you a chance to refuel and relax before reaching our main destination. Our next stop is the revered Kelaniya Temple, a site of immense spiritual and historical significance. In the context of the Ramayana, this is the place where Vibhishana, the righteous brother of King Ravana, was crowned as the new ruler of Lanka by Lord Rama. The temple is also believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha during his third and final visit to Sri Lanka, making it a sacred site for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. We will arrive around 2:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore its beautiful architecture and profound history.

Evening: After our visit to Kelaniya Temple, we will proceed to your hotel in Colombo, arriving around 3:30 PM. You'll have the remainder of the afternoon and early evening to relax and prepare for your final dinner, which will be served at your hotel.

Meals Included:

• Complimentary breakfast is included daily.
• Dinner is included at your hotel, offering either an à la carte or buffet option.
• Most of the hotels and restaurants on this tour will be offering vegetarian meals throughout your stay.

Day 6: Colombo to the Airport

Highlights: Leisure and Departure

Morning: Enjoy your final complimentary breakfast at the hotel in Colombo. The morning is yours to relax and enjoy the vibrant capital city. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping, a final stroll along the Galle Face Green, or a visit to a local cafe to savor some authentic Sri Lankan tea or coffee.

You can check out from the hotel at 12:00 noon. After checking out, your airport transfer will be arranged based on your flight departure time, ensuring you have a comfortable and timely journey to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Your unforgettable Ramayana Trail experience comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport for your departure, carrying with you memories of Sri Lanka's rich history, beautiful landscapes, and profound spiritual sites.

Meals Included:

• Complimentary breakfast is included.