A pilgrimage through the sacred landscapes of the Ramayana epic – following the footsteps of Lord Rama, Sita and Hanuman across Sri Lanka’s ancient sites from the northern plains to the southern coast. Guided throughout by a specialist with deep knowledge of both the epic’s narrative and the temple, landscape and archaeological heritage of each site.
DAY
01
Bandaranaike International Airport to Habarana via Chilaw - First Sacred Temples
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Transfer north toward Chilaw. Visit Munneswaram Temple – one of the oldest and most sacred Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, where Lord Rama is said to have prayed after the great war. Visit Manavari Temple – site of the first Shiva Lingam established by Lord Rama. Proceed to Habarana. Overnight in Habarana.
DAY
02
Habarana to Trincomalee via Ritigala - Forest Monastery & Sacred Springs
Visit Ritigala – the ancient forest monastery believed to be the mountain Hanuman used to source the Sanjeevani healing herb. Continue to Trincomalee. Visit Kanniya Hot Springs – ancient water sources associated with King Ravana’s last rites. Visit Thirukoneswaram Kovil on Swami Rock. Overnight in Trincomalee.
DAY
03
Trincomalee to Kandy via Sigiriya & Dambulla - Ravana's Cave & Sacred Circuit
Morning visit to the Cobra Cave at Sigiriya, associated with Ravana’s palace in the Ramayana tradition. Scenic drive south to Dambulla Cave Temple. Continue to Kandy via a spice garden stop in Matale. Evening visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Overnight in Kandy.
DAY
04
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda - Hanuman Temple & Tea Highland Arrival
Scenic drive into the highlands toward Nuwara Eliya. Visit Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple at Ramboda – site believed to mark where Hanuman searched for Sita, with a towering 16-foot Hanuman idol. Ramboda Falls viewpoint. Working tea plantation and factory visit. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY
05
Nuwara Eliya to Kataragama via Ella - Ashoka Vatika, Sita's Trial & Ravana Falls
Morning visit to Seetha Amman Temple at Seetha Eliya – the site traditionally identified as Ashok Vatika where Sita was held captive. Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Divurumpola Temple – site of Sita’s Agni Pariksha. Ravana Ella Waterfall stop. Proceed to Kataragama. Overnight in Kataragama.
DAY
06
Kataragama to Colombo via Galle - Karthikeya Shrine, Vimana Plateau & Hanuman's Hill
Morning worship at Kataragama Temple – the sacred shrine of Lord Karthikeya. Transfer south along the coast. Visit Ussangoda – the coastal plateau associated with Ravana’s Pushpaka Vimana. Galle Fort walking tour. Visit Rumassala Hill, believed to be a fragment of the Himalayan mountain carried by Hanuman. Overnight in Colombo.
DAY
07
Colombo - Vibheeshana's Coronation Temple & City Exploration
Morning visit to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara – the temple associated with King Vibheeshana’s coronation by Lord Rama. Colombo exploration and optional final shopping. Overnight in Colombo.
DAY
08
Colombo - Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport. Departure.
Tour Highlights
– Munneswaram Temple and Manavari Temple, Chilaw
– Ritigala Forest Monastery – Hanuman’s healing herb mountain
– Kanniya Hot Springs, Trincomalee
– Thirukoneswaram Kovil on Swami Rock, Trincomalee
– Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple at Ramboda with 16-foot Hanuman idol
– Seetha Amman Temple and Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Nuwara Eliya
– Divurumpola Temple – site of Sita’s Agni Pariksha
– Kataragama Temple – sacred shrine of Lord Karthikeya
– Ussangoda coastal plateau
– Rumassala Hill, Galle
– Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Colombo
Inclusions
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- Accommodation (booked by Guardian Holidays)
- Meals on HB Basis (Breakfast + Dinner)
- Experienced English-speaking chauffeur-guide
- All entrance fees for listed attractions
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Bottled water throughout the journey
- All temple and site entrance fees
- Specialist Ramayana guide throughout
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Meals: Lunch
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Gratuities for guide and hotel staff
- Travel insurance
- Activities marked as optional within the itinerary
- Visa fees