Sacred Footsteps of Rama & Sita: The Legend of Lanka
Overview
Follow the divine footsteps of Lord Rama and Devi Sita on this classic 7-day pilgrimage across Sri Lanka's most revered epic sites. Journey from the hill capital of Kandy to Sita Kotuwa (Sita's Fort in Hasalaka), the elevated Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda, the floral sanctuaries of Ashok Vatika (Hakgala) and Sita Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya, the ancient oath-taking haven of Divurumpola, the dramatic waterfalls of Ella, the Panchamukha Anjaneyar Temple in Colombo, and the sacred Shiva lingams consecrated by Rama at Munneshwaram and Manavari in Chilaw.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Airport / Pinnawala / Kandy
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and receive a warm welcome from your tour representative. Journey inland towards Kandy, stopping en route at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe abandoned and rescued elephants bathing and socializing in the river. In Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, followed by an evening cultural dance and drumming show. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 2Kandy — Sita Kotuwa Excursion — Kandy
After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Sita Kotuwa (translated 'Sita's Fort') near Gurulupotha and Hasalaka. Legend relates that after Princess Sita was brought to Lanka, she was first accommodated at Queen Mandodari's palace before being kept at Sita Kotuwa, and subsequently moved to Ashok Vatika. Explore the ancient ruins and atmospheric jungle surroundings before returning to Kandy. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 3Kandy via Ramboda (Hanuman Temple) to Nuwara Eliya
Depart Kandy and ascend into the cool hill country. En route, stop in the hills of Ramboda to visit the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple established by the Chinmaya Mission on the mountain range where Hanuman searched for Sita. Admire the roaring Ramboda Falls and visit a lush tea plantation and factory to taste Ceylon's finest tea. Continue to Nuwara Eliya to see Lake Gregory and the colonial architecture. Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 4Nuwara Eliya — Ashok Vatika, Divurumpola & Ella
Visit the Sita Amman Kovil in Seetha Eliya, featuring unique stone depictions and Hanuman's footprints on the river rock. Proceed to Hakgala Botanical Gardens, the historic Ashok Vatika pleasure retreat where Ravana kept Sita and where Hanuman delivered Rama's token of love. Travel on to Divurumpola Temple, the holy sanctuary where Sita underwent her Agni Pariksha. Continue to the mountain village of Ella to witness the breathtaking 1,080-foot Ravana Ella Falls and Ravana Cave before returning to Nuwara Eliya for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5Nuwara Eliya to Colombo & Sri Anjaneyar Temple
After breakfast, descend from the highlands to Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. In the afternoon, visit the Sri Anjaneyar Temple in Kalubowila — the first Anjaneyar temple on the island and the only one dedicated to the five-faced (Panchamukha) Hanuman with a special temple chariot. Take an evening drive through Colombo's colonial landmarks and oceanfront. Dinner and overnight stay in Colombo.
Day 6Colombo to Chilaw (Munneshwaram & Manavari) to Negombo
Journey north along the coastal highway to Chilaw. Visit the celebrated Munneshwaram Shiva Temple, where Lord Rama felt the Brahmaasthi Dosham pause. Proceed 5 km to the banks of the Deduru Oya to visit the Manavari Temple, where Rama consecrated the first of four remedial lingams, revered today as Ramalinga Shivan. Transfer to Negombo for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7Negombo to Airport — Departure
Enjoy breakfast by the beach before transferring to Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your flight home, enriched by the blessings and legends of the sacred Ramayana trail.
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What's Included
- 6 nights comfortable accommodation in quality hotels
- Private air-conditioned car or van with English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Daily breakfast and dinner (half board)
- All entry permits and tickets to listed temples, gardens, and monuments
- Kandyan cultural dance performance tickets
- Round-trip airport transfers
