The Ramayana Trail

OVERVIEW

THE RAMAYANA TRAIL IN 7 NIGHTS 8 DAYS – THE VACATION OF A LIFETIME

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 — Arrival → Colombo (or Colombo)

Meet & assist; relax after flight.

Why here first? Easy access to Chilaw, Ramayana sites tomorrow without Colombo traffic.

Night Stay in Colombo

 

Day 2 — Colombo → Chilaw → Kandy

Key Sites:

1. Munneswaram Kovil (Chilaw):

Where Rama is believed to have prayed to Shiva after slaying Ravana to atone for Brahmahatya dosha. Major Pancha Ishwaram temple with deep ties to the epic.

2. Manavari Temple:

First Ramalingam installed by Rama outside India (the other is at Rameswaram). 20–30 min from Munneswaram.

3. Visit an Herbal and spice garden to experience world renowned Sri Lankan spices & Herbs, how they grow & how to use them.Drive times (approx.): Colombo →Chilaw 1.5 – 2h; Chilaw→kandy 3.5h.

Night Stay in Kandy

 

 

Day 3 —Kandy → Ramboda / Nuwara Eliya (Tea Country)

 

Key Sites:

1. Kandy Optional:

Temple of the Tooth (not on the Ramayana trail, but many travelers stop for culture).

2. Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple Ramboda (Chinmaya Mission, 1999):

Hilltop temple with 18-ft Hanuman murti; popular for Hanuman puja and views over Kotmale valley.

3. Visit the Ramboda View Point on the way
4. Visit the amazing Ramboda Waterfall on the way
5. Visit to the Labookele TEA factory and Estate

It is one of the oldest tea estates in Sri Lanka and is about ‘150 years old’. Visiting the Damro Labookellie Tea Lounge gives you the opportunity to visit the tea factory, the estates and taste the tea for free. Also, it is the perfect place for any tired traveler to relax and get some fresh air, this is definitely a must visit place when you come to Nuwara Eliya.

Drive Time: Sigiriya→ Kandy →Ramboda 2.5–3h; Ramboda→Nuwara Eliya 1–1.5h.

Night Stay in Nuwaraeliya

 

 

Day 4 — Sita Eliya / Hakgala (Ashok Vatika)

 

Key Sites:

1. Hakgala Botanical Garden (Ashok Vatika tradition):

Many tours identify this area with Ashok Vatika where Hanuman met Sita.

2. Seetha Amman (Sita Amman) Temple, Sita Eliya:

Widely associated with the place Sita was kept in Lanka; stream and footprint legends.

3. Gayathri Peedam (Nuwara Eliya):

Site where the tri-murti is believed to have blessed Rama for victory (optional, time permitting).

Optional at Nuwaraeliya – Moon Plains

Notes: Cool climate; bring light shawl. Short transfers between sites.

Night Stay in Nuwaraeliya

 

 

Day 5 — Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Udawalawa (Ravana’s lands)

 

Key Sites:

1. Nuwaraeliya to Ella – The train ride of a life time

This Ella Odyssey Train stops at scenic / important photo locations. Nuwaraeliya to Ella Train journey is one of the most scenic train journeys in South Asia travelling through lush green tea estates / waterfalls / many tunnels which gives you a beautiful / joyful memory.

The chauffer will be travelling to the Ella Railway Station to pick you up after the Train ride

2. Ravana Cave & Temple (near Ella):

Short uphill trek (~45–60 min) to the cave associated with Ravana and Sita’s captivity routes; combine with Ravana Ella Falls viewpoint.

3. Visit to the Ravana Ella waterfall

Optional at Ella – Nine Arches Bridge

Night Stay in Udawalawe

 

 

Day 6 — Udawalawe → Ussangoda → Rumassala → Bentota

 

Key Sites:

1. Ussangoda Ramayana Site (southern coast):

Red-earth plateau where folklore says Ravana landed the Pushpaka Vimana / area scorched by Hanuman. Scenic and culturally significant.

2. Rumassala Hill (Unawatuna):

Tied to the Sanjeevani legend—part of the mountain Hanuman carried that fell here; herbal lore & temple on the headland, superb ocean views.

3. Visit to the Galle Dutch fort

The story of the Galle Dutch Fort; a UNESCO World Heritage Site reverberates through every traveler’s photo and caption. Initially built by the Portuguese in the 16th century during their conquests, the fort was later fortified and conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century, until it later fell to the might of the British. The oldest library of the country is also in the Galle fort.

 

Optional at Udawalawe  – Safari at Udawalawe National Park

Night Stay in Bentota

 

 

Day 7 — Bentota → Colombo

Key Sites:

1. Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya (near Colombo):

Tradition says Vibhishana (Ravana’s brother) was crowned here after the war—frequently included on Ramayana programs.]

2. Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple:

A modern Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, uniquely featuring a five-faced image & Sri Lanka’s only Hanuman Temple with a ceremonial chariot

Optional on the way at Balapitiya – Madu River Safari

Night Stay in Colombo

 

 

Day 8 — Colombo → Departure – End of a vacation in paradise

1. Pick up from the Hotel in Colombo
2. Drop off at the ‘Bandaranaike International Airport”

 

END OF TOUR