Day 1

Lanka Budget Tour representative will welcome you at the Katunayake Bandaranayake Airport. Then you will travel to Chillaw. On the way there, you will visit Munneswaram Hindu Temple and Manavari Hindu Temple.

Next, you will travel to Anuradhapura City. Your dinner and overnight stay will be there.

Munneshwaram Temple

Munneswaram Temple is a renowned Hindu temple located in Chilaw, a town in the northwest coast of Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the five ancient temples on the island, known as Pancha Ishwarams.

According to legend, the temple was established by Lord Rama, the protagonist of the Hindu epic, Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama visited the site during his exile and installed the lingam, a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva, at the temple. The temple complex includes several shrines, each dedicated to a different deity, including Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati.

Manavari Hindu Temple

Manavari Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in the town of Chilaw in Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is believed to be the first temple in the world to be dedicated to him. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, and thousands of devotees visit it every year.

According to legend, Lord Rama, the protagonist of the Hindu epic, Ramayana, visited Sri Lanka to rescue his wife Sita, who was abducted by the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama is said to have prayed to Lord Shiva at several locations throughout Sri Lanka, including Manavari Temple. It is believed that Lord Rama installed a lingam, a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva, at the temple, which is still present today.

The temple complex includes several shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, and Goddess Parvati. The main shrine is the Manavari Shrine, which is believed to be the original lingam installed by Lord Rama. The shrine is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations that depict scenes from the Ramayana.

The Manavari Temple is an essential pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially those from South India. The temple’s annual festival, Maha Shivaratri, is celebrated with great pomp and splendor, and thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers and perform rituals.

Day 2

In the morning of this day, you will visit Atamasthana, the eighth of eight sacred places in Anuradhapura. Then you will travel to Jaffna, the capital of northern Sri Lanka. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Jaffna.

Anuradhapura Ancient City

Anuradhapura is an ancient city in Sri Lanka that was founded in the 4th century BCE and served as the capital of the country for over 1,000 years. It is considered one of the most sacred cities in Sri Lanka and is home to many important Buddhist sites.

The Atamasthana, or “eight places,” are a collection of eight sacred Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura that are believed to have been visited by the Buddha himself during his three visits to Sri Lanka. These sites include the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which is said to have grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, as well as several ancient stupas and temples.

Today, Anuradhapura and the Atamasthana are popular tourist destinations and important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists from around the world. The ancient city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical and cultural significance.

Day 3

On the third day, you will visit the most important cultural and tourist attractions around Jaffna. It includes Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Naguleswaram Temple, Keerimalai Jaffna, the Public Library, and Nilavaral well. Your overnight stay will also be in Jaffna.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is a prominent Hindu temple located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Kandasamy, who is considered to be the God of War in Hindu mythology. The temple’s history dates back to the 10th century, and it has undergone various renovations and reconstructions over the years, with the current structure being built in the early 20th century.

The temple’s architecture is remarkable, featuring intricate carvings and designs that are typical of Hindu temples. The main shrine is adorned with gold and surrounded by intricate carvings of Hindu deities. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses, as well as a sacred pond and a bell tower.

The temple’s most significant event is the annual Nallur Festival, which takes place for 25 days in August and September. During this time, the temple is beautifully decorated, and devotees from all over Sri Lanka and beyond flock to the temple to offer their prayers and participate in the festivities. The festival includes colorful processions, traditional music and dance performances, and elaborate firework displays.

Day 4

On the fourth day, you will travel to Trincomalee from Jaffna. On the way there, you will visit Thirukoneswaram Temple, a significant Ramayana site in Sri Lanka. After that, you will come to your Trincomalee hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Thirukoneswaram Temple

Thirukoneswaram Temple is a Hindu temple located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built over 2,000 years ago and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the major deities in Hinduism.

The temple is situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. It is known for its intricate carvings, colorful architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.

Thirukoneswaram Temple is also considered a sacred site by the Tamil community in Sri Lanka and is an important pilgrimage destination during the Hindu festival of Maha Shivaratri. In addition to its religious significance, the temple is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique blend of natural beauty, history, and spirituality.

Day 5

You will do a full-day sightseeing tour in Trincomalee. Later, you will come back to your Trincomalee hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6

On the sixth day, you will travel to Kandy from Trincomalee. During this trip, you will visit Dambulla Cave Temple and Matale Spice Garden. After reaching Kandy, you will be lucky to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic on the evening of this day. Later, you will check into your Kandy hotel to finish the day.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a Buddhist temple located in the central region of Sri Lanka. It is situated in a vast cave complex and is considered one of the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka.

The temple complex comprises of five main caves, each of which is filled with numerous statues and paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. The temple also houses over 150 Buddha statues, including a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha statue carved out of rock.

The walls and ceilings of the caves are adorned with intricate murals and frescoes that depict various scenes from Buddhist mythology and Sri Lankan history. These works of art are considered some of the most important examples of ancient Buddhist art in Sri Lanka.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors each year, both tourists and pilgrims. It is considered a must-visit attraction in Sri Lanka for its historical and cultural significance, stunning art and architecture, and serene atmosphere.

Matale Spice Garden

Matale National Spice Garden is a botanical garden located in the city of Matale, Sri Lanka. It is known for its vast collection of spices and medicinal plants, many of which are native to Sri Lanka.

The garden is spread across several acres of land and contains a variety of spice trees, such as cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and clove, as well as many exotic plants like vanilla and cardamom. Visitors can take guided tours of the garden and learn about the various spices and their uses in traditional medicine and cooking.

In addition to the spice garden, there is also a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase a range of spices and herbal remedies, as well as traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

The Matale National Spice Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and is a must-visit destination for those interested in learning more about the country’s rich history and culture of spice cultivation.

Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the most sacred temples in Sri Lanka and is believed to house the tooth relic of the Buddha.

The temple complex comprises several buildings, including a shrine room where the tooth relic is kept, as well as a museum and library. The shrine room is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, and is considered a masterpiece of traditional Sri Lankan architecture.

The temple is also famous for its elaborate annual Esala Perahera festival, which takes place every summer and is a colorful procession of dancers, drummers, and performers, accompanied by the sacred tooth relic and various other relics and artifacts from the temple.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors each year, both tourists and pilgrims. It is considered a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka for its historical and cultural significance, stunning architecture, and serene atmosphere.

Day 7

In the morning, you will travel to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. On the way, you will visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. After you reach Kandy in the evening, you will next participate in the Kandy Cultural Dance Show. Later, you will come back to your Kandy hotel for an overnight stay.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an elephant sanctuary located in the village of Pinnawala, Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 as a refuge for orphaned and injured elephants and is now home to over 80 elephants.

The orphanage is spread over several acres of land and visitors can observe the elephants from close range as they play, bathe, and interact with their caretakers. The orphanage also has a breeding program aimed at increasing the population of Sri Lankan elephants.

Visitors can also witness the daily bottle feeding of baby elephants and watch as the elephants take their daily bath in the nearby river. The orphanage also offers opportunities for visitors to interact with the elephants, including feeding and bathing them.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and is considered a must-visit destination for those interested in wildlife and conservation. It provides a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the behavior of these majestic animals up close.

Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya

The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is a botanical garden located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in Asia and is known for its diverse collection of plants and trees, including over 4,000 species of plants.

The garden is spread over 147 acres of land and features several sections, including the ornamental garden, the spice garden, the medicinal garden, and the orchid house. The garden is home to a wide variety of trees, including palm trees, bamboo, and rubber trees, as well as several species of orchids, ferns, and tropical plants.

Visitors can take guided tours of the garden and learn about the various plants and their uses, as well as explore the many walking trails that wind through the garden. The garden also features several attractions, such as the giant Javan fig tree, the royal palm avenue, and the suspension bridge over the Mahaweli River.

The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and is considered a must-visit destination for those interested in horticulture, botany, and the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

Kandy Cultural Dance Show

The Kandy Cultural Dance Show is a traditional dance performance that takes place in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Sri Lanka through a series of dances and performances that are steeped in history and meaning.

The dance show features a variety of traditional dances, including the Kandyan dance, which is performed by male dancers in colorful traditional costumes and includes acrobatic movements and drumming, and the Ves dance, which is performed by female dancers in ornate costumes and involves intricate footwork and spinning.

The performances are accompanied by traditional Sri Lankan music and drumming, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for the audience. The dance show is held in several venues throughout the city, including the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre and the YMBA Cultural Centre.

The Kandy Cultural Dance Show is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and is considered a must-see destination for those interested in learning about the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Day 8

On the morning of this day, we will travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Along the way, we will visit the Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda. Then you will visit a beautiful waterfall and a tea factory. Next, you will come to Nuwara Eliya. After sightseeing in the city, you will come to your Nuwara Eliya hotel for an overnight stay.

Bhakta Hanuman Temple

The Bhakta Hanuman Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Ramboda, Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman, who is revered for his strength, devotion, and loyalty. The temple features a large statue of Hanuman, standing at over 45 feet tall, making it one of the largest statues of Hanuman in Sri Lanka.

Visitors come to the temple to offer prayers, seek blessings, and admire the impressive architecture and stunning natural surroundings. The temple is situated amidst lush green hills and overlooks a picturesque waterfall, making it a popular tourist destination.

Day 9

On the 9th day, you will travel from Nuwara Eliya to Kataragama. Before that, you will visit Sita Amman Temple and Ashok Vatika. Along the way to Kataragama, you will also visit the Divurum Pola Buddhist Temple, Ravana Falls, and Ravana Caves. Your overnight stay will be at a beautiful hotel in Kataragama.

Sita Amman Temple

Sita Amman Temple is a Hindu temple located in the scenic town of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Sita, the wife of Lord Rama in the Hindu epic, Ramayana. It is believed that Sita was held captive in this location by the demon king Ravana.

The temple is surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush greenery, and features a small museum showcasing artifacts and depictions of the Ramayana story. Many visitors come to the temple to admire its natural beauty and historical significance, as well as to seek blessings and offer prayers to Sita.

Ashok Vatika

Ashok Vatika is a historical site located in the town of Hakgala in Sri Lanka. According to the Hindu epic, Ramayana, it is believed to be the garden where Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, was held captive by the demon king Ravana. The garden was also known as the ‘garden of pleasure’ and was said to be abundant with various flora and fauna.

Today, the site is marked by a small temple and is a popular tourist attraction for those interested in the Ramayana story. Visitors can explore the garden and learn about the significance of the site in Hindu mythology.

Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in the town of Ella in Sri Lanka. It is named after the demon king Ravana, who according to legend, is said to have hidden Princess Sita near this waterfall during her captivity. The waterfall cascades down from a height of approximately 82 feet (25 meters) and is surrounded by lush greenery and rocks.

Visitors can take a short hike to the base of the waterfall, where they can swim and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Ravana Falls is a popular tourist attraction in Ella and is a must-visit for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.

Ravana Caves

Ravana Caves is a set of small caves located in the town of Ella in Sri Lanka. According to the Hindu epic, Ramayana, it is believed that Ravana, the demon king, used these caves to hide Princess Sita during her captivity. The caves are carved into a cliff face and are accessible via a short hike from the main road.

Visitors can explore the caves and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The Ravana Caves are a popular attraction in Ella and offer visitors a glimpse into the rich mythology and history of the region.

Day 10

On the morning of this day, you will visit Kataragama Temple. Then you will travel to Colombo. Along the way, you will visit the Ussangoda Ramayana site, Galle Fort, and Rumassala Sanjeevani Mountain. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel in Colombo.

Kataragama Temple

Kataragama Temple, also known as Kataragama Kiri Vehera, is a Hindu and Buddhist temple located in the town of Kataragama in Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to the deity Kataragama, who is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Kataragama is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees who come to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deity. The temple complex includes several shrines, statues, and a sacred lake where pilgrims take ritual baths. The annual Kataragama festival, held in July and August, is the most significant event at the temple and attracts thousands of devotees from all over Sri Lanka and beyond.

Ussangoda Ramayana Site

Ussangoda Ramayana Site is a scenic coastal area in Sri Lanka that is believed to be the site where the demon king Ravana landed the mythical flying chariot, known as the ‘Dandumonara,’ in the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is located in the Hambantota district and is considered to be one of the most significant Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka.

The area is characterized by its unique red soil and rocky landscape, and it is said that nothing grows on this land due to a curse placed on it by Lord Hanuman, who set fire to the area during his search for Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. The Ussangoda Ramayana Site attracts many visitors, especially those interested in the Ramayana legend and its associated mythology.

Rumassala Sanjeevani Mountain

Rumassala Sanjeewani Mountain is a prominent landmark located in the southern coastal town of Unawatuna in Sri Lanka. According to local legend, this mountain is believed to be a piece of the Himalayan mountain range that was brought to Sri Lanka by the monkey god Hanuman during his search for the healing herb ‘Sanjeewani’ to revive the injured Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshmana.

The mountain is surrounded by lush greenery and is known for its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is also believed to have medicinal properties, and many locals and visitors come here to collect various herbs and plants for traditional Ayurvedic remedies. Additionally, Rumassala Sanjeewani Mountain and its surrounding areas are popular tourist destinations, offering a range of activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and beachcombing.

Day 11

This is your departure date. According to the remaining time, we will visit Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple and Kelaniya Buddhist Temple. After that, our representative will drop you off at Katunayake Bandaranaike Airport to finish your 8-day Ramayana Tour in Sri Lanka.

Sri Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple

Sri Anjaneyar Kovil, also known as Sri Panchamuga Anjaneyar Kovil, is a Hindu temple located in the busy suburb of Slave Island in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is also known as Anjaneya or Anjaneyar, and features a large statue of him at the entrance. The temple’s name “Panchamuga” refers to Lord Hanuman’s five faces, which represent the five elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.

The temple is a popular destination for devotees of Lord Hanuman and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and colorful celebrations during Hindu festivals.

Kelaniya Buddhist Temple

Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, also known as Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, is a historic Buddhist temple located in the city of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. The temple is believed to have been built over 2,000 years ago by the Lord Buddha’s disciple, Ven. Yatthalatissa Thera. The temple is known for its beautiful paintings and sculptures, including a 7-meter-tall statue of Lord Buddha, and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

The temple also houses relics of the Lord Buddha and has been the site of many important religious events throughout Sri Lanka’s history. The temple’s annual Duruthu Perahera festival, held in January, is a popular cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors every year.