General
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Tour Itinerary:
Day 01: London to Colombo
Depart from London Heathrow Airport, on your scheduled overnight flight to Colombo. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey.
Day 02: Arrival Colombo – Negombo
Ayubowan!
Welcome to Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, follow sign for arrival, clear immigration, collect your luggage and follow exit sign. You will be met by our representative who will be holding a placard with “WELCOME COBRA HOLIDAYS” on it. You will be greeted at the airport, board our coach and transfer to our hotel in the in Negombo, a seaside town which is only 40 minutes away from airport.
After check-in at the hotel, free time at leisure.
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Negombo
Day 03: Negombo – Trincomalee
This morning after breakfast at 09:00am we meet our guide in the hotel lobby, we board our coach and drive toward Chilaw to visit Manavari Temple for pooja and darshan (Approximately 120 minutes Drive).
Thereafter we proceed to visit Munneshwaram temple(Approximately 20 Minutes Drive) situated in Munneswaram village, the center of the spiritual and religious life of the people dwelling in a medieval administrative division called Munneswaram Pattuva.
Manavari Temple is the first place where Lord Rama installed the holy Siva Lingam and prayed after the end of the war with King Ravana and till date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in world named after Lord Rama.
Munneswaram Temple. Is a temple complex of three shrines. The 1500-year-old inner sanctum of the main Siva temple has Tamil inscriptions and is an important pilgrimage centre.
It is believed that Munneswaram predates the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was located here. Munneswaram means the first temple for Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). A Shiva Lingam was already here when lord Rama visited the place. Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya with Sita in one of King Ravana’s vimanas. He felt he was being followed by Bramhaasthi dosham (a malevolent black shadow) as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. When the Vimana was passing over Munneswaram, he felt the vimana vibrating, and realized the “Brahmaasthi Dosham” was not following him at this particular point. He stops the vimana at this juncture and asks God Shiva for a remedy. God Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised installing and praying for four lingams at Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India, as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham.
Later we return to our hotel in Negombo.
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Negombo
Day 04: Negombo – Trincomalee
This morning after breakfast, at 8am we board our coach and we drive from Negombo to Trincomalee a distance of 252 KM (approximately 4hrs drive) to visit Koneshwaram Temple.
We will pass Hiripitiya, the area & the battle ground where Ravana was killed by Lord RAMA.
Dunuwila is a place from which Lord Rama fired the Brahmastra at king Rāvana who was directing the war from Laggala, where he was killed.
After king Rāvana’s death, Rāvana’s brother Vibhishana was coroneted as a king of Lanka by Lakshmana at Kelaniya.
En-route we visit Kanniya Hot water spring.
Then we continue with our journey to Trincomalee. Upon arrival we check-in at our hotel.
Later at 4pm we proceed to visit Koneshwaram Temple. After darshan & puja we proceed to visit the famed SHANKARI Temple.
Note:
- Passengers can walk to the temple.
- Senior citizen passengers can travel from the coach park to the temple by Tuk Tuk.
We will also visit Uppuweli Beach (also know as Allesgarden Beach) one of the most picturesque and scenic beach. The beach stretches around 4 km and is relatively unspoilt, and clean. The area is famous for bathing and swimming, owing to the relative shallowness of the sea.
Kanniya Hot water spring
The hot wells of Kanniyai or Kanniya are close to the main road to Anuradhapura, only 10 kms away from Trincomalee town. Pilgrims believe in the Kanniyai springs’ healing power. There are many tales surrounding these hot water springs, one being that Lord Vishnu created the wells so that King Ravana could perform the last rites for his mother Kanniya upon hearing of her alledged demise. Another is that King Ravana struck the rock with his sword seven times and thus the springs appeared. There is a small Kovil on the premises and the springs are also part of the Velgam Viharaya complex. However, whatever their origins and archaeological significance the hot water springs provide their waters to all nationalities and religions and are visited by hundreds of travellers a day who are determined to soothe their bodies and mind with the warmth of the spring water.
Each spring is enclosed by a stone wall to form seven individual wells, which in turn are covered by a wall to provide privacy to those who bathe.
Koneswaram temple
Koneswaram temple of Trincomalee (also historically known as the Thirukonamamalai Konesar Kovil, the Temple of the Thousand Pillars and Thiru-Konamamalai Maccakeswaram Kovil) is an Hindu temple in Trincomalee, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is at the head of Konesar Malai (Swami Rock) on the dramatic Gokarna Bay, a seasonal home to blue whales.
Surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery on all sides, the colourful Koneswaram temple sits high above the bay, a classical-medieval complex in the Eastern Province city of Trincomalee. The site is a religious pilgrim centre, and is one of the five “Pancha Ishwarams” (abodes of Shiva) that were built in coastal regions of Sri Lanka to honor the supreme god of Hinduism.
Shankari Temple (Shakti Peetha)
The famed SHANKARI Temple, in Sri Lanka, is one of the 18 Devi Temples (Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas). Many have heard the Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Shloka starting with LANKAAYAAM SHAANKARI DEVI composed by Sri Adi Shankara which means Shankari in Lanka. This Shloka enumerates the list of places of Devi temples which are considered to be part of the 18 Devi Peethas.
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Trincomalee
Day 05: Trincomalee – Sigiriya Rock (Ravan Palace) – Dambulla – Kandy
This morning after breakfast, at 8am we board our coach and proceed for Kandy via Sigiriya & Dambulla (Approximately 105KM, 2hr Drive).
We proceed to visit Sigiriya (Lion Rock) UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its palace ruins on top of a massive 200 meter high rock surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. The rock itself is a lava plug left over from an ancient long extinct volcano. Legends say that this is where Ravana, from the famous epic Ramayana, had his palace!
The climb up the rock and back down will take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3 hours. (Depending on your fitness, age and the crowds.) There are some 1,200 steps to the top of the rock, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views and most certainly, a sense of accomplishment for completing the climb.
Note: Those unable to climb Sigiriya Rock to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below.
Then we will visit Dambulla Cave Temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries in Sri Lanka. There are 153 Lord Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan Kings and 4 statues of Gods and goddesses found here. The latter include those of Hindu Gods Vishnu and Ganesh.
We continue our journey to Kandy and en-route we will visit a Spice garden in Matale.
Sri Lanka is famous for many different types of Spices and you will be shown how some of these spices like the luscious Cinnamons, Cardamons, Pepper, Ginger plants etc. are grown and processed. You can also purchase your requirements of spices. At the spice garden enjoy a 10 minute free foot massage.
Thereafter proceed to visit Dunuwila (1 hour drive). Dunuvila on the outskirts of Wasgamuwa National Park is sometimes spelled Dunuwila, Dunuvila, or Dunuwilla. It is said to have been the place from where Lord Rama fired the deadly Brahmasthram weapon at King Ravana. The reason for this identification is: “Dunu” means arrow and “Vila” means Lake. So it is explained that this place got its name because Lord Rama fired his arrow from this lake.
Behind the Dunuwila lake is Laggala (Target rock)
Laggala served as a watchtower for King Ravana’s army. Geographically, this is the highest part of the northern region of Ravana’s city. The top of Laggala is flat as that is believed to have resulted from being hit by the Brahmasthram weapon after Lord Rama had fired it from Dunuvila for killing Ravana on this rock.
Continue our journey to Kandy (45 mnts drive) and check-in to our hotel.
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Kandy
Day 06: Kandy – City tour – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
After breakfast, we depart at 8:30am to visit Pinnawala Elephant orphanage for afternoon milk feeding at 1.15 p.m. Bottle feeding of the baby elephants is the highlight event of the place. We will also see the daily routine of care for baby elephants and other abandoned elephants.
Thereafter we drive around the Kandy lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and bazaar, the arts and crafts centre. We proceed for sightseeing tour of Kandy, including visit to a gem factory where you will see gems of all types that are found in Sri Lanka. Finally you will see artisans in a workroom where you will see how the gems are cut and polished.
This evening we will see the traditional Rangahala Local Culture Show(Kandyan Dance).
We visit The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Dalada Maligawa is believed to house the ‘tooth relic’ of the Lord Buddha. This is a major shrine where pilgrims have revered Buddha’s tooth since the 16th century.
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Kandy
Day 07: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Tea factory – Ramboda Falls – Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple – Gayathri Peedam
Today after breakfast at 8:00am we drive to Nuwara Eliya which resembles an old English town, complete with a lake, race track, well- kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican Church and an 18 hole golf course. We visit Sari & batik centre.
Upon arrival we proceed to visit a tea factory to see glimpse of the fascinating process that goes into making how the world’s favorite drink is prepared.
On the way we will visit the Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple in Ramboda (Temple opens for puja at 12:00pm). After puja and darshan, we proceed to visit Ramboda Falls a 109 m high waterfalls one the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Ramboda is an area, where the forces of Rama’s gathered to fight against King Ravana. The hills of Ramboda are also believed where Hanuman was searching for Sita Devi. The Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka has built an Anjaneyar temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity. This temple is called Sri Baktha Hanuman temple and the image of Lord Hanuman here is 16 Feet tall.
Note:
- Senior citizen passengers can travel from the coach park to the temple by Tuk Tuk.
In the afternoon we visit the Gayathri Peedam in Nuwara Eliya. This is believed to be the place from where King Ravana’s son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and pooja’s and in turn was granted super natural powers by lord Shiva.
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Nuwara Eliya
Day 08: Nuwara Eliya – Sita Amman temple – Hakgala gardens.
This morning after breakfast, at 9:00am we proceed to visit Sita Amman temple. Then we visit Hakgala gardens known as Ashok Vatika – one of the pleasure gardens of King Ravana and Isthripura, where the exotic cave has a picturesque cascading waterfall that was in existence 2000 years ago.
We continue our journey and visit Gayatri temple
Then proceed to Nuwara Eliya and walk around city area and visit local fruit & vegetable market and bazaar.
Sita Amman temple – (Approximately 20 Minutes Drive)
Sitadevi was kept in queen Mandothari’s palace until she was moved to Sita Kotua and then on to Ashoka Vatika. The stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her stay at Ashoka Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. Now there is a temple erected for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Lakshmana and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hanuman’s are found by this river – some small and some large.
The prominent temple architecture will not fail to attract your attention. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on one side of the temple. The temple today is a modern building with its paintings, statues and pillars decorated with sculptures; all depicting the tale of Rama and Sita.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens – This is the exotic pleasure garden where King Ravana kept the depressed Sita, insisting that she marries him. It was here where the heartwarming meeting took place between her and Hanuman, who brought her Rama’s ring with the news that Rama was looking for her.
He offered to carry her back but she refused saying it would be an insult to Rama’s honor if she did so. Part of this majestic garden still exists. It is also said that Hanuman nearly destroyed it in order to prove to Ravana of the forces against him.
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Nuwara Eliya
Day 09: Nuwara Eliya – Divurumpola – Ravana falls – Ravana Caves – Yala
After breakfast we board our coach at 8:30am and proceed from Nuwara Eliya to Yala. Our journey will cover a distance of approximately 200 KM and will take 5hrs.
En-route we will visit Divurumpola temple, Ravana falls and Ravana Caves.
Ravana Falls is another must visit in Ella. Hill country of Sri Lanka is quite popular for beautiful waterfalls and Ravana Falls is right at the top. The falls are quite impressive, and you can climb over some of the rocks to get a closer look.
The falls have been named after the legendary character Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. At the time, the cave was surrounded with thick forests in the midst of wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall.
Divurumpola Temple (Approximately 60 mins Drive): situated in Nuwara Eliya Welimada road, this is the place where Sitadevi, after being liberated from King Ravana was subjected to a test to prove here chastity by offering herself to the fire, underwent “Agni Pariksha” (test). However, she came unscathed and proved her holiness during this ritual at this place.
It is a popular place of worship among locals in this area. Divurumpola means place of oath in Sinhala. The legal system permits and accepts the swearing done at this temple while settling disputes between parties.
Note: Divurmpola means a place where one takes an oath.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Yala
Day 10: Yala – Jeep Safari – Ussangoda – Kataragamam Temple
Today early in the morning at 5:45am with packed breakfast, we proceed to enjoy a Jeep Safari game drive to Yala National Park – Sri Lanka’s most famous National Park popular for herds of Elephants, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Crocodiles, Mongoose, Sambhur, Wild Buffalos, Wild Boars, various species of Birds and many other wild animals. We return to the hotel at 09:00am for breakfast. Free time at leisure.
Thereafter at 4:00pm, we proceed to visit Ussangoda is one of the torched areas, which is said to have been an airport used by King Ravana. According to Hindu puranas, Ussangoda was one of the landing strips of Ravana’s Pushpaka Vimana.
According to Ramayana, after meeting Sita Devi, Lord Hanuman decided to test the strength of the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. In the event that unfolded Lord Hanuman’s tail was set on fire by the Rakshasas, who in turn went on to torch some parts of King Ravana’s empire.
Then drive towards Kataragama temple, a place of peace and meditation, religions coming together to celebrate life.
Kataragama temple
This is the temple of the Lord Karthikeya Subramanian at Katharagama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battle field by Lord Indra on the last day of the war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahmaastharam shot by King Ravana which otherwise would have weakened Lord Rama. Brahmaastharam aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya
Today Kataragama is a place of worship for Buddhists, Hindus and some Muslims. This is a very popular place of pilgrimage for south Indian Hindus. Legend has it that God Kataragama came from India, married a jungle girl from Sri Lanka and lived here
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Yala
Day 11: Rumasela – Seenigama Temple – Ahungalla
Today after breakfast at 08:00am we continue our tour and visit Vishnu temple.
Then visit Rumasela hills in Galle (Approximately 3 ½ Hrs Drive) and Seenigama Temple in Hikkaduwa.
Rumasela, at various times during the war, both Lords Rama and Lakshmana were hit by powerful arrows, and had fallen unconscious. At these times, Lord Hanuman had been instructed to fetch the life saving herbs from the jungles of Himalaya to bring them back to life. Mighty Hanuman had gone to the Himalayan hills and lifted the whole hill and brought it back, as he was unable to identify the life saving herbs by himself. Parts of the hill is said to have fallen in five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolukanda near Heripitiya, Ritigala near Habarana, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north.
Thereafter proceed to visit Seenigama Temple, Hikkaduwa. (Approximately 20 Minutes Drive)
Seenigama Temple, Hikkaduwa, the southern most part of Sri Lanka is called Dondra and further up towards the west you arrive at Seenigama Hikkaduwa. This is said to be the place from where Sugreeva, king of the Vanara’s (monkeys) started his onslaught on King Ravana’s forces.
En route we see the Sunami struck village and visit the Moon stone factory. Then proceed for Bentota and check-in at our hotel. In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay at RIU Hotel Ahungalla (Junior Suite – Non Sea view – A 24 hour All Inclusive Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Ahungalla
Day 12: Ahungalla – Madu River Boat Safari & Turtle Hatchery Tour
Today after breakfast at 9:00am we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and proceed to visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda. The turtle conservation project in Kosgoda is a famous attraction among the tourists. In addition to the hatching, they also have tanks for injured or disabled turtles, including albino turtles that would not survive in the sea.
Then we proceed on a memorable Boat Safari in Madu river and experience an exciting ride through the mangrove caves to visit some beautiful riverside attractions. You will be able to enjoy fish therapy and visit a cinnamon island & island temple during this boat tour.
Later return to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Ahungalla
Day 13: Ahungalla – Kelaniya (Vibeeshana) Temple – Colombo City tour
After breakfast free time at leisure. After lunch at 1:30pm we proceed for Colombo.
En-route we visit Kelaniya (Vibeeshana) Temple – After King Ravana’s death, Vibeeshana was coroneted as King of Lanka by Lakshmana at Kelaniya. There are murals enshrined outside the Buddhist temple depicting the crowning of Vibeeshana. The Kelani River is mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayana and Vibeeshana palace was said to be on the banks of this river. The reason Lakshmana crowned Vibeeshana, was because Rama had to return to India as he had to continue his self-exile of 14 years to honour the commitment to his father, King Dasarath of Ayodhya.
Then we depart for Colombo. Upon arrival, we proceed for sightseeing city tour of Colombo.
We drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. We visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Parliament, past the National Museum, Sea Street – the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Petta, the bustling Bazaar area, a Gangarama Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749.
The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at.
We will also visit the BMICH(from outside), see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.
Later proceed to check-in to our hotel in Colombo.
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Colombo
Day 14: Colombo – Anjaneyar temple
After breakfast we visit the Anjaneyar Temple. This is the first Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka
and also the only Panchamuga (five faced) Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka. It’s the only temple in the world to have a chariot for Anjanyear. The chariot festival is held annually end December to beginning of January. Sri Anjaneyar Temple is located in the Dehiwala-Mount lavinia area of Colombo. It is about 30-45 mins from the main area of Colombo. The temple has Sri Hanuman as the main deity. Panchamukha Hanuman is a five faced idol of Lord Hanuman in the temple. The temple also has idols of Nandi, Navagraha, Rama, Sita, Ganesha and Jain idol of Lord Parshwanath to worship. There is a Shani temple right opposite to this temple which is also constructed and run by the same trust.
Later return to Colombo and go for shopping at House of Fashions, the famous shopping store. We will also visit Gen museum and go for shopping at Arpico Super Centre Supermarket.
In the evening Indian dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Colombo
Day 15: Colombo – Flight to London
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel, board our coach and depart for Bandaranaike International Airport Colombo to board our flight for London.
Meals: Breakfast
Welcome to England. On arrival at London Heathrow Airport, follow signs for arrival/baggage claim, clear immigration, collect baggage and follow sign for exit.
** Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday. **
