SRILANKA TOUR (05 NIGHTS / 06 DAYS)
TRINCOMALEE-KANDY-NUWARA-ELIYA-ELLA-YALA-GALLE-BENTOTA-COLOMBO
DAY 01 [COLOMBO– TRINCOMALEE– APPROX 05.30 HRS DRIVE]
Arrival to Sri Lanka, Welcome by Our Representative at the Airport and proceed to Trincomalee enroute visit Manavari Temple: When the Vimana was passing over Munishwaram, he felt the Vimana vibrating, and realized the Brahmaasti Dosham was not following him at this particular point. He stopped the Vimana at this juncture and asked god Lord Shiva for advice. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised installing and praying at four lingams located at Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham. The first lingam was installed at Manavari about 5km from here, near the banks of the Deduru Oya. At the Manavari Temple Chilaw Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed by Rama and till date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in world named after Lord Rama.
Muneshwaram Temple:It is believed that Munishwaram predates the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was located here. Munishwaram means the first temple for Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). A Shiva Lingam was already here when Lord Rama visited this 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 a Bramhaasthi Dosham (a malevolent black shadow) as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin.
Then proceed to Trincomalee
Check-in Hotel & relax
Dinner & Overnight stay in Trincomalee
DAY 02 [TRINCOMALEE –KANDY- APPROX 05 HRS DRIVE]
After breakfast visit toKoneswaram temple of Trincomalee or Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple – The Temple of the Thousand Pillars and Dakshina-Then Kailasam is a classical-medieval Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee, a Hindu religious pilgrimage centre in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.
Thereafter leave for the hill capital of Kandy, Discover the 8th wonder of the world – the Sigiriya Rock Fortress from outside only no entrance Dating back to the 5th Century A.D, this astounding ‘city’ on the summit of a high outcrop was the royal citadel of King Kassapa for over 18 years. A miraculous feat of artistry and engineering, its unique features and exquisite frescoes continue to amaze all who visit it, even today. In Sigiriya Rock Fort you can visit the Lion Paw. It is in main entrance.
Thereafter visiting a spice garden at Matale en route. Our spices have been sought after for centuries, and continue to be a celebrated export, even today.
Thereafter visit to Gem Gallery in Kandy, Wood carving
Evening: Round off your day with a Cultural Dance show, where the vibrant costumes and pulsating rhythms of traditional dance forms from centuries old rituals will enthrall you.
Dinner & Overnight stay in Kandy
DAY 03 [KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA – APPROX 03 HRS DRIVE]
After breakfast enjoy a city tour of Kandy – the last kingdom of the Sinhalese, taking in the sights of Upper Lake Drive and the Market Square on the way to pay homage to one of the most sacred religious sites in Sri Lanka. The Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Maligawa is believed to house the ‘tooth relic’ of the Lord Buddha. A walk around the town will let you indulge in some souvenir hunting with intricate treasures in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony, bronze, ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewelry and reed-ware to choose from.
Thereafter head ‘up country’ and the city of Nuwara Eliya, visiting the Ramboda waterfalls and Tea Plantation & Tea Factory & Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple along the way.
The old colonial outpost still referred to as ‘Little England’ Nuwara Eliya certainly lives up to its name. Perched 6200 feet above sea level, the climate too, adds to the illusion of one stepping into an old English town, where neat hedges, quaint cottages and beautiful old buildings stand as serene as they did well over a century ago – the magnificent Grand Hotel presiding over them all. There is, of course, an old golf course as well as horse racing events to complete the picture.
Sita Amman Temple: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.
Check-in Hotel & relax
Dinner & Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
DAY 04 [NUWARA ELIYA-ELLA-YALA - APPROX 03.30 HRS DRIVE]
After breakfast proceed to Yala via Ella enroute visit Hakgala Botanical Garden(Ashok Vatika) - Hakgala Botanical Gardens(Ashok Vatika):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.
Then visit to Ravana Falls, Ravana cave & Divurumpol (Agni Pratiksha)
Ella is a quiet hill country town that draws visitors to its cool climate and its picturesque setting deep in the heart of the ‘up country’. Steeped in the ancient legend of Rama and Sita from the Indian epic -the Ramayana, most significant natural landmarks are named after King Ravana – the local god who kidnapped the princess. The myriad locations connected to the legend are well worth visiting and the cascading torrent of Ravana Ella waterfall too is a breath-taking sight. The towering mass of Ella Rock presides regally over the area and the mountain pass known as Ella Gap offers spectacular views right across the distant valleys all the way to the South Coast. The little town of Ella is far from a scenic stopover, but a truly charming and beautiful haven to spend a few relaxing days of fresh mountain air and unforgettable vistas.
Evening visit to Tamil Hindus of Sri Lanka and South India refer to the place as Katirkamam. Katirkaman is associated with Skanda-Murukan. Saivite Hindus of South India call him Subrahmanya as well. He is known as Kandasamy, Katiradeva, Katiravel, Kartikeya, and Tarakajith. Some of these names are derived from the root katir from Katirkamam. "Katir" means formless light. The Deity is depicted with six faces and twelve hands or one face and four hands. Out of love for Murugan and to mitigate bad karma, bhaktars pierce their cheeks and tongues with vels, pull large chariots carrying murthi of Murugan with large hooks pierced through the skin of their backs. This practice is known as kavadi. Murugan's vahana or vehicle is Mayil, the peacock.
Check-in Hotel & relax
Dinner & Overnight stay in Yala
DAY 05 [YALA SAFARI-BENTOTA- APPROX 04.30 DRIVE]
Morning:Set off at dawn on an exciting wildlife safari at Yala National Park (05.30 – 09.30 AM). The second largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is known to hold the highest concentration of leopard in the world. The vast extent of the park is mainly scrub jungle with rocky outcrops and dotted with many salt and fresh water lagoons. Elephant, leopard, sloth bear, crocodile, wild buffalo and sambur thrive here, as well as herds of spotted deer, wild boar, langur and macaque monkeys and many small mammals. Over 130 species of birds can be seen with peacocks being a common sight. The bordering coastline also forms a major nesting ground for marine turtles.
Thereafter proceed to Bentota en-route visit to Coconut Tree Hill and Galle Fort
The Heritage city of Galle. For centuries Galle has stood strong against invasions - from colonial powers and nature’s volatile outbursts. The famous Dutch Fort was first built by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch and preserved by the British. Battered daily for over 400 years by the ocean it even survived the onslaught of a tsunami and is enjoyed today by residents and visitors alike. The colonial architecture of the walled city too has resisted the advance of modernity and holds tightly to its past glory.
Enroute visit Turtle Hatchery at Kosgoda - a successful conservation effort established to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction.
Madu river Boat Ride -The bio-diversity of the Madu River is of monumental signification when considering the wide ranges of aquatic and avian life as well as wetland dwelling amphibians, reptiles, mammals that inhabit the environs of this natural treasure. A total of 11 species of agnatic mollusks and 14 land dwelling mollusks are found in this system. 70 species of fish, 31 types of reptiles, and 50 kinds of butterflies are just some of colorful array of wildlife that inhabits this abundantly bustling eco-system. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that 111 species of bird have been identified in the mangrove formed environs of the river, and has been known to host several types of migratory birds.
Check-in Hotel & relax
Dinner & Overnight stay in Bentota
DAY 06 [BENTOTA CITY TOUR-COLOMBO-AIRPORT-APPROX 04.30 HRS DRIVE]
After Breakfast proceed to Colombo, Once in Colombo do city tour of Colombo including Gangaramaya Temple
Sri Lanka’s former capital city, Colombo is easily the largest metropolis in the country. It is still the commercial and entertainment hub with many corporate buildings, restaurants, shopping malls, spas, hotels and nightclubs. If you want to have an active urban nightlife and do a spot of shopping then Colombo is your place. One thing unique you’re bound to find in the heart of Colombo is the tree-lined main streets adding to the idea that this truly is a tropical paradise. Stand under one of the towering streets in the afternoon sun and you’re bound to cool off. Colombo also has a massive park named after both Queen Victoria and Sri Lankan princes Vihara Maha Devi, and is situation along the island’s Western Coastline boasting some of the world’s best city sunsets every evening. Sit on an open terrace, sip Margaritas and watch the golden-orange sky dance tones of blue and purple as night begins to fall & visit to Galle face green as well.
Later enjoy Colombo city shopping. There you can visit Pettah Market. And also there are wide varieties of shopping complexes within the Colombo city all of them are with all the facilities. Most of the shopping malls are fully Wi-Fi enabled. If you are looking goods for lesser prices Pettah bazaar is the ideal location. You can buy almost anything you want but this is always busy and crowded. If you move along the Gall road you can find shopping malls like Majestic City, Liberty Plaza and Crescat which are very popular among locals as well. You can buy garments, handicrafts, books, leather goods and many more. Prices are very competitive. ODEL and Arina are other shopping malls which are very popular among tourists. The shops in Main Street of Pettah mostly sell readymade garments.
Thereafter proceed to the Colombo Airport to catch your flight back home accompanied with all the happy memories of the tropical isle; Sri Lanka once known as TAPROBANE.
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