Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean known for its spectacular beaches, thousand-year-old Buddhist temples, an abundance of wildlife, and rich archaeological history. The plethora of water sports, breathtaking sunsets, sprawling tea gardens and of course, mouth-watering Sri Lankan food, are sure to make you fall in love with this gorgeous place. Rich in culture, Sri Lanka is an intriguing blend of well-preserved local traditions amalgamated with rapid urbanization. With eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted across this tiny country, it is no wonder that it was named the best country to visit in the world in 2019 by Lonely Planet. Drawing its influence from its neighbouring countries of the Indian sub-continent and South-East Asia, Sri Lanka is a must-visit for those looking for the best of everything.
Galle
The port city of Galle is situated along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Primarily known for the famous Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has played a significant role in the country’s lengthy colonial history. Housing innumerable and diverse attractions within its precincts, the Galle Fort is undoubtedly the highlight of the city. The attractions include the Dutch Reformed Church, Old Dutch Hospital, Galle Clock Tower and Galle Lighthouse. The National Maritime Museum, also located at the fort, offers fascinating insights into the country’s maritime history; some of the objects on display are believed to be more than 800 years old! If you’re looking to explore the fort at a leisurely pace and understand its features, there are a plethora of fabulous hotels that you could stay at, most notably the 17th-century building-turned-luxury resort Amangalla.
Sigiriya Ancient Rock Fortress town
Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, Sigiriya serves as a fine example of ancient urban planning. Sigiriya is a significant site of the Cultural Triangle and perhaps Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical destination. The site, also known as Lion Rock, is recognized all over the world for the remains of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and its numerous enchanting and well-preserved attractions. The complex hydraulics system at the fortress enhances the site’s reputation as a beautiful example of classical city planning.
Ella Natural facets of beauty
Ella is a beautiful town located in the Badulla district of the Uva Province in Sri Lanka. The pride of Sri Lanka, Ella showcases some fantastic views of the valleys, tea gardens and cafes while offering a pleasant climate throughout the year. The town is most famous for its iconic nine arches railway bridge which is a fine example of colonial-era construction in Sri Lanka. A trek down the railway track to the bridge is a popular activity, especially around the time the train arrives. There are numerous quaint cafes, walking trails and guest houses nestled in the hills for a peaceful getaway. One can also visit the famous Lipton’s Seat where the tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton would oversee his ever-expanding empire.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park was originally a hunters arena during British colonial rule but now has the highest population of leopards on earth. Not only animals but it also provide a quaint environment for birds as well. It is Sri Lanka’s largest national park with a total area of 900 Sq Km. Yala National Park attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year due to its high density of leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and deers.
Kandy
Kandy is a prominent Sri Lankan city found precisely in the middle of the country. A city of both historical as well as religious importance, Kandy is renowned for being the site of the Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic, unarguably the most famous among all the temples of Sri Lanka. Kandy is also home to numerous remarkable museums and scenic attractions. Kandy is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in 1988.
Mirissa
Mirissa, what was a faint old beach town on the Southern of Sri Lanka has risen to be one of the most popular surfing and whale watching destination. The beach town is situated 150 kms south of Colombo and is dotted with palm trees, blue waters and colourful boats adorning the shores. Mirissa has a beautiful view along by the million things to do over here – Whale watching, Snorkelling, Surfing, Bodyboarding. The city offers the right balance between the calm days and lively nights by the beach.
Bentota
Bentota is a rural, beach and resort town located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, around 62 kms from the capital city, Colombo. Bentota is famously known for the Bentota Beach, which is loved by tourists and locals alike. The town known for its pristine waters and lush green landscapes, with the dominance of tall palm trees. Interestingly, the name ‘Bentota’ is derived from Ben, a demon who once ruled the Tota or river bank.
Colombo The Heart of Sri Lanka
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s prime city. The official capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, is also within the urban area of Colombo, so Colombo is often called the capital of Sri Lanka as well. The city has a rich colonial heritage, and also some very scenic and popular attractions. Colombo is arguably Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destination. The coastal city is a beautiful place to spend a couple of days just relaxing, indulging in the local food, and leisure activities. It has a good collection of attractions to serve just this purpose, like the Galle Face Green, the Beira lake, and the Viharamahadevi Park, which are popular places for picnics and also for you to spend some quality time with your loved one. The city still has many structures from the colonial period and early history.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a historical paradise as it houses several heritage monasteries, palaces and monuments. It is known for its vast dagobas or brick stupas, ancient ponds and pools and magnificent temples. The city was established as the first capital of Sri Lanka in 377 BC. It was also at this time that Anuradhapura rose to prominence as a seat of political and economic importance.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated at an altitude 2,100–2,300 metres and located in Central Sri Lanka. It is a government protected area which is surrounded by massive cloudy forests and never-ending grasslands. Horton Plains National Park is a popular destination to visit the famed ‘World’s End Cliff’, a long, steep plunge of 880m where the plateau comes to a dramatic stop.
Unawatuna
When in Sri Lanka be sure to pay a visit to Unawatuna which is in the southern part of Sri Lanka, 6 km from Galle. Known for its beautiful beaches, hip cafes, trendy restaurants and plenty of sightseeing make Unawatuna an attraction for tourists as well as the locals who are looking for a weekend getaway. There are many different places which you may choose to stay at while at Unawatuna and there is something available for every budget. However, the main attraction of the place is the famous banana-shaped, golden beach. You can relax, unwind or have a relaxing time at the beach or take a dip in the cold water.
Jaffna
Jaffna is probably Sri Lanka’s most historical city located at the northern tip on the country and the city from time to time had been passed under the rule of various kingdoms, governments and the armies. Unlike the country’s southern parts which are more influenced and in a way controlled by the Buddhist and the Sinhalese, the northern realms including Jaffna have a strong influence of the Tamil and the Hindu cultures. Historically, it was the centre of the LTTE power struggle to capture the city in 1995 which resulted in the devastating Battle of Jaffna.
Dambulla
Dambulla is the city of the ancient. Along with being a major tourist destination, it is also a major commercial joint in the country of Sri Lanka due to its location. It is the centre of the vegetable distribution in the city. Other than that, the town is widely known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Golden Temple and the Buddhist Cave temple. Due to its religious and spiritual monuments, the town has a very peaceful environment. The city has become a representation of the countries rich and elegant history and culture. Polonnaruwa History along with a homely experience Polonnaruwa, a marvel of a place, is in Northern Sri Lanka. The city once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa under the Chola Empire in the 10th century. This makes it the second most historic kingdom in Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura.The entire town has two sections – the development and infrastructure part called the Polonnaruwa new town and the Old Site with ancient remains and monarchical structures.
Matara
In the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, lies the beach city of Matara. Located 160 km from Colombo, Matara has a stronghold in the teardrop island – in terms of scenic shores, Buddhist temples, a frolicking local life and authentic food. The name Matara translates to “Great ferry” which refers to the large seaport that facilitated immense volumes of trade. The Matara beach and the nearby Polhena beach is a humble abode for the local fisherman and traders. The Buddha temple
Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa is a Sri Lankan city rich in history and lies between Karunagala and Anuradhapura. A short-lived capital of the country in the 13th century, Yapahuwa was the site of preservation of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Fortifications and a moat surround the Yapahuwa Rock Fortress which limited the access to the city. A steep stairway that probably led to the Temple of the Tooth is the main attraction of this ancient city. The stairway is adorned with exquisite stone carvings; among them, the Yapahuwa Lion is the most popular and is reminiscent of the Chinese Lion. At the top of the staircase stands an imposing stone doorway, which opens into the now-empty temple. Some historians state that this was the site of the royal palace.
Ramayana Tour In Sri Lanka
The legend of Ramayana is one of the most important scriptures of Hindu mythology. While there are numerous sites in India that conform to the Hindu legend, they are not the only ones. In fact, the Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka is highly popular among the locals as well as the tourists visiting the island country. The legend of Ramayana in Sri Lanka has often made us wonder about the beauty of the Ashok Vatika, the battlefield where the two armies fought, and more. And the Sri Lanka Ramayana tour is just the perfect blend of a pilgrimage and a holiday covering much of these places of religious significance, along with
some other beautiful attractions.
But before we actually have a look at what the itineraries of the Ramayana tour of Sri Lanka look like, we give to you the most important tourist places covered in the tour. Have a look.
Ramayana Tour In Sri Lanka: 10 Tourist Places To Cover
Here is a list of some of the popular and most beautiful Ramayana related places in Sri Lanka that you’ll be exploring during the tour. If you are interesting in visiting all the mythological sites, thn you msut include these places to your Sri Lanka itinerary.
Chilaw is a large town in the Puttalam District of Sri Lankas North Western Province. The destination is locally known for its 3 Cs; namely coconuts, crabs, and Coreas (freedom fighters Charles Edgar Corea & Victor Corea who, with the help of Mahatma Gandhi, founded the Chilaw Association and the Ceylon National Congress). But it is its religious significance that makes it such an important tourist destination. The destination is known for its Manavari & Munneswaram temples that are a part of the Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka. Munneswaram Temple: The legend mentions that after defeating King Ravana, Lord Rama left for Ayodhya in the Pushpak Viman but felt that he was being followed by Brahmahathi Dosham (the curse of killing a Brahmin). But he stopped here as he felt that the Dosham wasnt following him here. He prayed to Lord Shiva who advised him to install and pray at four lingams in Manavari, Thiru Koneswaram, Thiruketheeswaram, and Rameshwaram to get rid of the Dosham. Manavari Temple or Ramalinga Shivan: According to the legend, it is here that Lord Rama first installed a Shiva lingam. It is the only lingam in the world that is named after Lord Rama other than Rameshwaram.
Trincomalee
The beachside town is known for its golden sandy beaches and Thiru Koneswaram Temple that sits idyllically at the edge of a cliff. The temple is said to have been built by Agastya Rishi on the instructions of Lord Shiva on being impressed by King Ravanas devotion. It is also said that Lord Rama built the second lingam here to get rid of the Brahmahathi Dosham.
Kandy
The UNESCO-listed world heritage site of Kandy is a serene plateau town. Though it isnt actually a Ramayana site, it is just as religious. The Temple of the Tooth Relic that holds the relic of Buddha is the highlight of the place. The peaceful vibes, enormous golden statue of Buddha, and a single glimpse of the tooth relic preserved in this temple are sure to bring a sense of calm to your soul. Other attractions: Kandyan Dance performance & fire walk, Kandy Lake, and Market Square
Ramboda
Ramboda is a village in the Central province of Sri Lanka that is famous for its 109m-high Ramboda waterfalls and Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple. The temple was built by Chinmaya Mission on the hills where Lord Hanuman is believed to have begun the search mission for Goddess Sita.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, the City of Lights, is a resort city in the Central Mountain range of Sri Lanka. The city is known for its Gayathri Pedam, Seetha Amman Temple, & Divurumpola that are a part of the Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka. You’ll get a chance to revisit the past at these iconic temples that serve as milestones for the important incidents that occured in the Ramayana. Gayathri Pedam: One of the iconic Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka Seetha Amman Temple: This is the said to be the site of Ashok Vatika where Goddess Sita was held captive by King Ravana. Divurumpola: It is here, or so it is believed, that Goddess Sita was made to perform the fire test to prove her chastity and devotion to her husband Lord Rama after being freed from King Ravanas captivity.
Ella
Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province in Sri Lanka. The destination has a significant place in the Ramayana tour of Sri Lanka and is known for Ravana Ella Falls and Ravana Caves in Sri Lanka. The 1,080-feet-high waterfalls are named after the limestone caves atop the waterfall that is said to have been inhabited by King Ravana. Other than being one of the Ramayana places in Sri Lanka, this place also attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers owing to its sheer beauty.
Colombo
Colombo the capital city of Sri Lanka is home to two famous temples. The Anjaneyar temple is the only temple in the world to have a chariot of Anjaneya. The Kelaniya Temple, on the other hand, is believed to be the place where Vibheeshana was coronated as the king of Lanka after the death of his brother, King
Ravana.
Other attractions: Dutch Church of Wolfendhal, Dewatagaha Mosque, replica of Avukana Buddha at the BMICH, and Independence Square
Hasalaka
Hasalaka is a small village in Sri Lanka that is known for one of the most prominent Ramayana places in Sri Lanka. Seetha Kotuwa is a place that puts this place on the Ramayana trail. It is whereSeetha Devi was held captive before she was moved to Ashok Vatika. The legend also has it that this is where the city of Lankapura used to be. The beautiful palace of Queen Mandothri surrounded by waterfalls was located here. Other attractions: Gurulupotha Village
Kothmale
According to legend, Kothmale is one of the Ramayana related places in Sri Lanka where Seetha Devi dropped rice balls. It is believed that Ravana gave her those as refreshment but instead of eating them, she used them to help Lord Rama track here. If you visit the village, you can still see these rice balls served at local shops. Apparently, these are now known as Sitha goli and eaten to cure stomach disorders. Other attractions: Devon Falls, Kotmale Dam, Kadiyanlena Falls
Jaffna
Nilavarai, a small village in Jaffna, is one of the places in Sri Lanka related to Ramayana. The famous village is where Lord Rama created a water spring that never dies. The depth of the underground tank is unknown, and hence known as bottomless well. It is believed that Lord Rama shot an arrow in the ground to create a water spring for his army to deal with the water crisis during their fight with the Ravana.
Other Ramayana Sites In Sri Lanka