The Maya Sri Lankan Holidays 9-Day Ramayana Tour Itinerary

Itinerary Overview

The legend of Rama and Sita is a classic Indian tale and the Ramayana Tour takes you on an unforgettable journey following the landmarks of its trail. Your tour will take you from Sri Lanka’s scenic west coast to the hill capital of Kandy and deeper into the mountains, a journey of breathtaking scenery and historical stories worth revisiting. Heading back down to the South coast, you will also visit the holy shrine of Kataragama where devotees of every kind gather from near and far.

Destinations Covered: Chilaw – Dambulla – Sigiriya – Trincomalee – Kandy –Ramboda – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Katharagama – Yala – Ambalantota – Galle – Colombo

Day 1: Arrival in Sri Lanka – Chilaw - Dambulla Drive Time: 4.5 hours | Distance: 175 km

Chilw – Munneswaram temple, according to legend, temple is located at the place where King Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana) prayed to Lord Shiva after killing Ravana. And it is believed that King Rama stopped his vehicle at Munneswaram to get the blessing of Lord Siva.

Meet and greet at Bandaranaike International Airport

Travel to Chilw and explore the Munneswaram temple
Transfer to Dambulla

Overnight Stay: Dambulla

Day 2: Dambulla - Sigiriya -Trincomalee Drive Time: 2.5 hours | Distance: 175 km

Dambulla is known for its majestic cave temple complex, the largest and best-preserved in Sri Lanka. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dambulla Cave Temple features more than 150 Buddha statues and vibrant ceiling murals. Located atop a massive rock outcrop, the temple also offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

Sigiriya is a rock fortress in Sri Lanka that’s often associated with the Ramayana, particularly with Ravana, the demon king. While some believe Sigiriya was once Ravana’s palace, historical evidence points to it being a royal citadel built by King Kassapa I in the 5th century AD. The connection is primarily based on legends and local lore associating Sigiriya with Ravana’s Lanka.

Morning travel to Dambulla to explore the Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Transfer to Trincomalee Uppuveli beach and enjoy beach , crystal-clear water

Overnight Stay: Uppuveli

Day 3: Trincomalee - Kandy Drive Time: 4.5 hours | Distance: 180 km

Thiru Koneswaram Temple – The legend dictates that the Thiru Koneswaram Temple was built by Sage Agastya as directed by Lord Shiva since he was impressed by the devotion of Ravana towards him and thus is one of the important Ravana temples in Sri Lanka. According to the legends, Ravana, along with his mother, worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Morning Visit Koneswaram Temple for views and culture
Take a boat trip to coral reefs
Transfer to Kandy

Overnight Stay: Kandy

Day 4: Explore Kandy

Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by misty hills and centered around the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic — one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. The city’s colonial charm, scenic lake, and vibrant cultural life attract travelers from around the globe. Kandy also serves as the gateway to the Knuckles Mountain Range and central highlands. The Esala Perahera, a grand procession of dancers, elephants, and musicians held in July or August, is one of the most spectacular festivals in Asia.

Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Explore local markets for gems, antiques, and traditional clothing
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya

Overnight Stay: Kandy

Day 5: Kandy - Ramboda – Nuwara Eliya Drive Time: 3.5 hours | Distance: 85 km

Ramboda is believed to have been the rallying point where Rama marshaled his forces, bestowing upon it a sacred significance steeped in Hindu mythology. Constructed with devotion by the Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka, the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple beckons devotees and seekers from near and far. The Chariot Path in Ramboda, Sri Lanka, is a well-known Ramayana site believed to be the route Ravana took his chariot (Pushpaka Vimana) to transport Sita Devi. Specifically, the path connects the location where Sita was initially held (Sita Kotuwa) with Ashoka Vatika, her place of confinement. It’s situated on the Ramboda Hills along the Kandy-Nuwara Eliya main road and is characterized by a unique landscape of grassland with limited vegetation, supposedly due to the chariot’s impact.

Starting the journey to Nuwara Eliya in the morning (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

explore the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple en route
Visit to Ramboda Falls en route
Optional Hike to Chariot Path in Ramboda (There is a 10 km walk to go and come)

Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya

Day 6: Explore Nuwara Eliya – Ella Drive Time: 2 hours | Distance: 60 km

Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is a charming highland town with colonial buildings, rose gardens, and cool mountain air. Nestled in Sri Lanka’s tea country, it’s surrounded by lush plantations and beautiful waterfalls.

Seetha Eliya Seethai Amman Thirukkovil, also known as Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, is believed to be the site where Sita was held captive by the king Ravana, according to the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Sita prayed daily for her husband Rama to rescue her from this place.

According to folklore, the history of Hakgala Gardens dates to the time of Ramayana. It was the location where Sita, the wife of Rama, was held captive by Sri Lankan King Ravana after being kidnapped from India. The place finds mention in the Ramayana as Ashok Vatika

Visit Seethai Amman Thirukkovil
Visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens.
Visit Gregory Lake, tour Nuwara Eliya town, and optional explore a tea factory

Transfer to Ella

Overnight Stay: Ella

Day 7: Explore Ella – Katharagama Drive Time: 2.5 hours | Distance: 90 km

Ella is a relaxed mountain town set amidst lush greenery and tea plantations in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province. Ravana Falls and the nearby Ravana Cave & Temple are among Ella’s most captivating attractions, blending stunning natural scenery with deep-rooted legend. The 25-meter waterfall, framed by lush greenery, is both a peaceful retreat and a culturally significant site linked to the legendary King Ravana from the Ramayana. Whether you’re snapping photos, taking a dip, or simply enjoying the view, it’s a spot that shouldn’t be missed.

Visit the Nine Arches Bridge
Enjoy & Photograpy at Ravana Falls
Visit Ravana Cave and Buddhist temple
Transfer to Katharagama

Overnight Stay: Katharagama

Day 8: Katharagama – Yala – Ambalanthota Drive Time: 1.5 hours | Distance: 70 km

Kataragama is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred pilgrimage towns, visited by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Veddas (indigenous people). It’s famous for the Kataragama Devalaya, a temple complex dedicated to Lord Skanda (Murugan), attracting thousands of devotees during daily rituals and annual processions. The sacred Menik Ganga (River of Gems) is used for ritual bathing. During the Esala Festival, devotees engage in fire walking and intense religious observances. The town is peaceful outside festival seasons, and it’s also a gateway to Yala National Park.

Yala is the most visited national park in the country and is world-renowned for having the highest leopard density on Earth. This vast reserve blends grasslands, lagoons, forests, and scrub jungle to create a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species.

Early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park

Afternoon Visit the sacred Katharagama Temple

Transfer to Ambalanthota

Overnight Stay: Ambalanthota

Day 8: Ambalanthota – Galle – Colombo Drive Time: 4 hours | Distance: 240 km

Ambalanthota – Ussangoda National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka that is associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana and the character Ravana. It is believed to be the place where Ravana landed his Pushpaka Vimana (aircraft) and where Hanuman’s fire burned the land, resulting in the unique red soil. The park is known for its distinct red soil, sparse vegetation, and coastal location

Galle – Rumassala Mountain in Galle, Sri Lanka, is a significant site in the Ramayana epic, linked to the story of Ravana and Hanuman. The mountain is believed to be a part of the mountain Dronagiri that Hanuman carried to Sri Lanka to heal Lakshmana’s injuries, with a piece of it falling in this location. It’s considered a “beautiful rock” and a place of mystery due to its falls and connection to the Ramayana.

Morning excursion to Ussangoda National Park
Afternoon excursion to Rumassala Mountain

Transfer to Colombo

Overnight Stay: Colombo

Day 9: Colombo - Kelaniya - Departure Drive Time: 1 hour | Distance: 35 km

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, is associated with the Ramayana story through its connection to Prince Vibhishana, Ravana’s younger brother. Specifically, Vibhishana was crowned king of Lanka by Lakshmana at Kelaniya after Ravana’s death, making the temple a significant site in the Ramayana narrative.

Morning visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure

Optional Tour Upgrades

Luxury Accommodation Upgrades at Selected Destinations
Helicopter Scenic Ride Over the Hill Country or South Coast
Exclusive Dining Experiences and Cooking Classes
We will upgrades this itinerary as your requirement

End of Tour

For bookings, availability, or custom tour requests, please contact us at Maya Sri Lankan Holidays.