Ramayana Trail - 1

• On arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport, you will be meet and greeted by Travel Arcade representative and proceed to Anuradhapura, a historical city known for its ancient ruins and sacred sites.
• Along the way, we will visit two important sites of Ramayana trail, Muneeshwaram Temple and Maanavari Temple.
• After a spiritually enriching day, we will proceed to Anuradhapura.
• Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Muneeshwaram Temple: Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya in one of King Ravana’s Vimana’s. He felt that he was being followed by “Brahmahasthi Dosham” as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. He stopped the vimana at this juncture because he felt at this place the “Brahmahasthi Dosham” was not following him. He ascended from the vimana and asked God Shiva for a remedy. God Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him to install four lingams at Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India and pray, as the only remedy to get rid of the “Brahmahasthi Dosham”.

Maanavari Temple, the first place where Lord Rama installed the Siva Lingam and offered prayers after the war with King Ravana. This particular Lingam is known as Ramalingam, as it was created by Lord Rama himself.

• After breakfast, start your day by proceeding to Thiru Ketheswaram Temple, a significant Hindu temple located in Mannar, Sri Lanka. Take your time to explore and appreciate the architectural beauty and spiritual ambiance of the temple.
• On your way to Jaffna, make a stop at Ram Sethu Bridge, also known as Adam's Bridge. This iconic bridge holds mythological and historical significance and offers a picturesque setting for a memorable photo opportunity.
• In the afternoon, continue your journey to Jaffna, a vibrant city in the northern part of Sri Lanka. Jaffna is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes.
• Overnight stay in Jaffna.

Thiru Ketheswaram, is one of the sacred Lingams located in Sri Lanka. It holds significant importance as it was installed by Lord Rama himself during his time in Sr Lanka. Lord Rama prayed to this Lingam to seek relief from the Brahmahasthi Dosham, a malefic planetary affliction.

Ram sethu Bridge, also known as Adam's Bridge, is a natural formation consisting of a 48 KM long chain of sand dunes and limestone shoals. According to popular belief, this bridge was constructed by Lord Rama and his Vanara (monkey) army. It is said that Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Lord Rama, built this bridge to facilitate Rama's journey to Sri Lanka and rescue his wife Sita, who had been abducted by the Sri Lankan king Ravana.

• After breakfast, proceed to Naagapooshani Amman and Nilavari.
• In the afternoon, continue your journey to Trincomalee, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites.
• Overnight stay in Trincomalee.

Naagapooshani Amman Temple: It is believed that this is the location where the Lord Hanuman was tested by Surasa Devi, the mother of Nagas' for his valor and intelligence.

Nilavari: When Lord Rama's army entered Lanka, they took positions on different sides to attack King Ravana and his army. The army that was situated on the northern side faced a severe water crisis. Lord Rama at this juncture shot a powerful arrow into the ground and water sprung out immediately. This well is situated at this very spot called Nilawarai in Puthoor.

• After breakfast, start your day by visiting the Thiru Koneswaram Temple. After exploring the temple, proceed to the Kanniya Hot Wells
• In the afternoon, continue your journey to Ramboda.
• Overnight stay in Ramboda.

Thiru Koneswaram Temple holds historical and religious significance, as it was built by sage Agasthyar as per the instructions of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana and rewarded him by having a temple built in his honor. Lord Rama also offered prayers here to rid himself of the Brahmahasthi Dosham.

Kanniya Hot Wells, according to legend, this is the place where King Ravana performed the last rites for his mother. When he couldn't find water to perform the rites, he became angry and pierced the ground with his trishul seven times. Water immediately started gushing out, and it is said that the temperature of the water varies in each of the seven wells, symbolizing the subsiding of the king's anger.

• Breakfast at the hotel or Ashramam.
• Visit Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple and proceed to Ella, enjoying the scenic journey.
• Enroute, visit Gayathri Peedam, Sita Amman Temple and Divurumpola.
• Overnight stay in Ella.

Baktha Hanuman Temple, Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple, built in honor of Hanuman, who on the hills of Ramboda, was searching for Setadevi.

Gayathri Peedam: Gayathripeedam 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.

Sita Amman Temple, there is a stream by the side of the temple. It is believed that Sitadevi bathed in the stream. It is interesting to note that footprints akin to Lord Hanuman's are found on the rocks along this river and some are of small size, and some are of large size, which indicating the immense power of Lord Hanuman transforming himself into any size.

Divurumpola, this is the place where Sitadevi underwent the "Agni" test.

• After breakfast, you will proceed to visit the Ravana Caves and Ravana Falls.
• In the afternoon, you will continue your journey to Katharagama. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to visit the Katharagama Temple.
• Overnight stay in Katharagama.

Ravana Cave: These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. These tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret passage. These tunnels networked all the important cities, airports and dairy farms.

Katharagama Temple: This is the temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Lord Indra on the last day of war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahmaasthram shot by King Ravana which otherwise would have weakened Lord Rama. Brahmaasthram aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya

• After breakfast, you will proceed to Colombo.
• Enroute, you will visit Ussangoda, a unique geological formation known for its red soil and stunning coastal views.
• Next, you will visit Devundara (seenigama), a famous temple located near the sea.
• You will also make a stop at Rumassala Sanjeevani Drops, a natural herbal garden known for its medicinal plants.
• Finally, you will visit the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, a sacred site with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
• Overnight stay in Colombo.

Ussangoda: According to Ramayana, after meeting Sitadevi Lord Hanuman decided to test the strength of the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. In the events 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. It is believed that Ussanggoda is one of the torched areas, which is said to have been an airport used by King Ravana.

Rumassala Sanjeevani Drops: During the war, both lord Rama and Lakshmana were hit by powerful arrows, fell unconscious and to bring them back to life Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch the lifesaving herbs from Himalaya. Lord Hanuman went to Himalayas, lifted the whole hill and brought it, as he was not able to identify the lifesaving herbs alone. It is believed that parts of the hill fell on five places in Sri lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north.

Kelaniya Buddhist Temple: It is believed that Kelaniya is the place from where King Vibeeshana ruled after being crowned by Lakshmana. As Lord Rama was in exile for 14 years, could not take part in any coronation ceremony, deputed his younger brother Prince Lakshmana to crown Vibeeshana.

• After having breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to the airport for your departure flight.