Ramayana Circuit Tour India and Sri Lanka

Itinerary

Day 1:The Holy Tour Commences

Attractions: Hanuman Garhi, Swarg Dwar, Treta Ke Thakur

On your arrival in Lucknow, our tour representative will greet and escort you to Ayodhya. Once you reach, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel and unwind. Thereafter, you will be taken to a sightseeing tour to the sites related to Ramayana. Visit Hanuman Garhi, Swarg Dwar, and Treta Ke Thakur. If time allows, you can visit other temples dedicated to Lord Shri Rama.

After the sightseeing tour, return to the hotel by evening for dinner and overnight stay.

The Trail Tale: After Lord Ram left Ayodhya with Maa Sita and Laxman, they reached the banks of Ganga. Nishadraj Guha, the ruler of the Nishad kingdom ferried them to the southern bank of Ganga.

Optional: Visit to other temples (charges extra)

Distance from Lucknow to Ayodhya: 140 km

Travel Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)

Day 2: A soulful evening at Triveni Sangam

Attractions: Hanuman Temple, Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Sangam

After having a sumptuous breakfast and checkout from the hotel. Now, head towards Allahabad, also known as Prayagraj. Apart from being mythologically one of the world’s oldest cities, Allahabad is among the revered places which Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman had visited during the exile.

On arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Register yourself at the hotel and relax. You can Go shopping and buy souvenirs. Later, visit Hanuman Temple in the city.

In the evening, attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Sangam – the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati Rivers. Witness the religious ceremonies and soak in the serene aura of this majestic place.

After a great day, return to the hotel for dinner and slip into your cozy bed for sound sleep.

The Trail Tale: After crossing the river Ganga; Lord Shri Rama, Devi Sita, and Laxman reached Prayag’s Triveni Sangam. Sage Bharadwaj advised them to stay near Chitrakoot. They crossed the river Yamuna on a raft and walked to reach Chitrakoot.

Distance from Ayodhya to Allahabad: 170 km

Travel Time: 4 hours (approx.)

Day 3: Take a day trip to Chitrakoot

Attractions: Ram Ghat, Bharat Milap Temple, Gupta Godavari cave, Spatik shila

Greet the day with a delicious breakfast and head towards Chitrakoot for a day-visit. It is believed to be a place where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman spend 12 years of their exile. This holy town is situated on the bank of Mandakini River. During the sightseeing tour, visit Ram Ghat, Bharat Milap Temple, Gupta Godavari cave and Spatikshila.

In the evening, return to the hotel in Allahabad for dinner and a night of restful sleep

The Trail Tale: Chitrakoot was the site of ‘Bharat Milap’. But when Lord Shri Rama refused to take the throne, Bharat took his slippers to Ayodhya and placed the same on the throne until Lord Rama’s return to the kingdom. Lord Rama had spent 11 years in Chitrakoot.

Distance from Allahabad to Chitrakoot: 130 km

Travel Time: 3 hours (approx.)

Day 4: Enjoy a leisure day in Nashik

Attractions: Leisure activities

Start your day with a toothsome breakfast, checkout from the hotel, and head towards the airport to board a flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, you will meet our tour representative and get transferred to Nashik in a private cab. This ancient city is one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites where Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. It is located in the Western Ghats along the Godavari River.

Upon your arrival, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel. The rest of the time is at your leisure. If time permits then you can enjoy shopping, visit Nashik Caves, Dudhsagar Falls, and Jain Temple (at your own cost).

Have a scrumptious dinner at the hotel and overnight stay in Nashik.

The Trail Tale: Chitrakoot was the site of ‘Bharat Milap’. But when Lord Shri Rama refused to take the throne, Bharat took his slippers to Ayodhya and placed the same on the throne until Lord Rama’s return to the kingdom. Lord Rama had spent 11 years in Chitrakoot.

Optional: Shopping, sightseeing (charges extra)

Distance from Allahabad to Mumbai (by air): 1162 km

Travel Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)

Distance from Mumbai to Nashik (by road): 170 km

Travel Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)

Day 5: Visit Panchvati and other religious sites

Attractions: Panchvati, Kalaram Mandir, Sit Gupha, Goraram Mandir, Ram Kund, Trimbakeshwar Temple

Kickstart your day with a nutritious breakfast and embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Nashik which includes Panchvati (situated on the left bank of River Godavari). You will also visit Kalaram Mandir, Sit Gupha, Goraram Mandir, and Ram Kund.

You can also visit Trimbakeshwar Temple, which is located 30 km from Nashik at the base of Brahmagiri Hills. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

When the sun sets, return to the hotel, savour a delectable dinner and slip into your bed for a refreshing sleep.

The Trail Tale: Sage Agasthya directed Lord Rama, Devi Sita, and Laxman to stay in Panchvati during their exile. Panchvati is a part of Dandakaranya Forest. The trio on exile moved deep into the forest, visited the hermitage of Atri, and sought his blessings. His wife, Anusuiya gave jewellery to Devi Sita as gift that she dropped in Kishkindha, while being abducted to Sri Lanka.

It was in Panchvati, where Suparnakha (Ravana’s sister) got disfigured by Laxman. Her brothers Khar and Dushan were killed by Rama and Laxman when they came to avenge their sister. Thus, Ravana hatched the plan to abduct Sita and executed it in Panchvati itself.

Day 6: Enjoy a leisure day in Bangalore

Attractions:Leisure activities

Wake up to a lovely day and refuel yourself with a wholesome breakfast. Complete the check-out formalities at the hotel. Now, head towards Mumbai airport to board a flight to Bangalore.

Your arrival in Bangalore is marked by our tour representative’s greetings at the airport. From here, you will be assisted to the hotel. After completing check-in formalities, was away the journey fatigue.

Rest of the time is at your leisure. You can indulge in shopping at MG Road, visit ISKCON Temple, Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, and Cubbon Park (at your own cost).

Refuel yourself with a filling dinner and hop on to your cozy bed for the night.

Optional: Shopping and visiting the city’s attractions (charges extra)

Distance from Mumbai to Bangalore (by air): 845 km

Travel Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes (approx.)

Day 7: Arrival in Hampi, the erstwhile Kiskinda Nagri

Attractions: Leisure day

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and checkout from the hotel. Now, proceed to Hampi, renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is surrounded by almost 1,600 ancient monuments, temples, forts, palaces, and captivating architectural remains of the Vijayanagar Empire.

On your arrival in Hampi, you will have an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and unwind yourself. The remaining day is at leisure and you can choose to explore the nearby attractions or stay in the resort.

When the sky turns gray, savour a delectable dinner at the hotel and surrender yourself to the dreamworld.

Distance from Mumbai to Bangalore (by air): 342 km

Travel Time: 5 hours, 55 minutes (approx.)

Day 8:Explore the attractions in Hampi

Attractions:Kishkinda Falls, Rishimukh Falls, Monuments and Temples

‘Break’ the night long ‘fast’ and set on to a sightseeing tour. Once known as Kishkindha, Hampi is the place where Lord Ram met Lord Hanuman while in search of Goddess Sita, whon Ravan had abducted.

The city tour includes Kishkinda Falls, Rishimukh hills, monuments, and temples. After the tour, return to the hotel by the evening for a hearty dinner and a sound sleep.

The Trail Tale: After Ravana abducted Devi Sita, Lord Rama and Lakshman reached Kishkindha in pursuit to find her. Bali, the elder brother of Sugreeva, ruled this region when Shri Rama and Lakshmana arrived there and befriended Bali, Sugreeva, and Hanuman. Thereafter, they joined Lord Rama to bring Devi Sita back.

Day 9: Back to Bangalore

Attractions:Leisure day

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and check out from the hotel. Now, you will get a cab transfer to Bangalore. On arrival, you will have an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities at the hotel and freshen up. Enjoy the day at leisure, relaxing inside the resort premises and indulge in activities of your choice.

As the day gets over, have dinner and enjoy overnight stay at the resort.

Distance from Hampi to Bangalore (by road): 342 km

Travel Time: 5 hours, 55 minutes (approx.)

Day 10:Off to Rameshwaram via Madurai

Attractions: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Agniteeratham

Savour breakfast early today, checkout from the hotel, and get transferred to the airport. From here you will board a flight to Madurai. Once you reach, our tour representative will meet and escort you to Rameshwaram. The town is connected to the Indian mainland with a 2 km long Pamban bridge. Rameshwaram is a place where Lord Rama created a bridge across the sea to visit Sri Lanka.

Complete check-in formalities at the hotel and take rest. Later, visit Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, where Lord Rama is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva. Also, visit Agnitheertham that is revered as a place where taking a bath cleanses you from sin.

After a joyous day, return to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner and overnight stay.

The Trail Tale: Dhanushkodi is believed to be the place where Lord Rama marked a spot with his bow (dhanush) to build a bridge (Ramsetu) connecting Rameshwaram Island (Tamil nadu) and Mannar Island (Sri Lanka) to rescue Devi Sita from Ravan.

Distance from Bangalore to Madurai (by air): 344 km

Travel Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes (approx.)

Distance from Madurai to Rameshwaram (by road): 172 km

Travel Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes (approx.)

Day 11: A temple tour in Madurai and borard flight to Columbo

Attractions: Meenakshi Temple

Savour one more breakfast of the holy trip and checkout from the hotel. Our representative will assist you in your transfer to Madurai in a private cab.

On arrival in Madurai, visit Meenakshi Temple and other famous temples. In the evening, you will be transferred to Madurai Airport to board your flight back home.

Distance from Rameshwaram to Madurai (by road): 172 km

Travel Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes (approx.)

Srilanka  Arrive – Colombo Transfer to – Dambulla

Welcome to your Booked Best of Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour. On arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be met by your Southern Travel tour Manager will welcome you and take you to your hotel at Dambulla. Sri Lanka, Lying just off the south-east coast of India, with its southern tip barely 30km from the equator this is a tropical island that for centuries has attracted the covetous gazes of people from all over the world. Rightly it deserves its earlier appellation as "pearl of the orient". First visit in Ramayana Trail Sri Lanka to Manavari. Manavari is the first place where Lord Rama installed and prayed the Siva lingam after the end of the war with King Ravana. To date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in the world named after Lord Rama. In route Visit to Muneeshwaram Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya in one of King Ravana’s vimana’s. He felt he was being followed by Bramhaasthi Dosham as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. He stoped the vimana at this juncture because he felt at this place the “Brahmaasthi 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 installing and praying four lingams at Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India, as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham.

Meals :  Dinner

Night Stay Dambulla

Day 12: Dambulla – Trincomalee Visit to Shankari Devi Shakthi Peetam (Special Archana for Southern Group)

After Breakfast continue Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour and proceed to Trincomalee . Trincomalee, the city which houses one of the best natural deep-water ports in the world, visit to Shankari Devi shakthi peetam. The original Shankari Devi temple, said to be built by Ravana, was the first in the list of Ashta Dasha (18) Shakti Pitas written down by Adi Shankara. Shankari Devi temple in Trincomalee, will have Archana for the southern travel group (Please note Archana will be arranged by southern Travel provided we reach during the Pooja ceremony only). Srilanka is a prominent temple for Hindus. It is the place where “Groin” part of the sati fallen .Head towards the classical-medieval Hindu temple 'Koneswaram' which blazes a subtle sense of Dravidian architecture afterword’s proceed to the Bhadrakali Amman Temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. Afternoon proceed to Kandy in route visit to The Golden temple at Dambulla Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. 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 center.

Meals : Breakfast and Dinner

Night Stay : Kandy

Day 13: Kandy - Sita Amman Temple, Divurumpola Temple, The Hanuman Temple, - Nuwara Eliya

After Breakfast Visit to the Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy. In this Ramayana Epic Tour you will see Hunuman Temple (Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple).On these hills of Ramboda where Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi, Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka built a temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity. Proceed to The Sita Amman temple. The temple is situated in Ashok Vatika/Vanam) according to tradition, the site is associated with Sita of the Ramayana epic. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on a side of the temple. The temple seen today is a modern building with its paintings, statues and pillars decorated with sculptures, all depicting the tale of Rama and Sita. The Ashok Vatika was one of the pleasure gardens of King Ravana of the well-known epic Ramayanaya. This is the exotic pleasure garden where king Ravana kept the depressed Sita, insisting that she marry him. It was here where the heart-warming 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 honour if he did so. Part of this majestic garden still exists. Have Darshan of Hanuman Foot Print It is believed that when Hanuman lept from India to Sri Lanka, he landed at this spot. The force of his impact on ground was so great that it left an imprint of his feet on the solid ground. This Ramayana Trail Sri Lanka includes Divurumpola temple. Although this Vihara is said to be established in the 6th A.D. Polonnaruwa period it has a long history among people of having been started in the time of Rama, Rawana and Sita. Still revered by thousands, this holy haven was the place where Sita performed her Agni Pariksha (proving her chastity) to her husband Rama. Continuing the practice for over thousands of years, villagers still pledge their fidelity or take oaths there and even in certain courts, this agreement was binding. Since that time this place has been respected and worshiped by people down the ages. Furthermore it is said that this place was given the name “Divurumpola” or the place of making a wow. Not only in legends but this name has been inscribed in the moonstone guarding the Devale in the premises.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Night Stay: Nuwara Eliya

Day 14: Nuwara Eliya- Bentota

Breakfast at the hotel. En route cover Devon waterfalls, St Clair waterfall & kitulgala Water rafting.(Optional) Check In to the hotel and relax. Overnight in Bentota.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night Stay: Bentota

Day 15: Bentota- Colombo

Breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for Colombo. After that Proceed to Colombo. Visit Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple. Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple is the only Temple in the world to have a chariot for Anjaneyar. Hanuman’s mother is Anjan. Hanuman is known as Anjan + Aiyar = Anjaneyar in South India (Hanuman in North India). Explore the City of Colombo The city tour of Colombo a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha & the Independence Square. Check into the hotel & relax Overnight Stay at Colombo Hotel. Explore the rest Ramayana tour package Sri Lanka next day.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Night Stay: Colombo

Day 16: Return Home with Wonderful Memories

After breakfast we drive you to the airport for your flight back to home. It’s time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back many happy memories of your holiday. We would like you to spare a few minutes of your time to write and tell us how you enjoyed your holiday of Ramayana Circuit in Sri Lanka and any suggestions you may have for the future.

Inclusion & Exclusion

Inclusions

• Accommodation at the hotels mentioned on price grid.
• Services of NTP Local Representative.
• Daily breakfast and dinner meals as mentioned in itinerary with a local variation occasionally, sightseeing and surface transportation as mentioned in the itinerary.
• All transfer & Sightseeing as mentioned in itinerary by AC Coach (Entrance fee not Included)

Exclusions

• Domestic & International Flights
• Government Services Tax 5% payable extra
• TCS as per govt norms payable extra
• Passport Charges, entrance fees,
• Cost of Optional & Add-On tours unless mentioned otherwise.
• Any increase in the rate of USD (presently calculated at USD 1 = INR 90) leading to an increase in the cost of the tour, which may come into effect prior to departure. However the rate on the given day of the payment will apply.
• Cost of extension of validity of your air ticket.
• Any increase / surcharges on the tour cost / airline owing to High Season, Trade Fairs, Exhibitions, Conventions, Special Events etc.
• Porterage at hotels, apartment, airports and seaports, tips, insurance, laundry, wines, mineral water, telephone charges and all items of personal nature and also food drinks not forming part of the group menus.
• Anything not specifically mentioned in 'Tour Price Includes' box.

Tips for Travellers for Planning their Tour