GLORY OF RAMAYANA’S TRAIL

On arrival transfer to Anuradhapura. Check in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura

After Breakfast commence a city tour in Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura - one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was 1st capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata after Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. The city lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. It is believed that from the 4th century BC, it was the capital of the Sinhalese until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km). Visit, The Samadhi Statue - a statue situated at Mahamevn?wa Park in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Buddha is depicted in the position of the Dhyana Mudra, the posture of meditation associated with his first Enlightenment, also called Nirvana. Whether the Buddha's Enlightenment was the experience technically called Samadhi, or some other phenomenon, may depend upon the philosophical allegiance of the believer. In the Dhyana Mudra the Buddha sits cross - legged with his upturned palms placed one over the other on his lap. This position is universally known throughout the Buddhist world, and this statue is therefore one of the most typical pieces of Buddhist sculpture. It is not to be confused with the very similar "Earth-Touching Mudra," which depicts the simple action the Buddha took to fend off the illusions projected by Mara, who was desperate to prevent the Buddha from realizing that his, Mara's, projections, and with them the entire world, are an illusion. This statue is 8 feet in height and carved from granite. Next proceed to Trincomalee. Check in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Trincomalee.

After breakfast proceed to Koneshwaram Temple for Morning Pooja. Koneswaram temple of Trincomalee – The Temple of the Thousand Pillars and Dakshina-Then Kailasam is a classicalmedieval Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee, a Hindu religious pilgrimage centre in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Built significantly during the reign of the early Cholas and the Five Dravidians of the Early Pandyan Kingdom atop Konesar Malai, a promontory overlooking Trincomalee District, Gokarna bay and theIndian Ocean, its Pallava, Chola, Pandyan and Jaffna design reflect a continual Tamil Saivite influence in the Vannimai region from the classical period. Next visit, Kenniya Hot Water Wells - There are 7 hot springs now converted to bathing wells. The temperature of each is slightly different from each other. It is also believed the water from the wells have therapeutic healing powers and can cure many aliments. According to the notice board put by the Pradeshiya Saba at the wells, this well goes back to the times of King Ravana who ruled the country over 5000 years ago. Visit, The Trincomalee Harbor - large natural harbour in Sri Lanka. Located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka in the heart of the Indian Ocean, its strategic importance has shaped its recent history. There had been many sea battles to conquer the harbour. The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and the English, each held it in turn. In 1942 Japanese Imperial Navy attack the Trincomalee harbour and sunk three British warship anchored there. PM Afterwards proceed to Marble Beach. Leisure on the beach. Marble Beach get away and relax at Sri Lanka’s most secluded beaches restorative beaches. It is one of the most amazingly beautiful stretches of beach in Trincomalee with soft powdery white sands and clear turquoise water, it is one of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches in the world Overnight stay in Trincomalee

After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa. Check in to the hotel. Commence a half day city tour in Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa - the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th - 13th Century, contains some splendid and spectacular statues. Lankatileke, Tivanka and Thuparama are the most beautiful and largest shrine ruins and Tivanka has the best example of frescoes of the Polonnaruwa period. Rankot Vihara and Kiriwehera are well preserved large stupas, and Gal Vihare - a rock shrine, has four Parakrama Bahu statue are examples of Sinhalese stone carver. Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa.

After Breakfast climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya - is home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. Within its triple-moated defense the huge rock rises almost to a sheer height of 500ft. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original color. A UNESCO World Heritage Site - http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/sigiriya.html Afterwards visit to Cave Temple Dambulla. Dambulla - is a vast isolated rock mass 500ft high and a mile around the base. Here is found the famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found on the Island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site – http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/goldentempledambulla.html Check in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Dambulla.

After breakfast proceed to Kandy. En route visit to En route visit Spice Garden. Visit a Spice Garden at Matale (OPTIONAL) - and see the luscious Cinnamons, Cardamoms, Pepper plants etc. You can also purchase your requirements of spices. Next proceed to Kandy. Check in to the hotel. Kandy - the hill capital. The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple’s shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere. PM Afterwards commence city tour of Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts and crafts Centre, a Gem museum and a lapidary and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession. 46 www.ceylonroots.com A UNESCO World Heritage Site - http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/kandy.html Gem Museum & Lapidary –Sri Lanka produces the finest quality of gem in the world. We mine semiprecious gems, the sapphires of Sri Lanka, which are very exclusive and comes in shades of blue, red, green, white…act. 5:30 PM Be a witness of the cultural show. Kandyan Dance is a dance form that originated in the area called Kandy of the Central hills region in Sri Lanka. But today it has been widespread to other parts of the country. Overnight stay in Kandy.

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route visit to Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple in Ramboda. Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple - According to the ancient stories, Ramboda is an area, where the forces of Rama's gather to fight against King Ravana. This temple was built by the Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka and dedicated to Hanuman. This temple houses for 16 feel height statue of Hanuman. Afterwards proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Check in to the hotel. Commence a city tour in Nuwara Eliya. The city was founded by Samuel Baker, the discoverer of Lake Albert and the explorer of the Nile in 1846. Nuwara Eliya's climate lent itself to becoming the prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters in Ceylon. Nuwara Eliya, called Little England then, was also a hill country retreat where the British colonialists could immerse in their pastimes such as fox hunting, deer hunting, , polo, golf and cricket. Many of the buildings retain features from the colonial period such as the Queen's Cottage, General's House, Grand Hotel, Galway Forest Lodge, Town Post Office and even new hotels are often built and furnished in the colonial style. Anyone who visits the city can wallow in its nostalgia of bygone days by visiting these landmark buildings. Many private homes still maintain their old English-style lawns and gardens. Next visit, Seetha Amman Temple is located approximately 1 kilometer from Hakgala Botanical Garden.The temple is located in the village called “Seetha Eliya”. This place is believed to be the place where Sitha held captive by the king Ravana in the Lanka of the epic, Ramayana. Afterwards proceed to, Divurumpola Temple is the place where Sitadevi underwent test to prove her Chastity. I am pure, O fire, protect me. With these words she jumped into the flames, to the horror of the monkeys who stood on all sides watching the tragic sight. Then arose from out of the flame Agni, the fire-god, whom she had invoked. He lifted Sitadevi from the flames unharmed, and presented her to Lord Rama. I know that she is spotless and pure at heart cried Lord Rama, standing up to receive her. It is for the sake of the world that I made her go through this ordeal of fire, so that the truth may be known to all. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast proceed to Colombo. En route visit to Pinnawela. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage (OPTIONAL) - Started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded, the orphanage has grown to be a big family today. A unique experience never to be missed. Next proceed to Colombo. Visit Kelaniya Temple. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara has become famous because of the beautiful paintings and sculpture by Solias Mendis depicting various events in the history of Sri Lanka. Special shrine dedicated to Vibushana, King Ravana’s brother, who allied with Rama in the struggle to rescue Sita. Check in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Colombo.

After breakfast visit Anjaneyar temple for morning Pooja. Anjaneyar Temple in Dehiwala - The first Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka and also the only Panchamuga (five faced) Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka. It’s the only temple in the world to have a chariot for Ajanyear. Afterwards City tour and shopping in Colombo (07 hrs – 80 kms). Colombo - like many capital cities in developing countries Colombo is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood, yet in some parts; the old world charm is retained. A 100-year-old clock tower and several British built, colonial buildings are still to be seen in the city. The Pettah bazaar – where one can shop for bargains, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo museum, the Bandaranaike memorial international conference hall – an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the people’s republic of china, the new parliament in Sri Jayawardenapura and the folk art center are some of the places of interest that one can visit to Visit shopping complexes such as ODEL, HOUSE OF FASHION, MAJESTIC CITY. Overnight stay in Colomb

After breakfast proceed to Chilaw. Visit to Munneshwaram Temple & Manavari Temple. Munneswaram Temple - is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka, a predominantly Buddhist country. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of five ancient temples (Ishwarams) dedicated to Shiva in the region. 48 www.ceylonroots.com Manavari Temple is the first place where Lord Rama installed the Siva Lingam and prayed after the end of the war with King Ravana. This Lingam is called Ramalingam because it was made by Lord Rama. Apart from this, the Lingam in Rameshwaram is the only Lingam in the world which is named after Lord Rama. Next proceed to Negombo. Check in to the hotel. Commence a city tour at Negombo. Negombo - A major city in Sri Lanka, located on the west coast of the island and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, in Western Province, Sri Lanka. Negombo is the fifth largest city in the country after the capital Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna and Galle, and it is the second largest city in Western province after Colombo. Negombo is also the administrative capital of Negombo Division. It is one of the major commercial hubs in Sri Lanka of about 128,000 inhabitants in the city limits, approximately 37 km north of Colombo city. Negombo is known for its huge and old fishingindustry with busy fish markets and sandy beaches. Overnight stay in Negombo

Breakfast – Check out from hotel and transfer to Colombo international airport to catch your flight back to India, Patna. End of the wonderful memory iof Sri Lanka.