Scenic Sri Lanka – 04nts/05days

On arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport you will be met and transferred by our local representative to Kandy. Enroute visit Chillaw. It is believed that Munishwaram predates the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was located here. Munishwaram means the frst temple for Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). A Shiva Lingam was already here when Lord Rama visited this place. Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya with Sita in one of King Ravana’s Vimanas. He felt he was being followed by a BramhaasthiDosham (a malevolent black shadow) as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. When the Vimana was passing over Munishwaram, he felt the Vimana vibrating, and realized the BrahmaastiDosham was not following him at this particular point. He stopped the Vimana at this juncture and asked god Lord Shiva for advice. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised installing and praying at four lingams located at Manavari, ThiruKoneshwaram, ThiruKetheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham. The frst lingam was installed at Manavari about 5km from here, near the banks of the DeduruOya. At the Manavari Temple Chilaw, it is the frst lingam installed and prayed by Rama and till date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in world named after Lord Rama. Overnight at the hotel in Kandy. (D)

Today proceed to Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights). Arrive at Nuwara Eliya.Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights), blessed with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery; surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year. It is also known as “Little England”, which was the favorite hill station of the British who tried to create Nuwara Eliya into a typical English Village. The old brick Post ofice, country house like hill club with its hunting pictures, trophies and strict formal dinner attire; the 18 hole golf course, horse race course, etc., all remind you of “England”. During the city tour in Nuwara Eliya you will visit the main attractions of the town which include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fshing on Lake Gregory. You can also visit a working tea factory where the slow-growing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the world's fnest Orange Pekoe tea. You can also add Seetha Eliya and Hanuman Temple. Seetha Eliya is a temple which was mentioned in the famous epic Ramayana. Please note that entrance fees are not included. Overnight at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya. (B, D)

This morning visit the Ramayana related sites. The Sita Amman Temple can be seen en route to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The prominent temple architecture will not fail to attract your attention. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on one side of the temple. The temple today is a modern building with its paintings, statues and pillars decorated with sculptures; all depicting the tale of Rama 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 thousands of years, villagers still pledge their fdelity or take oaths there and even in certain courts, this agreement was binding. This place has been respected and worshipped by people down the ages. Ella is a small mountain village near Bandarawela and boasts three locations linked to the Ramayana where local legend claims Ravana was hiding Sita. First there is the Ravana Ella Cave, located at the massive Ella Falls; a breathtaking 1080 feet high waterfall that cascades into several falls. The rocky undergoes of the waterfall is Khondalite, a kind of limestone which undergoes faster decay as hard gneiss or granite. This has resulted in many caves being formed near the falls. King Ravana is said to have lived in one of the caves above the waterfall. A nearby pool bored out of the rock by the gushing waters is where Sita is said to have bathed Ravana. Overnight at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya. (B, D)

Proceed to Colombo the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Located on the west coast, it is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern and colonial impressions. Colombo has wildly varying architecture that span centuries and depict various styles. Many colonial buildings infuenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British exist alongside structures built in Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Indian and Contemporary architectural styles. No other place is this more evident in the heart of the city the Fort area. Colombo also boasts many shopping malls and department stores that ofer brand name clothing at highly discounted prices. Therefore, it has become an important shopping destination among tourists. While on your city tour in Colombo you may visit famous places including Galle Face Green, the Viharamahadevi Park, National Museum, Twin World Trade Center towers, Old Parliament Building, Fort district, Independence Hall at Independence Square, and prominent Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian places of worship. (Entrance fees to sites not included). For shopping, you may visit Odel, House of Fashion, Beverly Street, Majestic City, Noritake, etc. After King Ravana's death, Vibeeshana was coroneted as King of Lanka by Lakshmana at Kelaniya. There are murals enshrined outside the Buddhist temple depicting the crowning of Vibeeshana. Overnight at the hotel in Colombo. (B, D)

This morning transfer to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport for your fight back home or your next destination. (B)