DAY 2

DELHI

Today after breakfast proceed for Sightseeing Tour – Birla Mandir, India Gate, Parliament House and evening visit to the AksharDham Temple, Swaminarayan Temple Akshardham in New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.
The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteers. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005. Late evening transfer to hotel and check in hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 3

DELHI – AYODHYA (BY FLIGHT)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Delhi Airport to board your flight to Ayodhya. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to the hotel for check-in. After freshening up, proceed for local sightseeing in Ayodhya.
Tour Highlights: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Sita Ki Rasoi, and Kanak Bhavan Temple.
After the tour, return to your hotel and relax. The evening is at your leisure.
Overnight stay in Ayodhya.

DAY 4

AYODHYA – PRAYAGRAJ (BY ROAD – 180 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS)

After breakfast, drive to Prayagraj. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. After a short rest, proceed for local sightseeing.
Tour Highlights: Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort, Allahabad Museum, and Anand Bhavan.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay in Prayagraj.

DAY 5

PRAYAGRAJ – CHITRAKOOT – PRAYAGRAJ (BY ROAD – 260 KM ROUND TRIP / APPROX. 8 HOURS)

After breakfast, take a day excursion to Chitrakoot with your driver. Upon arrival, proceed for sightseeing.
Tour Highlights: Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, Marpha, Bharat Milap Temple, Janki Kund, and Bharat Koop.
After completing the tour, return to your hotel in Prayagraj and relax.
Overnight stay in Prayagraj.

DAY 6

PRAYAGRAJ – VARANASI (BY ROAD – 160 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Varanasi. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India.
After some rest, proceed to visit the New Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sarnath, and witness the iconic evening Ganga Aarti at Varanasi Ghat.
Return to your hotel after the visit.
Overnight stay in Varanasi.

DAY 7

VARANASI – MUMBAI (BY FLIGHT) | MUMBAI – NASHIK (BY ROAD – 180 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS)

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai, drive to Nashik (Panchvati).
Panchvati is the site where Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman, stayed during their exile. It is where many significant events from the Ramayana took place, including the cutting of Surpanakha’s nose and the abduction of Sita.
Check in to your hotel upon arrival in Nashik.
Overnight stay in Nashik.

DAY 8

NASHIK SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing in Nashik.
Tour Highlights: Sita Gufa, Kalaram Temple, Ramkund, Ganga Ghat, and Shri Kailash Math.
Return to your hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Nashik.

DAY 9

NASHIK – MUMBAI (BY ROAD – 180 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS) | MUMBAI – BANGALORE (BY FLIGHT)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Mumbai. Upon arrival, proceed to the airport for your flight to Bangalore. On arrival in Bangalore, you will be assisted and transferred to your accommodation.
Overnight stay in Bangalore.

DAY 10

BANGALORE – HAMPI (BY ROAD – 380 KM / APPROX. 6 HOURS)

After breakfast, check out and begin your drive to Hampi. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation.
Overnight stay in Hampi.

DAY 11

HAMPI – KISHKINDHA – HAMPI (BY ROAD – 38 KM / APPROX. 2 HOURS)

After breakfast, take a short excursion to Kishkindha – the mythical monkey kingdom of Sugriva, as described in the Ramayana.
En route Highlights: Group of Monuments at Hampi, Anjaneya Parvat, Vijaya Vittala Temple, and the ancient path to Kishkindha.
Return to your hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Hampi.

DAY 12

HAMPI – BANGALORE (BY ROAD – 380 KM / APPROX. 6 HOURS)

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Bangalore. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Bangalore.

DAY 13

BANGALORE – MADURAI (BY FLIGHT)

After breakfast, transfer to Bangalore Airport for your flight to Madurai. Upon arrival in Madurai, check in to your hotel. After resting, proceed for a temple tour.
Tour Highlights: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirupparankundram, Pazhamutircholai, and Palani Murugan Temple.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Madurai.

DAY 14

MADURAI – RAMESHWARAM – MADURAI (BY ROAD – 180 KM / APPROX. 3 HOURS EACH WAY)

Early in the morning, drive to Rameshwaram – the site from where Lord Rama began the construction of the Ram Setu to Lanka. Sita is believed to have built a Shiva lingam here upon their return from Lanka.
Rameshwaram is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, worshipped by Lord Rama himself.
After darshan, return to Madurai and rest.
Overnight stay in Madurai.

DAY 15

MADURAI – COLOMBO (BY FLIGHT) | COLOMBO – ANURADHAPURA (BY ROAD)

After breakfast, proceed to Madurai Airport for your flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka. On arrival, you will meet your representative & Guide from the Destination Management Company and transfer to Negombo & Chilaw (1 hr 20 min approx./55 kms)

Upon Arrival , Visit Manawari & Munneswaram Temple.

Munneswaram Temple – Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya in one of King Ravana’svimana’s. He felt he was being followed by bramhaasthidosham as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. He stops the vimana at this juncture because he felt at this place the “BrahmaasthiDosham” was not following him. He ascends from the vimana and asks God Shiva for a remedy. God Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised installing and praying four lingams at Manavari, ThiruKoneshwaram, ThiruKetheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India, as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham.

Manavari Temple – Manavari is situated on the Chilaw – Puttalam road about 10 km from Chilaw. Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed by Lord Rama and till date this lingam is called as RamalingaShivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in the world named after Lord Rama. Later proceed to Anuradhapura and Check in at Hotel Dinner & Overnight in Anuradhapura

DAY 16

ANURADHAPURA– TRINCOMALEE  

Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out

Proceed to Trincomalee

Dinner and Overnight at Hotel in Trincomalee

DAY 17

TRINCOMALEE – KANDY        

After breakfast, check out and visit to the Koneswaram Temple for the Morning Pooja Ceremony

Trincomalee – renowned in legend and history, by a variety of names—KōnaMalai, KōnāMalai, TiruKōnaMalai— Trincomalee is the site of the “Sacred Hill of the Three Temples.” Situated on the eastern seaboard, the place finds mention in the Mahavamsaby the name of Gōkarna, the Sanskrit and Pali form of the Tamil KONa or Sinhalese GOna.

On the summit of the Rock, known as the Swami Rock or the Three Swami Rock, was the “temple of unusual size and splendor, renowned through the whole of India,” the temple which was razed to the ground and despoiled by the Portuguese in 1624. TirujnanaSambandar the Saivite saint of the 7th century AD features the temple in his devotional hymns. This is the earliest reference to the temple, which in point of time goes back to a far distant epoch. The Pallavas of South India had considerable influence over the region, in the time specifically of the King of Ceylon, Manavanna (668— 703 AD), as we learn from the Sanskrit inscriptions at Tiriyayi, 29 miles north of Trincomalee. From this and other related accounts, it is reasonable to conclude that the Pallava kings bestowed much attention to the temple dedicated to Koneswara and enlarged it considerably. From references to the “Thousand Pillared Mandapam,” it was obviously a shrine of magnificent proportions.

Later, proceed to Kandy via Matale (3 hrs 15 mins approx./154 kms) for Lunch at a Spice Garden and see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for and you will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.

Thereafter Proceed to Kandy (45 mins approx./25 kms) & Check in at hotel to relax for the day. (If time permits visit Arts & Craft Places)

Dinner & Overnight in Kandy

DAY 18

KANDY

After breakfast – Optional Morning visit to the most sacred Kandy Temple of Tooth Relic

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple.

Proceed to Mahiyanganaya to Visit the Seetha Kotuwa (1 hr 55 mins approx./65 kms)

Seetha Kotuwa, which translates as “Sita’s Fort,” is one of the most beautiful and majestic spots in the legend. It is significant because it was one of the first sites where King Ravana took Sita after abducting her. The area was described as tranquil, with streams and a diversity of vegetation and wildlife.

Optional Lunch at Local Restaurant

Return to Kandy and Witness a Kandyan Dance Show in the evening Dinner & Overnight in Kandy

DAY 19

KANDY – RAMBODA – NUWARA ELIYA       

After breakfast, check out and leave towards Nuwara Eliya (2 hrs 30 mins approx./75 kms)

En route – visit Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple in Ramboda.

Sri Baktha Hanuman temple at Ramboda. 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. On every full moon day special pooja’s are conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees. This temple is called Sri Baktha Hanuman temple. The image of Lord Hanuman here is 16 feet.

En route Visit a Tea Factory – get the opportunity to taste the finest Ceylon Tea – Optional Lunch at Tea Bush Ramboda Check in at hotel and relax for the day

Dinner and Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 20

NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA         

After breakfast leave for Ella (2 hrs approx./55 kms) – en route Visit the Ramayana site Divurumpola Temple & Sita Amman Temple.

Divurumpola is said to be the location where Sita underwent the famous fire ordeal Agni Pariksha, in order to prove her chastity. From the flames arose the fire god Agni who was invoked by Sita. He lifted her from the flames unharmed and presented her to Lord Rama who explained this test was only necessary to prove the truth of her purity and innocence to everybody. Divurumpola is said to have been the location of this episode, because the Sinhalese name means a ‘marketplace of oath’. Today the temple is respected as a suitable place for oaths that can be helpful in settling disputes between parties.

Seetha Amman temple – the stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her stay at Ashok Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. About a century ago of three idols was discovered in the stream, one of which was that of Sita. It is believed that the idols have been worshipped at this spot for centuries. Now there is temple for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hanuman’s are found by this river and some are of small size and some are of large size, which tells us of the immense powers of hanuman transforming himself into any size.

Upon arrival in Ella – Visit Ravana Falls & Ravana Cave

The falls have been named after the legendary king Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. The reason for the kidnapping is said to be a revenge for slicing off the nose of his sister by Rama (husband of Sita) and his brother Laxmana. At the time, the cave was surrounded with thick forests in the midst of wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall. They believed that Ravana has played the Ravanahatha over here.

Optional Lunch at Local Restaurant (CAFÉ CHILL)

Upon completion, return to Hotel in Nuwara Eliya – en route visiting Hakgala Botanical Gardens

The Hakgala Garden was established in 1861, under George Henry Kendrick Thwaites as an experimental cultivation of Cinchona, a commercial crop thriving at the time. Once after the Tea replaced the Cinchona, it was turned into an experimental Tea cultivation. In 1884 it transformed into a garden. Since then many subtropical and some temperate plants were planted in the gardens. In the folklores, it says Sri Lankan demon King Ravana after abducting Sita, kept her hidden in this area and area was offered to Sita as a pleasure garden, the place finds mention in the Ramayana as Ashok Vatika. The area was named as “Sita Eliya” and “Sita Amman Temple” was built on the site.

Dinner & Overnight in Nuwara Eliya 

DAY 21

NUWARA ELIYA – COLOMBO – AIRPORT DEPARTURE        

After the breakfast leave for Colombo – En route, Optional Lunch at Kithulgala (5 hrs approx./170 kms)

Upon arrival in Colombo – Visit the Anjaneyar Kovil

Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple in Dehiwala – 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 NorthIndia).

Visit Kelaniya Temple (Optional)

Kelaniya is a Buddhist sanctuary because it was believed to have been visited by the Buddha himself. Within the temple premises there is a Hindu shrine, too. It is dedicated to Lord Vibhishana who was the younger brother of Ravana but during the legendary war on Lanka a supporter of Lord Rama, because he disapproved of Ravana’s abduction of Sita. After Ravana’s death Rama appointed Vibhishana as the new King of Lanka. Vibhishana is venerated by Sinhalese Buddhists as a God, they believe him to be one of the main protectors of the island, especially in its western territories.

If time permits – Colombo City and Shopping tour

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. From buzzing bazaars to stylish boutique outlets, Colombo is increasingly becoming a popular shopping destination within Asia.

Later Proceed towards the Airport (40 mins approx./32 kms) for an early morning departure – ending your memorable trip to Sri Lanka!

CITY NAME                                                                                                            HOTELS NAME

DELHI                                                                                                                   ITC DWARKA OR SIMILAR

AYODHYA                                                                                                            KK CYGENT OR SIMILAR

PARAYAGRAJ                                                                                                       KANHA SHAYAM OR SIMILAR

VARANASI                                                                                                            RADISSON HOTEL OR SIMILAR

NASHIK                                                                                                                COURTYARD OR SIMILAR

BANGALORE                                                                                                        RAMADA PLAZA OR SIMILAR

HAMPI                                                                                                                   HAYAT OR SIMILAR

MADURAI                                                                                                              HERITAGE MADURAI OR SIMILAR

ANURADHAPURA                                                                                                 MIRIDIYA LAKE RESORT OR SIMILAR

TRINCOMALEE                                                                                                      TRINCOMALEE BEACH RESORT OR SIMILAR

KANDY                                                                                                                     LAVANDISH HILL KANDY HOTEL OR SIMILAR

NUWARA ELIYA                                                                                                       ARALIYA RED HOTEL OR SIMILAR

Exclusions

 Things of personal nature

• Tips for driver & Guide

• Lunches not included

• Any Other International flight tickets

• Anything extra which is not includes in “TOUR COST WILL BE INCLUDED

• VISA FOR INDIA & SRI LANKA

• TRAVEL INSURANCE

COST (LAND ONLY)

$4,950 PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY 

Flight From Trinidad with KLM approx $2,450 USD per person
Flight From NYC with Air India approx $1,335 USD per person