Sri Lanka – Northern Ramayana Trail

This 6 Nights & 7 Days Sri Lanka Tour is designed for travellers who wish to follow the island's sacred Ramayana trail while discovering ancient cities, hill country and the southern coastline. The itinerary covers Chilaw · Anuradhapura · Mannar · Jaffna · Trincomalee · Dambulla · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Kataragama · Galle · Colombo, offering a wonderful combination of mythology, ancient heritage, cultural landmarks, scenic highlands and coastal charm.

Your journey begins on arrival at Colombo Airport, from where you travel to Chilaw to visit the Munneswaram and Manavari Temples, both closely linked to the Ramayana legend. Continue to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, home to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, the majestic Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stupas, and the historic Abhayagiri monastery complex.

From Anuradhapura, drive towards Mannar to visit the revered Thirukethiswaram Temple before crossing the scenic causeway to Jaffna, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka's north. Explore the coastal Naguleswaram Temple and the vibrant Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, then continue onward to Trincomalee on the east coast to visit the dramatic Koneswaram Temple and the natural hot wells.

The journey continues towards the cultural heartland with a stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple before arriving in Kandy. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, take a leisurely walk beside Kandy Lake, browse the local markets and enjoy a traditional cultural dance show.

From Kandy, travel through the scenic highlands via the Ramboda Waterfall and the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple, with a visit to a tea factory along the way. Continue to the Seetha Amman Temple and Ashok Vatika, both significant sites of the Ramayana legend, before descending towards Kataragama, one of Sri Lanka's most important multi-religious pilgrim towns.

After exploring the sacred Kataragama Temple, the tour continues to the southern coast to discover the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and its iconic lighthouse. The journey then continues to Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant commercial capital, for sightseeing and shopping.

On the final day, enjoy some free time in Colombo, depending on your flight schedule, before transferring to Colombo Airport for your departure.

At The TravelShop, every journey can be personalised according to your preferences. Accommodation, sightseeing, transportation and other arrangements can be customised to create a comfortable and memorable Sri Lankan Ramayana trail holiday.

Travel Time Line

Arrive at Colombo Airport and meet your driver-guide. Travel to Chilaw to visit the Munneswaram and Manavari Temples, both important sites connected to the Ramayana legend.

Continue your journey to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals. Visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, the impressive Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya stupas, and the historic Abhayagiri monastery.

Overnight in Anuradhapura.

After breakfast, depart from Anuradhapura and drive towards Mannar to visit the revered Thirukethiswaram Temple, one of the island's ancient Shiva shrines.

Cross the scenic Mannar causeway and continue your journey to Jaffna, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka's north.

Check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Jaffna.

After breakfast, visit the coastal Naguleswaram Temple and the vibrant Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of Jaffna's most important religious landmarks.

Continue your journey to Trincomalee on the east coast. Visit the dramatic Koneswaram Temple, perched on Swami Rock, and the natural hot wells of Kanniya.

Check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Trincomalee.

After breakfast, leave Trincomalee and travel towards Kandy, stopping en route at the spectacular Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its ancient Buddha statues and cave shrines.

On arrival in Kandy, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and enjoy a leisurely walk beside Kandy Lake.

Explore the local markets and, in the evening, enjoy a traditional cultural dance show showcasing Sri Lanka's performing arts.

Overnight in Kandy.

After breakfast, leave Kandy and travel through the scenic highlands, stopping at the beautiful Ramboda Waterfall and the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple.

Continue with a visit to a tea factory to learn about Sri Lanka's world-famous tea-making process, followed by the Seetha Amman Temple and Ashok Vatika, both significant sites associated with the Ramayana legend.

Descend from the hill country and continue your journey to Kataragama, one of Sri Lanka's most important multi-religious pilgrim towns.

Overnight in Kataragama.

After breakfast, visit the sacred Kataragama Temple, a revered multi-religious pilgrimage site.

Travel to Galle on the southern coast to explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and its iconic lighthouse.

Continue to Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant commercial capital, for sightseeing and shopping.

Check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Colombo.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Colombo, depending on your flight schedule. You may relax at the hotel or explore nearby attractions and shopping areas.

Later, check out from your hotel and transfer to Colombo Airport for your departure and onward journey.

End of your Sri Lanka – Northern Ramayana Trail tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 6 Nights & 7 Days Sri Lanka tour covers Chilaw, Anuradhapura, Mannar, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kataragama, Galle and Colombo. The itinerary combines sacred Ramayana sites, ancient cities, cultural landmarks, scenic hill country and southern coastal sightseeing.

The highlights include the Munneswaram and Manavari Temples in Chilaw, Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri in Anuradhapura, the Thirukethiswaram Temple in Mannar, Naguleswaram Temple and Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna, the Koneswaram Temple and hot wells in Trincomalee, the Dambulla Cave Temple and Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, the Seetha Amman Temple and Ashok Vatika, the sacred Kataragama Temple, and the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort.

The itinerary includes several sites associated with the Ramayana legend, including the Munneswaram and Manavari Temples in Chilaw, the Thirukethiswaram Temple in Mannar, the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple near Ramboda, and the Seetha Amman Temple and Ashok Vatika in the Nuwara Eliya region.

Yes. After crossing the Mannar causeway, the tour continues to Jaffna to visit the Naguleswaram Temple and Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, before travelling to Trincomalee on the east coast to explore the Koneswaram Temple and its natural hot wells.

In Kandy, you can visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, walk beside Kandy Lake, browse local markets and enjoy a traditional cultural dance show. The journey then continues through the highlands via the Ramboda Waterfall, Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple and a tea factory visit.

Yes, the Sri Lanka – Northern Ramayana Trail itinerary can be customised according to your travel preferences. You can discuss changes to accommodation, sightseeing, transportation, activities, travel pace and the overall duration of your Sri Lanka holiday with The TravelShop.