Extended Ramayana Legends Discovery
Package 11 Exclusive Tours 8 Nights / 9 Days

Extended Ramayana Legends Discovery

The full Ramayana story across the island, from Rama's temples at Chilaw to Ravana's falls and cave at Ella.

See the day-by-day plan
Duration
8 Nights / 9 Days
Best for
Travellers from India
Pace
Moderate
Best time to travel
Nov – Apr (pilgrimage sites year-round)
Starts & ends
Bandaranaike International Airport

The journey at a glance

Overview

The Ramayana story across the island: Rama's temples at Chilaw, Hanuman and Sita in the hills, Ravana's falls and cave at Ella, then the south coast and Kelaniya before flying home.

  1. Chilaw1 night
  2. Kandy2 nights
  3. Nuwara Eliya2 nights
  4. Ella2 nights
  5. Galle1 night
  6. DepartFly home

Who this journey suits

The full Ramayana trail with more time: temples, the Ravana sites in Ella, elephants and Galle, for Indian pilgrims and families with 8–9 nights.

Tour highlights

  • Munneswaram and Manavari temples (the first Shiva Lingam)
  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage feeding and river bathing
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Peradeniya gardens
  • Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple and Ramboda Falls
  • Seetha Amman Temple and Hakgala Garden (Ashoka Vatika)
  • Scenic train to Ella, Ravana Falls and Ravana Cave
  • Optional Flying Ravana zipline
  • Galle Fort and Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
  • Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home: orphaned calves at feeding time

9 days, paced for real travel

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Arrive BIA → Chilaw
    Chilaw

    Day 1: Day 1

    Arrive BIA → Chilaw

    Travel
    ~1.5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Chilaw
    • MorningArrive and private transfer to Chilaw.
    • AfternoonMunneswaram Temple, where Lord Rama is believed to have prayed after defeating Ravana, and Manavari Temple.
    • EveningOptional sunset kayaking on the lagoon.

    Sample hotels: Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw (or similar)

  2. Chilaw → Pinnawala → Kandy
    Kandy

    Day 2: Day 2

    Chilaw → Pinnawala → Kandy

    Travel
    ~2.5 hrs + ~1.5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Kandy
    • MorningDrive to Pinnawala.
    • AfternoonFeeding time and the herd's river bath at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, then continue to Kandy.
    • EveningEvening stroll by Kandy Lake. Optional Kandyan cultural dance.

    Sample hotels: Earl's Regency · Cinnamon Citadel · Amaya Hills (or similar)

  3. Kandy
    Kandy

    Day 3: Day 3

    Kandy

    Travel
    Local only
    Free time
    Late afternoon
    Overnight
    Kandy
    • MorningTemple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
    • AfternoonRoyal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, then handicraft and gem centres.
    • EveningEvening at leisure in the hill capital.

    Sample hotels: Earl's Regency · Cinnamon Citadel · Amaya Hills (same hotel)

  4. Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
    Nuwara Eliya

    Day 4: Day 4

    Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

    Travel
    ~3.5 hrs with stops
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Nuwara Eliya
    • MorningDrive through misty mountains, waterfalls and tea plantations.
    • AfternoonSri Bhakta Hanuman Temple at Ramboda, Ramboda Falls, then the Seetha Amman Temple.
    • EveningOptional evening stroll around Gregory Lake.

    Sample hotels: The Grand Hotel · Araliya Green Hills · Jetwing St. Andrew's (or similar)

  5. Nuwara Eliya
    Nuwara Eliya

    Day 5: Day 5

    Nuwara Eliya

    Travel
    Short local drives
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Nuwara Eliya
    • MorningHakgala Botanical Garden, believed to be the legendary Ashoka Vatika. Optional: Divurumpola Temple (~20 km).
    • AfternoonWorking tea plantation and factory with a guided tea tasting.
    • EveningLeisure time at Gregory Lake or in town.

    Sample hotels: The Grand Hotel · Araliya Green Hills · Jetwing St. Andrew's (same hotel)

  6. Nanu Oya → Ella (train)
    Ella

    Day 6: Day 6

    Nanu Oya → Ella (train)

    Travel
    ~3–3.5 hrs train
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Ella
    • MorningBoard the scenic train at Nanu Oya (subject to ticket availability).
    • AfternoonRavana Falls, closely linked to the Ramayana legend. Check in at a mountain retreat.
    • EveningEvening at leisure.

    Sample hotels: 98 Acres Resort & Spa · Newburgh Ella · EKHO Ella (or similar)

  7. Ella
    Ella

    Day 7: Day 7

    Ella

    Travel
    Local only
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Ella
    • MorningRavana Cave, believed to be one of King Ravana's hiding places.
    • AfternoonOptional Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge and the optional Flying Ravana zipline.
    • EveningRelaxed evening in the cool mountains.

    Sample hotels: 98 Acres Resort & Spa · Newburgh Ella · EKHO Ella (same hotel)

  8. Ella → Udawalawe → Galle
    Galle

    Day 8: Day 8

    Ella → Udawalawe → Galle

    Travel
    ~5–5.5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Galle
    • MorningDrive south to Udawalawe for the noon feeding at the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are raised and returned to the wild.
    • AfternoonContinue to the coast and explore Galle Fort (UNESCO): colonial streets, boutiques, cafés and the ramparts at sunset.
    • EveningCheck in and unwind by the beach.

    Sample hotels: Galle Fort Hotel · The Fort Bazaar · Le Grand Galle (or similar)

  9. Galle → Colombo → Depart
    Departure day

    Day 9: Day 9

    Galle → Colombo → Depart

    Travel
    ~2 hrs to Colombo + ~1 hr to the airport
    Free time
    Morning
    Overnight
    Departure
    • MorningRelaxed morning, then drive to Colombo.
    • AfternoonKelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. Shopping at One Galle Face, Colombo City Centre or ODEL.
    • EveningPrivate transfer to the airport for departure.

    No overnight: departure day

Chosen for character and comfort

Hotels at a glance

LocationNightsDaysSample hotels (or similar)
Chilaw1Day 01Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw
Kandy2Days 02–03Earl's Regency · Cinnamon Citadel · Amaya Hills
Nuwara Eliya2Days 04–05The Grand Hotel · Araliya Green Hills · Jetwing St. Andrew's
Ella2Days 06–0798 Acres Resort & Spa · Newburgh Ella · EKHO Ella
Galle1Day 08Galle Fort Hotel · The Fort Bazaar · Le Grand Galle
Total88 nights / 9 days

Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

What's included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole journey
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide (other languages on request)
  • Accommodation as listed, or similar, with daily breakfast
  • Airport meet & greet and private transfers
  • Fuel, parking, highway tolls and your guide's meals and lodging
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • 24/7 local support throughout your journey

Not included

  • International flights
  • Sri Lanka visa / Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Entrance tickets, safari jeeps and train tickets, unless your quote includes them
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Camera and video permits at some sites
  • Optional activities
  • Tips, early check-in, late check-out and personal expenses

Good to know

  • Pinnawala bathing sessions run at set times (usually late morning and afternoon); timings are planned around them.
  • Vegetarian meals can be arranged throughout on request.
  • Reserved and observation seats on the hill-country train sell out. Book as soon as dates are confirmed.
  • Temple visits: shoulders and knees covered; shoes and hats off at shrines.
  • Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and photo stops.
  • Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

Day tours on this route

Each of these days is also available on its own.

Galle Fort and Southern Coast Heritage TourKandy TourElla Highlights Day Tour

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