Sri Lanka is Beautiful

Our local agent will meet and take you to Kandy upon your arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. En way, stop in Chillaw. Munishwaram is said to precede the Ramayana and was formerly home to a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Munishwaram translates as "the first Shiva temple" (Munnu + Easwaran). When Lord Rama reached this location, a Shiva Lingam was already present. Following his triumphant fight, Lord Rama travelled to Ayodhya with Sita on one of King Ravana's Vimanas. He got the distinct impression that he was being pursued by a BramhaasthiDosham (a malicious black shadow), as he had murdered King Ravana, a Brahmin. He sensed the Vimana vibrating as it passed above Munishwaram and recognised the BrahmaastiDosham was not pursuing him at this moment. He brought the Vimana to a halt at this point and sought instruction from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva praised Lord Rama and urged him to install and pray at four lingams in India: Manavari, ThiruKoneshwaram, ThiruKetheshwaram, and Rameshwaram. The first lingam was constructed at the banks of the DeduruOya in Manavari, roughly 5 kilometres from here. It is the first lingam that Rama placed and worshipped at the Manavari Temple Chilaw, and this lingam is still known as Ramalinga Shivan till this day. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam named after Lord Rama in the world. Overnight at a Kandy hotel. (D)

Today, make your way to Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights). Make your way to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights), endowed with a healthy environment and stunning views of valleys, meadows, mountains, and greenery; surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya has year-round spring-like weather. It is often referred to as "Little England" since it was the preferred hill station of the British, who attempted to transform Nuwara Eliya into a normal English village. The historic brick Post Office, the country house-style hill club with its hunting portraits, trophies, and stringent formal dining clothing; the 18-hole golf course, horse racing track, and other amenities all evoke images of "England." The city tour of Nuwara Eliya includes stops at the town's major attractions, including the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. Additionally, you may tour a functional tea plant where the upland region's slow-growing tea trees create some of the world's finest Orange Pekoe tea. Additionally, you can include Seetha Eliya and Hanuman Temple. Seetha Eliya is a temple that appears in the popular epic Ramayana. Please keep in mind that admission costs are not included. Overnight at Nuwara Eliya. (A, B)

This morning, explore places associated with the Ramayana. On the way to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, pass through the Sita Amman Temple. The impressive temple architecture will undoubtedly catch your eye. On one side of the temple, ancient sculptures of Rama and Sita may be seen. Today, the temple is a contemporary structure with sculptured murals, statues, and pillars representing the story of Rama and Sita. This sacred refuge, which is still respected by multitudes, is where Sita performed her Agni Pariksha (testing her virginity) to her husband Rama. Thousands of years later, villages continue to swear their allegiance or take oaths there, and in certain courts, this agreement was enforceable. Throughout history, people have revered and worshipped this location. Ella is a tiny mountain town near Bandarawela that features three spots associated with the Ramayana, according to local belief, where Ravana hid Sita. To begin, there is the Ravana Ella Cave, which is located near the colossal Ella Falls; a spectacular 1080-foot-tall waterfall that flows into many smaller falls. The waterfall's stony substrate is Khondalite, a kind of limestone that decays more quickly than hard gneiss or granite. This has resulted in the formation of several caverns surrounding the falls. According to legend, King Ravana dwelt in one of the caves above the waterfall. Sita is reported to have bathed Ravana in a nearby pool carved out of the rock by the pouring streams. Overnight at Nuwara Eliya. (A, B)

Proceed to Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital. It is a bustling and dynamic city on the west coast, with a blend of contemporary and colonial influences. Colombo's architecture is tremendously varied, spanning centuries and displaying a variety of styles. Numerous Portuguese, Dutch, and British-influenced colonial constructions coexist with structures in Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Indian, and contemporary architectural styles. This is most visible in the Fort area, which is located in the heart of the city. Additionally, Colombo has a slew of shopping malls and department stores that sell brand-name clothes at steep discounts. As a result, it has developed into a popular shopping destination for tourists. While on your Colombo city tour, you may visit famous locations such as Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, the National Museum, the Twin World Trade Center towers, the Old Parliament Building, the Fort district, and Independence Hall in Independence Square, as well as prominent Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Christian places of worship. (Site admission costs are not included). You may shop at Odel, House of Fashion, Beverly Street, Majestic City, and Noritake, among others. Vibeeshana was crowned King of Lanka by Lakshmana at Kelaniya following King Ravana's demise. Outside the Buddhist temple are paintings representing Vibeeshana's coronation. Overnight in a Colombo hotel. (A, B)

Transfer to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport this morning for your flight home or to your next destination. (B)