The West Coast · Hill Country
6-Day Sri Lanka Essential Ramayana Trail
Chilaw / Kandy / Nuwara Eliya / Colombo
The shape
A pilgrimage rather than a tour, and the route follows the story. North to Munneswaram and Manavari first, then inland and up - Ramboda, Seetha Amman, Ashok Vatika, Divurumpola. Two nights in Nuwara Eliya, because four of the principal sites are within an hour of it.
Munneswaram, where tradition holds Rama worshipped Shiva after the battle. Manavari and its lingam. Hanuman at Ramboda. Seetha Amman above the stream at Sita Eliya, Ashok Vatika below Hakgala, and Divurumpola, where Sita is said to have walked through fire.
The days are built around temple hours and pooja schedules rather than around driving times, and the pace suits senior pilgrims - short local transfers on the two Nuwara Eliya days, and nothing that requires a climb.
The Peacock Standard
Always included
- Private vehicle and chauffeur guide throughout
- Every property booked and confirmed
- Breakfast daily, dinner most nights
- Park and site entrances arranged in advance
- Airport meet-and-greet on arrival and departure
- Cold towels and chilled king coconut in the vehicle
- A number answered at any hour
What each day holds
Day by day
Day 1 · Chilaw
The first night, on the coast
Met at the airport and driven north to Chilaw, or to Negombo if your flight is late in. Nothing is asked of you on this day beyond arriving. If there is light left, the coast road is worth the drive.
Day 2 · Kandy
Where Rama worshipped Shiva
Munneswaram first, one of the oldest Shiva temples on the island and where tradition holds Rama came after the battle with Ravana. Then Manavari, and the lingam said to have been installed by Rama himself. Inland to Kandy in the afternoon, with the lake and the dancers if the evening allows.
Days 3–4 · Nuwara Eliya · two nights
Hanuman at Ramboda
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth in the morning, then the climb into the hills. Sri Bhakta Hanuman at Ramboda, built where tradition places Hanuman’s search for Sita, with the valley below it. Ramboda Falls on the way up, and a working tea factory before Nuwara Eliya.
Day 5 · Colombo
Seetha Amman, Ashok Vatika, Divurumpola
The principal sites, all within an hour of the hotel. Seetha Amman at Sita Eliya, above the stream where Sita is said to have bathed. The Hakgala slopes below, traditionally Ashok Vatika. Then Gayathri Peedam and Divurumpola, where the trial by fire is placed. Hakgala gardens are optional - they involve a walk, and the drive and the view serve as well.
Day 6 · Departure
North to the airport, roughly where the journey began.
1 hr