MYSTICLA SRI LANKA

Arrival to Sri Lanka, welcome by Our Representative at the Airport & proceed to Trincomalee enroute visit Manavari Temple: When the Vimana was passing over Munishwaram, he felt the Vimana vibrating, and realized the Brahmaasti Dosham was not following him at this particular point. He stopped the Vimana at this juncture and asked god Lord Shiva for advice. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised installing and praying at four lingams located at Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham. The first lingam was installed at Manavari about 5km from here, near the banks of the Deduru Oya. At the Manavari Temple Chilaw Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed by Rama and till date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in world named after Lord Rama. Muneshwaram Temple: It is believed that Munishwaram predates the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was located here. Munishwaram means the first temple for Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). A Shiva Lingam was already here when Lord Rama visited this place. Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya with Sita in one of King Ravana’s Vimanas. He felt he was being followed by a Bramhaasthi Dosham (a malevolent black shadow) as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. Then proceed to Trincomalee. Check-in Hotel & relax. Dinner & Overnight stay in Trincomalee.

After Breakfast visit to Shankari Devi Shakthi Peetam: it is small in size but of some significance for Hindu pilgrims. This Shankari Devi temple was reconstructed in a new place. The original Shankari Devi temple said to be built by Ravana, was the first in the list of AshtaDasha (18) Shakti Pitas written down by Adi Shankara. But its whole cliff was destroyed by Portuguese cannon balls. Only a pillar for commemoration is placed on that spot now. And it is believed that the original idol of the Goddess has been preserved and replaced, being venerated now in this nearby new Shankari Devi temple. Koneswaram Temple: is a classical-medieval Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Trincomalee, Eastern Sri Lanka. The temple is situated atop Konesar Malai, a promontory that overlooks the Indian Ocean, the nearby eastern coast (the Trincomalee District), as well as Trincomalee Harbour or Gokarna Bay. Thereafter proceed to Kandy via Sigiriya & visit Sigiriya Rock from outside of entrance & proceed to Kandy via Matale, visiting Herbal Spice Garden in Matale, they’ll explain all you need to know about Lankan spices and Ayurveda herbs. Evening: 04:45 P.M Round off your day with a Cultural Dance show, where the vibrant costumes and pulsating rhythms of traditional dance forms from centuries old rituals will enthrall you. Dinner & Overnight stay in Kandy.

After Breakfast enjoy city tour including Kandy Temple: the last kingdom of the Sinhalese, taking in the sights of Upper Lake Drive and the Market Square on the way to pay homage to one of the most sacred religious sites in Sri Lanka. The Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Maligawa is believed to house the ‘tooth relic’ of the Lord Buddha. A walk around the town will let you indulge in some souvenir hunting with intricate treasures in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony, bronze, ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewelry and reed-ware to choose from. Thereafter proceed to NE enroute visit Tea Plantation & Tea Factory, Ramboda Water Falls & Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple. The old colonial outpost still referred to as ‘Little England’ Nuwara Eliya certainly lives up to its name. Perched 6200 feet above sea level, the climate too, adds to the illusion of one stepping into an old English town, where neat hedges, quaint cottages and beautiful old buildings stand as serene as they did well over a century ago – the magnificent Grand Hotel presiding over them all. There is, of course, an old golf course as well as horse racing events to complete the picture. Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya - Victoria Park is a public park located in Nuwara Eliya, next to the Nuwara Eliya Post Office in Sri Lanka. Originally the park was the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden. The park was formally named in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Sita Amman Temple: The prominent temple architecture will not fail to attract your attention. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on one side of the temple. The temple today is a modern building with its paintings, statues and pillars decorated with sculptures; all depicting the tale of Rama and Sita. Hakgala Botanical Gardens (Ashok Vatika): This is the exotic pleasure garden where King Ravana kept the depressed Sita, insisting that she marries him. It was here where the heartwarming meeting took place between her and Hanuman, who brought her Rama’s ring with the news that Rama was looking for her. He offered to carry her back but she refused saying it would be an insult to Rama’s honour if she did so. Part of this majestic garden still exists. It is also said that Hanuman nearly destroyed it in order to prove to Ravana of the forces against him. Check-in Hotel & relax. Dinner & Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

After Breakfast proceed to Yala via Ella, enroute visit Ravana Falls, Ravana Cave, 9th Bridge & Divurumpola. Ella is a quiet hill country town that draws visitors to its cool climate and its picturesque setting deep in the heart of the ‘up country’. Steeped in the ancient legend of Rama and Sita from the Indian epic -the Ramayana, most significant natural landmarks are named after King Ravana – the local god who kidnapped the princess. The myriad locations connected to the legend are well worth visiting and the cascading torrent of Ravana Ella waterfall too is a breath-taking sight. The towering mass of Ella Rock presides regally over the area and the mountain pass known as Ella Gap offers spectacular views right across the distant valleys all the way to the South Coast. The little town of Ella is far from a scenic stopover, but a truly charming and beautiful haven to spend a few relaxing days of fresh mountain air and unforgettable vistas. Check-in Hotel & relax. Dinner & Overnight stay in Yala.

Morning Safari at Yala National Park (05.30-09.30 AM). Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public and also adjoining parks. Yala is situated in Sri Lanka’s south-east hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and was designated a national park in 1938. Ironically, the park was initially used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule. Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Among its more famous residents is the world’s biggest concentration of leopards. Thereafter proceed to Bentota via Galle - The Heritage city of Galle. For centuries Galle has stood strong against invasions - from colonial powers and nature’s volatile outbursts. The famous Dutch Fort was first built by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch and preserved by the British. Battered daily for over 400 years by the ocean it even survived the onslaught of a tsunami and is enjoyed today by residents and visitors alike. The colonial architecture of the walled city too has resisted the advance of modernity and holds tightly to its past glory. Turtle Hatchery at Kosgoda - a successful conservation effort established to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. Check-in Hotel & relax. Dinner & Overnight stay in Bentota.

After breakfast enjoy Bentota city tour including Madhu River Boat ride. Bentota - on the South coast of Sri Lanka lays the city of Bentota. The general area of Bentota is interesting for birds. On the shore Sea birds and Wanders are often found. Including the rare Indian Heron and Vegetation along the river harbors many local species as well as winter migrants. Many interesting sightseeing tours are possible from here, such as the Turtle Hatchery, Madu river Boat trips on Bentota River etc. Madu River Boat Ride - The bio-diversity of the Madu River is of monumental signification when considering the wide ranges of aquatic and avian life as well as wetland dwelling amphibians, reptiles, mammals that inhabit the environs of this natural treasure. A total of 11 species of agnatic mollusks and 14 land dwelling mollusks are found in this system. 70 species of fish, 31 types of reptiles, and 50 kinds of butterflies are just some of colorful array of wildlife that inhabits this abundantly bustling eco-system. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that 111 species of bird have been identified in the mangrove formed environs of the river, and has been known to host several types of migratory birds. Thereafter proceed to Colombo, enjoy city tour of Colombo & Shopping. Sri Lanka’s former capital city, Colombo is easily the largest metropolis in the country. It is still the commercial and entertainment hub with many corporate buildings, restaurants, shopping malls, spas, hotels and nightclubs. If you want to have an active urban nightlife and do a spot of shopping then Colombo is your place. One thing unique you’re bound to find in the heart of Colombo is the tree-lined main streets adding to the idea that this truly is a tropical paradise. Stand under one of the towering streets in the afternoon sun and you’re bound to cool off. Colombo also has a massive park named after both Queen Victoria and Sri Lankan princes Vihara Maha Devi, and is situated along the island’s Western Coastline boasting some of the world’s best city sunsets every evening. Sit on an open terrace, sip Margaritas and watch the golden-orange sky dance tones of blue and purple as night begins to fall. Later enjoy Colombo city shopping. There are wide varieties of shopping complexes within the Colombo city all of them are with all the facilities. Most of the shopping malls are fully Wi-Fi enabled. If you are looking goods for lesser prices Pettah Bazaar is the ideal location. You can buy almost anything you want but this is always busy and crowded. If you move along the Galle Road, you can find shopping malls like Majestic City, Liberty Plaza and Crescat which are very popular among locals as well. You can buy garments, handicrafts, books, leather goods and many more. Prices are very competitive. ODEL and Arina are other shopping malls which are very popular among tourists. The shops in Main Street of Pettah mostly sell readymade garments. Check-in Hotel & relax. Dinner & Overnight stay in Colombo.

After Breakfast proceed to the Colombo Airport to catch your flight back home accompanied with all the happy memories of the tropical isle; Sri Lanka once known as TAPROBANE.