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Follow the legends of the Ramayana
Visit places associated with the Ramayana, from the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple to Seetha Amman Temple in the central highlands.
From the lively streets of Colombo and the sacred traditions of Kandy to the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya, this eight-day tour brings together Sri Lanka’s legends, landscapes and wildlife. Discover places associated with the Ramayana, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, and enjoy afternoon and morning jeep safaris in Yala National Park. Continue to the historic ramparts of Galle and the mangrove waterways of Madu Ganga, with the option of a dawn whale-watching excursion along the southern coast. Along the way, experience the island’s rich cultural heritage and remarkable natural diversity.
The interests that shape this journey
Select a day to view the itinerary details. All sightseeing highlights are included unless marked as optional. Optional activities are available at an additional cost.
Your tour begins in Colombo, Sri Lanka's lively commercial capital. An early arrival allows time to discover a city shaped by centuries of maritime trade and Portuguese, Dutch and British influence. Visit Independence Memorial Hall to understand the country’s modern history. Explore Cinnamon Gardens, the colonial buildings of Fort and Pettah’s busy trading streets. The Red Mosque offers striking architecture, while a sunset stroll at Galle Face Green reveals Colombo’s everyday coastal life.
This morning, depart for Kandy, the island’s last royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage City. Visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple that stands on a site associated with Ravana, the legendary king of Lanka. You will have the opportunity to learn about Ayurveda, a traditional approach to holistic wellbeing on the way. In the evening, you could enjoy a guided walk beside Kandy Lake, followed by a scenic tour of the city’s best-known viewpoints.
Route: Colombo → Kandy
Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, renowned for their magnificent trees, palms and orchid collection. Continue with a sightseeing tour of Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the country’s most revered Buddhist sites for a Puja (religious ceremony) and learn about its significance in Sri Lankan religious and cultural life. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural show featuring expressive dance and rhythmic drumming.
Discover the heritage of Ceylon Tea at a plantation, learning how tea is cultivated, handpicked and transformed into the famous brew. Visit Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who in the Ramayana epic journeys to Lanka in search of Sita. Explore this enduring story and its place in Sri Lankan tradition. Admire Ramboda Waterfall amid the highland scenery, then enjoy a boat ride on Gregory Lake, followed by a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya, taking in its colonial-era architecture and distinctive hill-country atmosphere.
Route: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Visit Seetha Amman Temple at Seetha Eliya, traditionally associated with Ashoka Vatika, where Sita was held captive by Ravana in the Ramayana epic. Hear the story of Hanuman’s journey to Lanka in search of Sita and his message of hope. Then travel south to Yala National Park for an exciting afternoon jeep safari through dry forests and open plains, with opportunities to encounter elephants, crocodiles, colourful birdlife and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard in its natural habitat.
Route: Nuwara Eliya → Seetha Eliya → Yala National Park → Tissamaharama
The morning jeep safari in Yala National Park is optional and available at an additional cost. If you choose to join, cooler conditions and the early hours can offer different wildlife encounters from the previous afternoon’s drive. Animals may be active after the night, and the changing light brings a different atmosphere to the park. If you prefer not to take the safari, enjoy a relaxed morning before travelling along the southern coast. Stop at the Japanese Peace Pagoda near Rumassala for its peaceful setting and coastal views. In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through Galle Fort and along its historic ramparts, discovering the fortifications, architecture and stories of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Route: Tissamaharama → Galle
At dawn, choose an optional whale-watching excursion, or enjoy a leisurely morning in Galle. Later, explore the culture of Sri Lanka’s southern coastal communities before continuing to Madu Ganga for a river boat safari. This Ramsar-listed wetland is known for its mangrove-lined waterways and rich biodiversity. As you glide through its channels and islands, look for waterbirds, kingfishers, monitor lizards and other wildlife. Continue to Colombo, where the evening is free to relax or explore independently.
Route: Galle → Balapitiya → Colombo
This is your last day of the tour and you can enjoy a leisurely morning in Colombo, with time to relax or browse local shops for souvenirs. Breakfast is included at your hotel.
Visit places associated with the Ramayana, from the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple to Seetha Amman Temple in the central highlands.
Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, experience traditional Kandyan dance and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Venture into Yala National Park on the included afternoon jeep safari, with the option of an additional morning safari for a different atmosphere and further opportunities to encounter wildlife.
Walk Galle’s historic fortifications, discover southern coastal culture and explore the mangrove-lined Madu Ganga by boat.
Colombo: City sightseeing and visits to Independence Memorial Hall, Red Mosque, Galle Face Green, Pettah Bazaar.
Kandy: City sightseeing, cultural show, Royal Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Ramboda: Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, Ramboda Waterfall.
Nuwara Eliya: Tea Plantation Visit, town sightseeing.
Seetha Eliya: Temple of Sita, Ashoka Vatika.
Galle: UNESCO Fort & Ramparts, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Southern coastal culture.
Scenic Boat Ride on Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya.
Ramsar Wetland Boat Safari on Madu Ganga.
Yala National Park: Afternoon jeep safari included. The Day 6 morning jeep safari is optional and available at an additional cost.
No. It combines places associated with the Ramayana tradition with cultural attractions, scenic highlands, wildlife experiences and time on the coast.
Yes. USD 1,550 is the per-person starting price based on two persons sharing. Please enquire for prices for other party sizes or room arrangements.
Families are welcome. The pace is active and includes several long road journeys, especially on Days 5 and 6. We can discuss suitability for your children’s ages before booking.
The afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park on Day 5 and the Madu Ganga boat safari on Day 7 are included. The Day 6 morning jeep safari at Yala National Park and the dawn whale-watching excursion are optional and available at additional cost.
Seven breakfasts and four dinners are included. Dinners are provided in Colombo on Days 1 and 7, Nuwara Eliya on Day 4 and the Tissamaharama/Yala area on Day 5. Lunches and other dinners are not included.
The tour begins and ends in Colombo.
Please share your travel dates and any preferences when enquiring. We can discuss changes and provide a revised quotation where needed.
Yes. Personal travel insurance is required for all guests. Your policy should cover emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation, medical evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation or interruption, and lost, stolen or delayed baggage. For more guidance on the cover to check before travelling, read our Travel Insurance guidance under Preparing for Sri Lanka – Before you travel.