SRI LANKA TRIP FROM INDIA, RAMAYANA TOUR, SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE AND ASHOK VATIKA

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

Table of Contents

A large number of Indian travelers are searching for Sri Lanka trips from India mainly due to the Ramayana epic story. Unlike most tourists coming from Europe, Indian tourists do not spend much time on beach holidays. Most Indian tourists book Sri Lanka trip from India with two main intentions. One of the main objectives is visiting the sites mentioned in the Ramayana mythical story such as Seetha Amman temple, Ashok Vatika and other reasons to enjoy the culture, nature, history of Sri Lanka. However, few travellers opt to have European styled Sri Lanka holiday packages with safari, beach, cultural triangle.

Click here for more details on 4 days Sri Lanka Ramayan tour

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT RAMAYANA PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA?

  1. Seetha Amman temple Sri Lanka
  2. Ashok Vatika Sri Lanka
  3. Munneswaram temple
  4. manavari temple
  5. Katirakamum temple
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Spend five memorable days on a tour of Sri Lanka with a variety of sightseeing activities. Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, bicycle around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, tour Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) — all UNESCO World Heritage sites.

WHAT IS ASHOK VATIKA?

According to the Vishnu Purana and Ramayana, Ashoka Vatika was a garden located in the Kingdom of King Ravana from Lanka. The Vatika has garden houses around it, built by Vishwakarma himself. The beautiful garden is popularly known as the Haggala botanical garden today. Ashok Vatika is one of the prominent historical monuments in Sri Lanka that has a close relationship with Ramayana.

HOW TO REACH ASHOK VATIKA IN SRI LANKA?

Drive southward from Nuwara Eliya on Wellawaya-Nuwara Eliya main road, Ashok Vatika better known as Haggala botanical garden is on the right side at the 7th KM post.

How to reach Ashok Vatika in Sri Lanka? This is a question heard very often because a large number of travellers like to visit Ashok Vatika, especially a large number of Indian travellers who arrive in Sri Lanka like to visit Ashok Vatika. Finding Ashok Vatika is a daunting task because only a few people know about Ashoka Vatika. Ashok Vatika is known to people, who know thoroughly about Ramayana.

There are many options to travel to Ashoka Vatika. Public buses, trains, seaplanes and private taxi all are viable options, but all of them have pros and cons. As far as my experience is concerned, a private vehicle with a local guide is the best option. It is comfortable, safe, affordable and saves time.

ASHOK VATIKA / HAGGALA BOTANICAL GARDEN

Ashok Vatika is popularly known as “HAGGALA BOTANICAL GARDEN” today, which is located near the Seetha Amman temple. Haggala botanical garden or Ashok Vatika is only 7 km from Nuwara Eliya town on the Nuwara Eliya-Wellawaya main road. It is very easy to reach Ashok Vatika from Nuwara Eliya and the drive takes around 20 minutes.

WHAT CAN SEE IN ASHOK VATIKA?

Ashok Vatika attracts a large number of travelers and most of the visitors of Ashok Vatika are local travelers. travelers are gathering in Ashok Vatika to see the beautiful flowers. Due to the cool climate in Ashoka Vatika, it provides the best ground to grow flowers like dahlia, rose, cannas, etc.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ASHOK VATIKA?

The best time of the year to visit Ashok Vatika is during the lunar new year period. During the months of April, May, June and July most trees and plants produce colourful flowers, therefore, the botanical garden is full of flowers during these months.

WHAT IS THE DISTANCE FROM COLOMBO TO ASHOK VATIKA SRI LANKA?

THE DISTANCE FROM COLOMBO TO ASHOK VATIKA IS 170 KM, DURATION OF THE TRIP 3-4 HOURS (COLOMBO-KANDY-NUWARA ELIYA-ASHOK VATIKA).

The distance from Colombo to Ashok Vatika is about 170 km however the journey from Colombo to Ashok Vatika takes around 4 hours due to the steep hike and curving road. Ashok Vatika is mostly offered combined with other tourist attractions, but it can be booked as a Sri Lanka one day trip from Colombo.

Ashok Vatika, as well as Seetha Amman temple, are important historical monuments one-day trip place in Sri Lanka. If you are wondering what the other popular one day trip places in Sri Lanka, please check my article under the title, “Popular places for Sri Lanka one day trips“.

WHAT IS SITA AMMAN TEMPLE?

The location of Sita Amman temple believed to be the place, where Sita was held captive by (Vikram) king Ravana. It had been the place where Seetha prayed daily for Rama to rescue her.

one-day trips from Colombo

Sri Lanka 3-day tour with Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla golden temple Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya

HOW TO REACH SITA AMMAN TEMPLE?

Take the Nuwar Eliya-Wellawaya main road, which runs in a southward direction from Nuwara Eliya. 10 minuted drive from Nuwara Eliya at the 3rd km post, Seetha Amman temple is on the left side of the road.

All visitors to these sacred places are supposed to dress in a particular manner to uphold their religious values. There is a set of rules that every visitor to religious sites observes while visiting sacred places in Sri Lanka. If you are wondering what these rules are, check out this article “13 RULES TO OBSERVE WHILE VISITING SRI LANKA BUDDHIST TEMPLE, SRI LANKA TEMPLE DRESS CODE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH DRES’ CODE“.

VENTURE ON A SRI LANKA TRIP FROM INDIA AND VISIT SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE (अशोक वाटिका ) SRI LANKA

Visiting Seetha Amman temple is one of the main priorities among the tourists who book Sri Lanka trip from India, especially by Hindu devotees. Hundreds of Hindu devotees walking into a beautiful temple located near Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, every day. The temple has very beautiful, calm, settings near Ashok Vatika better known as Haggala botanical garden. There is a beautiful stream that flows behind this temple, which makes soothing music for the visitors. Almost every vehicle, which is passing by, stops here and makes an offering to earn the blessings of God.

The picture created by the above narration is directly connected with the life of Hindu devotees. The Seetha Amman temple is none other than the location, which was devoted to the wife of god Rama also known as queen Seetha, as she was under the captivity of Ravana. Seetha Amman temple of Nuwara Eliya one of the few temples in the world that are dedicated to Seetha.

अशोक वाटिका SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE DRESS CODE

There is a particular dress code when you visit a Buddhist temple. Visiting a Hindu temple is no exception and the visitors of Hindu temples also need to stick to the proper dress code while visiting Hindu temples. The visitors should be dressed decently while visiting the Seetha temple. A similar dress code to visit a Buddhist temple is very suitable. It is best to wear a pair of long pants or a skirt, thereby it is long enough to hide your knees. Same time don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering the temple.

SRI LANKA TRIP FROM INDIA -RAMAYANA TOUR, SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE AND ASHOK VATIKA

“Sri Lanka trip from India” is a very popular combination of keywords that appear in the google search because Sri Lanka is an important destination for Indian travelers for many centuries. In the recent past, the search for Sri Lanka trip from India is considerably increased and momentum expected to grow further. Sri Lanka is a charming holiday destination and is located very close to the Indian mainland.

The two countries have a very close relationship with regard to culture, tradition, and history. Due to its close proximity, and cultural and historical relationship with India, Sri Lanka is a destination with importance for many Indians, mainly due to the Ramayana and its attributed places such as Seetha Amman temple and Ashok Vatika. Due to the high demand, there is a large number of  Indian tour operators that organise Sri Lanka tour and it is very easy to book a Sri Lanka trip from India.

SRI LANKA AND INDIA PLAY A BIG ROLE IN RAMAYANA

The cultural, and religious relationship between the two countries goes back to the pre-Christian era, which is one of the main reasons for Indians to book Sri Lanka trip from India.

The relationship between the two countries was first mentioned in the Ramayana. Which took places many centuries ago but no one been able to determine the exact period yet. But most scientists opine that the incident took place between 7000 to 18000 years ago. Even today Ramayana is an important religious story discussed in both societies and it has been the main reason for Indian tourists to book Sri Lanka trips from India.

INTRODUCTION OF BUDDHISM AFTER RAMAYANA

After the Ramayana most important incident that contributed to the mutual relationship of Sri Lanka and India is the advent of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. It is believed that Buddhism was the most precious gift received by the people of Sri Lanka from India because Buddhism pops-up in India and later spread to neighboring countries.

Due to the contribution is done by India for the spiritual gain of the people of Sri Lanka the Indian mainland and its people are greatly respected by Sri Lankans even today. On the other hand, the Buddhists of Sri Lanka don’t forget to visit the places where Buddha lived in India and the places such as Varanasi, Bodhgaya places that receive Sri Lankan pilgrims very often.

SRI LANKA TRIP FROM INDIA CLOSELY CONNECTED TO RAMAYANA TOUR

A large number of Indians are searching for Sri Lanka trips from India mainly due to the Ramayana epic story. But these Indian tourists book Sri Lanka trip from India with two main intentions. One reason is visiting the sites mentioned in the Ramayana and other reasons to enjoy the culture, nature, and history of Sri Lanka. Indian tourists who show up here are not forgetting to enjoy the pristine Sri Lankan beaches and do some shopping in the cities like Kandy and Colombo too.

Sita temple, ramayana, Seetha Amman temple
This temple is known as Sita temple or Sitaram is dedicated to Sita (the wise of Ram) and located near Ashok Vatika and Nuwara Eliya city, this is a site covered in Ramayan tout.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR RAMAYAN TOUR

Sri Lanka is under the influence of monsoon and there are 2 monsoons called the north-east monsoon and south-west monsoon. It is best to visit Sri Lanka from November to April during this period the north-east monsoon is in effect and therefore only the north and east part of Sri Lanka is under the rain. During the northeast monsoon, a large part of the country experiences dry weather including the Sri Lankan mountains, allowing you to visit most places included in the Ramayan tour without any hindrance.

HOW ARE SRI LANKA AND INDIA INVOLVED IN RAMAYANA?

Ramayana is one of the greatest stories that evolved around the ancient folks who lived in India and Sri Lanka. In this epic story, king Ravana (ruler of Sri Lanka) abducted the wife of King Rama (a prince of India). The incident led to a war between the kings.

Ravana was helped by the monkey god “Hanuman”, who took a major role in the war against Ravana. Vibhishana, brother of Ravana also joined Ravana in the battle making it more difficult for Ravana to fight against Rama. At the end of the battle king, Ravana killed himself leaving the abducted queen (Seetha) to be reunited with her beloved husband.

King Ravana is treated as a god in some parts of the island of Sri Lanka even today. The places believed to be occupied by King Ravana are found in many parts of the island. Sigiriya, Bandarawela, Nuwara Eliya, Karadagolla are some of the places that have a close relationship with King Ravana.

However, the Sigiriya rock fortress and Sigiriya paintings are attributed to King Kashpyapa (5th century AD), by modern historians and archaeologists.

Seetha Eliya of Nuwara Eliya is believed to be the location, where Seetha was hidden, which draws the attention of almost every traveler who books a Sri Lanka trip from India. Seetha Eliya is a calm and quite remote area surrounded by forest. A beautiful stream flows through the woods in the area.

PROMOTING SRI LANKA TRIP FROM INDIA

Sri Lanka convention bureau, SLTPB, and Sri Lankan national carrier (Sri Lankan air) have come together to promote Sri Lanka trip from India among the Hindu devotees while reviving the great epoch of Ramayana. The program is launched to promote 14 sites out of 52 places that are directly connected to Ramayana.

There are many archaeologically and historically important places among them. Ravan cave, Ravana waterfall, Maligatenna, Romsasala, Kelaniya, Sitawaka are some of the important sites with immense importance for the believers of Ramayana.

ASHOK VATIKA SRI LANKA

Ashok Vatika is one of the very important reasons for Sri Lanka’s popularity among the Indians, which is mentioned in Ramayana and included in almost every Sri Lanka road trip that covers Ramayana sites. Almost every Indian tourist, who visits the island, is not forgetting to visit Nuwara Eliya because Ashok Vatika and Seetha Amman temple both are located in the city of Nuwara Eliya.

Apart from Ashok Vatika and Seetha Amman temple, there are many other sites in the area that should be included in a Ramayana trail tour. Ravana falls, Divurumpola temple, Seetha Kotuwa, Gayatri Pitam, Vidurupola, Mani Katthuter, Labookellie, and Hanuman temple are some of the several sites that can be included in a Ramayana tour.

Many tour itineraries and the program will be launched to increase the popularity of sites connected to Ramayana among the localities associated with Ramayana tradition. You can get more details on our article by Ashok Vatika.

A BOOST TO SRI LANKA RAMAYANA TOUR

Sri Lanka and India are considering to re-launch the ferry service between Colombo and Rameshwaram south India. The ferry service between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to the political unrest in North-East Sri Lanka. Since the start of the civil war in Sri Lanka, air traffic had been the main transport method for travelers, who wish to reach Sri Lanka from India.

After considering the economic benefits for both India and Sri Lanka resulted in due to the ferry service, two countries considering reviving the ferry service again. With the introduction of the new ferry service, the transport cost would be reduced to less than USD 100 per person traveling between India and Sri Lanka.  Therefore the low-income travelers from both countries will be able to travel to foreign soils during their holidays.

Sri Lanka and India have a very close cultural and religious relationship and Indians and Sri Lankans have a lot of similarities with regard to culture, nature, and religion. The starting date of the ferry service is yet to be published after the discussions between the two countries.

In 2011 both countries had similar discussions to start the ferry service, but the discussions were given up immaturely as the civil war heightened.  Earlier discussions were carried out with intention of launching a ferry service on a daily basis between the two countries. How often the ferry service available, the type of vessels, and facilities provided in the future are yet to be disclosed.

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT PLACES TO VISIT ON THE 4 DAYS TOUR

These 4 days Sri Lanka tour primarily includes important places mentioned in Ramayana. Almost all these tourist attractions are to be found in Sri Lanka’s upcountry.

  • Seetha Amman temple
  • Ashok Vatika
  • Tooth relic temple
  • Hanuman temple
  • Peradeniya botanical garden
Kandy one day tour

SRI LANKA RAMAYAN TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 SRI LANKA RAMAYAN TOUR:: AIRPORT / KANDY

On the very first day of the Ramayana tour, you will meet our guide/driver at Bandaranaike International Airport, then proceed to the hotel in Kandy. However the pick can be arranged from other locations in Colombo, instead of Airport, please inquire. 

KANDY

Kandy is the first stop on the Ramayan trip from India, which was the last capital of Sri Lanka. You will be staying 3 nights in Kandy while exploring the beautiful places in and around the city. Most Ramayana reminiscents are to be found in the mountains near Kandy. You are not only seeking historical sites related to Ramayana on this trip but also you visit many other tourist hotspots along with some shopping. Kandy is the tourist hub of Sri Lanka due to its natural beauty, places to visit, and exhilarating shopping experience.  

The kings of Sri Lanka ruled the country from Kandy until 1815, although the rest of the island was under the British regime. Finally, Kandy was also ceded to them by the Chieftains of Kandy who were disappointed over the king’s cruelty. Today Kandy is one of the most important cities owing to the presence of the Temple of the sacred tooth of the Buddha.

Kandy is not only a sacred city but also one of the most beautiful cities that sits 500 meters above sea level. A large area of the city is under the shade of beautiful trees and Kandy lake, in the middle of the city adds beauty.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

DAY 2 SRI LANKA RAMAYAN TOUR :: KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA / KANDY

Breakfast at the hotel and leave for Nuwara Eliya, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and salubrious climate of the country. En-route visit a tea factory, Seetha Amman temple, Hanuman temple, and Ashok Vatika.

NUWARA ELIYA

Sri Lanka hill station mainly comprised of Nuwara Eliya, Bandrawela and Haputale is a glimpse to behold. The cool climate with a widespread green cover dominated by tea bush has a big contrast its own and locality is totally different than the low-land of Sri Lanka. Hill country harbours, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, flower garden, mountains, patches of forests and much much more.

Nuwara Eliya and the surrounding area are frequently included in most Sri Lanka tours from India due to the role played in the Ramayana. According to Ramayana hill country was the hub of the story, where Seetha was hidden after the abduction. Ravana waterfall, Ravana cave, Seetha Amman temple, Dova cave temple, Ashok Vatika, and Divurrumpola temple are some of the places located in the hill country.

SRI BHAKTI HANUMAN TEMPLE

Sri Bhakti Hanuman temple can be described as an off-the-beaten-track tourist site despite its historical and religious importance. According to the ancient stories, Ramboda is an area, where the forces of Rama gather to fight against King Ravana. This temple was built by the Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka and dedicated to Hanuman. This temple houses a 16 feel height statue of Hanuman.

ASHOK VATIKA SRI LANKA

Haggala botanical garden is identified as the site known as ASOK VATIKA in Ramayana. It was a royal garden, established by Ravana the king of Demon as it is written in the Hindu epoch Vishnu Purana. It is believed that Ravana abducted Sita, the wife of Rama, and kept her on the island of Lanka. During her stay in Lanka Sita had refused to stay in the palace of Ravan and opted to rest here under the Ashoka tree, hence the name.

According to Ramayana Ravana’s wife of Ravana, Mandoidari had come to meet Sita here. Seetha had met Hanuman also for the first time at Ashok Vatika, as he was searching for the secret location where Sita was held. subsequently, the war erupted between Rama and Ravana and Sita stayed at Ashok Vatika until the fierce battle ended with the demise of Ravana.

TEA FACTORY

Visit a Tea Plantation and a Tea Factory en-route. Sri Lanka is famous for its “Ceylon Tea” which has added cheers to many the world over for more than a century.

Overnight stay in Kandy. 

DAY 3 SRI LANKA RAMAYAN TOUR :: KANDY

Breakfast at the hotel and leave for a sightseeing tour in Kandy and visit places such as the temple of the tooth, upper lake, Natha Devala, Kataragama Devala, etc.

BOTANICAL GARDEN

Peradeniya botanical garden is not a place mentioned in the Ramayana epic story and should not be an essential part of the Ramayana tour but most Indian travelers wish to visit Peradeniya botanical garden due to its rich collection of plants and trees. Therefore Peradeniya botanical garden is offered as an optional site in many Ramayan tours allowing the interested guests to visit the site by paying the entrance fees at the site. The entrance fee for Indian travelers at Peradeniya botanical garden is USD 10 per person.

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The Botanical Garden of Peradeniya was a pleasure garden of a Kandyan King of the 16th Century and was later made into a Botanical Garden during the British regime. This gardens; one of the best in Asia is a place of beauty and a site for bird watchers.

TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH

Indian travelers can visit the temple by paying USD 5 (per person).

CITY & SHOPPING

City hopping and shopping are some of the leisure time activities for people who book a Sri Lanka tour from India. Usually, city-hopping and shopping are offered either in Kandy or Colombo because they are important cities in terms of economic activities giving a wide range of possibilities for shoppers.

The City Tour will include places of Tourist interest such as

  • Kandy lake
  • Historical church
  • Buddhist Hindu Temple

Shopping at

  • Silk garden
  • Ramachandra jewelry
  • Barefoot and etc

Overnight Stay in Kandy

DAY 4 SRI LANKA RAMAYANA TOUR:: KANDY / COLOMBO

Breakfast at the hotel and leave for Bandaranayke international airport, En-route sightseeing tour in Colombo.

COLOMBO

Colombo city had been a well-known city in the region among the Arabian, Chinese, Indian, Persian, and Roman traders as early as the pre-Christian era. Sri Lanka is located on the East-West sea route and is visited by traders in order to exchange their goods with the local traders.

Even though Colombo was a well-known city among the ancient traders 2,000 years ago, the capital city of the country had been Anuradhapura. There was an Arabian settlement in the city of Colombo at the mouth of the Kelani River. Arab traders were exporting the goods from the port of Colombo.

Goods such as Cinnamon, ivory, gems, and elephants were exported by the king of Kotte with the help of Arabs. With the beginning of the British colonial period, Colombo city received a prominent place as the capital of Ceylon. Colombo was the capital of the island from 1815 to 1978 until the administrative capital was moved to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.

GALLE FACE

This had been a well knowRacecoursese during the British colonial period in the country. This racecourse which is located bordering the Indian Ocean had to be abandoned later on due to the Sea crabs, which are making holes in the track. Afterward, it was developed as a promenade for the city dwellers and named Galle to face green. Today Galle face green contains an open theatre, and spacious open space for a picnic, sports, and walking.

BUDDHIST TEMPLE GANGARAMA

It is considered to be one of the best places to visit in the country. Temple is one of the three places that Buddha visited in the 6th century B.C. well known Kelaniya dagoba is located on the border of the temple. Kalyani River, which flows next to the temple, adds more value to the scenic beauty of the temple. This temple holds a reputation for its attractive wall, which is considered to be the best painting of the Modern Era

VIHARAMAHADEVI PARK

Viharamahadevi is located in Colombo 7 or Cinnamon gardens. It is the largest and most popular park in the city. It is believed that there had been a twenty-square-kilometer cinnamon plantation in the area. Today most of the palaces of wealthy people can be seen in the area and Colombo 7 is the most picturesque part of the city.

WOLFENDAAL CHURCH

The Wolvendaal Church is located in the Fort area (Colombo 1) and it is within walking distance from the center of the city. It has a large collection of tombstones of important Dutch personalities, who served the Dutch East Indian Company. Fort is built at the highest point of Colombo and dates back to the 16s. The church is built in the Doric style of the medieval period, in the form of a Greek cross, with five feet thick walls and the gables raised over. The transepts are roofed with brick barrel arches and a central dome.

AUKANA BUDDHA STATUE / INDEPENDENCE HALL / PETTAH AND BMICH

Facing the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall stands a beautifully executed statue of the Buddha in a standing posture. The statue is 36 feet tall and is the largest Buddha statue in the city of Colombo. It is a replica of the Avukana Statue on the banks of the Kalawewa Anuradhapura.

CITY & SHOPPING

Below mentioned sites are also included in the city tour

  • Parliament built by the British
  • Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall
  • Buddhist and Hindu Temple
  • Town Hall

For Shopping

  • House of Fashion
  • Arts and crafts
  • Odel

Later proceed to the Bandaranayake international airport.

END OF SRI LANKA RAMAYANA TOUR

How much does it cost for this trip from India?

The tour cost USD 390 per person on twin sharing double

What are the inclusions of the trip?

Entire ground transportation as per the tour itinerary in an air-conditioned modern vehicle
English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees and activity cost
Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel (4 breakfast and 4 dinners)
Meeting arrangements at the airport (if you start the tour from the airport)
All government taxes

What type of accommodation do we get?

All accommodation in 3-star standard hotels, please inquire for other categories of accommodation like 4-star and 5-star

If you wish to have more information or wish to book the above Ramayana tour, please get in touch with us at 0094-77-4440977 or write us at admin@seerendipitytours.com please check on our tour section for more interesting tour packages from Sri Lanka