Sri Lanka Magical Mystery Tour (13D/12N)
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Sri Lanka Magical Mystery Tour Itinerary (13 Days/12 Nights) *
Highlights: Stargate to the Universe - Ancient Monastries - Palm Leaf Library - 6 Unesco Heritage Sites - Ramayana Sites - Sacred Mountain* - Sea Plane Panorama Flight*
Sri Lanka is filled with places of myth and mystery, from alien star maps carved in stone to the sites of epic battles where gods and mortals fought with flying machines and sorcery.
Not to mention hidden monasteries and ancient temples full of spiritual wisdom and divine secrets. Most of the local legends that have been passed down from generation to generation are filled with historical facts, and maybe enhanced with a little fantasy.
All of the destinations in our Magical Mystery Tour Sri Lanka Itinerary have intriguing stories attached to them, carefully selected and are certainly off the beaten track.
Sri Lanka's fantastic places and unbelievably beautiful nature exist not only in fairy tales but in the real world too. Come and explore with us a Sri Lanka you never thought existed for real.
The Sri Lanka Magical Mystery Tour can be easily customized or combined with another Sri Lanka Tour or a Sri Lanka Holiday Package.
If you have any questions and/or need to customization, please contact us or use the "Notes" field in the form below.
Mobile/WhatsApp/Viber/Imo : 0094 773 866 315
SRI LANKA MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR PACKAGE DETAILS (13 days / 12 nights)
DAY 01 AIRPORT – NEGOMBO
After you got picked up at the airport, you will proceed to a beach hotel in Negombo - 15 minutes from Sri Lanka's International Airport. Acclimatize at the beach or pool and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Overnight in Negombo.
DAY 02 NEGOMBO – CHILAW – ANURADHAPURA
After breakfast, you will leave for Chilaw on Sri Lanka's West Coast.
Visit the Munneswaram Temple, an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Shiva.
The epic Ramayana narrates the life of Rama, a legendary prince of Ayodhya city in the kingdom of Kosala. The epic follows his fourteen-year exile to the forest, his travels across the Indian subcontinent with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana – the king of Lanka, that resulted in war.
Proceed to Anuradhapura.
Overnight in Anuradhapura.
DAY 03 ANURADHAPURA
In the morning visit Isurumuniya, the place where the mythical Pulasthi Rishi was said to have lived and the mythical King Ravana was born (Ramayana).
The temple was built by King Devanampiya Tissa as a residence for 500 high-caste and ordained children.
There is a viharaya connected to a cave and above is a cliff. A small stupa is built on it. Lower down on both sides of a cleft, in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, figures of elephants have been carved.
This is also the location of the Isurumuniya Lovers carving.
In the afternoon you will visit Mihintale. Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.
Overnight in Anuradhapura.
DAY 04 ANURADHAPURA
In the morning you will visit Ranmasu Uyana (Golden Fish Park), a 40-acre ancient urban park surrounded by three Buddhist temples, to study a chart that's alleged to be a map to unlock the secrets of the Universe. Measuring around 1.8m in diameter, Sakwala Chakraya (which translates to "Universe Cycle" in Sinhalese) is shallowly carved onto a low rock face among the protected park ruins. The on- and offline speculation is that the chart-like carving is a stargate: an ancient gateway through which humans can enter the Universe.
Its front facade can only be seen from ground level. In fact, four seats have been sculpted into a flat rock surface opposite that provides the ideal viewing area. Both the map and seats, which are also of mysterious origin, have puzzled historians, archaeologists, and academics for more than a century.
Eagle-eyed visitors have remarked on parallels between the chart in Anuradhapura and similar sites in other countries that are believed by some to be stargates. The theory goes that the chart holds the secret code for unlocking the portal.
This otherworldly theory has been further fueled by the chart's proximity to Danigala mountain, also known as Alien Mountain, in the nearby sacred city of Polonnaruwa. Danigala, which lies deep in the jungle and is popular with hikers, has a unique circular shape and entirely flat top. The theory is that it must have, at one time, been used for UFO landings. Strangely, according to a local tour guide, "villagers in the area do believe that Alien Mountain attracts more shooting stars and thunder and lightning above it than anywhere else."
Later you will visit the Tanthrimale Temple. This temple, which was built in the third century BC is of important religious value. When the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bodhi Tree) was brought from India to Sri Lanka, one night along the way to Anuradhapura, the pot containing the sapling was kept at Thanthirimale. It is believed that there a branch that grew separately from the pot was planted at that village to remember the incident.
Hence, some believe that this may be the first Sri Maha Bhodi plant in Sri Lanka. The Bo Tree is placed on top of the large stony layer which protects the tree up to now.
Overnight in Anuradhapura.
DAY 05 ANURADHAPURA – RITIGALA – PIDURANGALA – SIGIRIYA
After breakfast, you will visit Ritigala. Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist monastery and the name of the mountain range. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE. Ritigala
has 70 caves that have been used as dwellings by the earliest inhabitants of Sri Lanka and subsequently as monasteries. Ritigala is associated with the episode in the Ramayana where Hanuman is sent to the Himalayas to fetch medicinal herbs to treat the injured Luxhmana. However, the mountain fragment slipped and fell while Hanuman was over Lanka, and it broke into pieces. It is said to be the reason why those particular herbs can only be found at this location in Sri Lanka, yet are easily found in parts of India.
Proceed to Sigiriya. On the way climb the Pidurangala Rock. Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya. It has an interesting history closely related to that of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. In here is a 13-acre extended monastery Complex that illustrates the religious attitude of King Kashyapa, who built world-renowned Sigiriya Rock Fortress during his reign.
Pidurangala is believed to be the Royal Temple where the King Kashyapa worshiped. According to legend, Kashyapa moved the entire Sigiriya monastery complex to Pidurangala in order to build his rock fortress capital. However, some inscriptions claim Pidurangala was already a monastery before Kashyapa's reign, having existed since ancient times.
Overnight in Sigiriya.
DAY 06 SIGIRIYA – KALUDIYA POKUNA FOREST – POLONNARUWA – SIGIRIYA
First on today's program is a visit to the Kaludiya Pokuna Forest. The Kaludiya Pokuna Archeological Forest Site got its name from a dark water pond and was initially settled in the 2nd century BC. The ancient treasures of the site include inscriptions, residences, and a monastery. Kaludiya Pokuna also has a rich biodiversity, both flora, and fauna. The forest is home to many endemic and non-endemic species, that prevail much more secure than in other forests in Sri Lanka.
Afternoon visit to the Polonnaruwa Archeological Site. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070.
Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is one of the best planned archaeological relic cities in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's rulers. Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka's UNESCO sites.
Overnight in Sigiriya.
DAY 07 SIGIRIYA ROCK – DAMBULLA – MATALE – KANDY
In the early morning, you will have the opportunity to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built 5th century A.D (claimed by some as the 8th wonder in the world). Get impressed by the water garden, boulder garden, mural paintings, the mirror wall, the giant lion''s paws, and the royal swimming pool on spread out over the top.
The next stop is the Dambulla Cave Temple. The complex of caves at Dambulla is one of the most impressive Buddhist Temples in the world. There are 153 Buddha images, as well as frescoes of both a religious and secular nature.
Nalanda Gedige is an ancient complete stone temple near Matale, Sri Lanka and its original site was considered as the center of Sri Lanka. The building was constructed between 8th and 10th centuries with Dravidian architecture and is believed to have been used by early Buddhists.
The Aluvihare Rock Temple (also called Matale Alu Viharaya) is a sacred Buddhist temple located in Aluvihare. Surrounded by hills, the Aluvihara cave temple can be traced back to the 3rd Century B.C, the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. It is believed that the King built the dagoba, planted the Bo sapling, and founded the temple after the introduction of Buddhism to the country during his reign. The Rock Temple is also the historic location where the Pali Canon was first written down completely in the text on ola (palm leaves). Many monastery caves, some of which exhibit frescoes are situated near this temple.
Overnight in Kandy.
DAY 08 KANDY
Today you will visit the famous Degaldoruwa, Lankathilake, Embekke & Gadaladeniya Temples in Kandy.
Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist rock temple, famous for its Kandyan Era Frescoes. The cave itself was said to have been excavated out of a rock that rises to a height of approximately 12.3 m (40 ft), and shelters the shrine room and entrance chamber. Details relating to the construction of the temple and the royal land grant are contained on the Degaldoruwa Tamba Sannasa (Copper Plate).
Lankatilaka Vihara Temple is considered the most magnificent architectural edifice created during the Gampola era.
Embekka Devalaya (Embekka Temple) was built by the King Vikramabahu III and is dedicated to the worship of Mahasen, popularly known as
Kataragama deviyo. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site. The shrine
consists of three sections, the Sanctum of Garagha, the Digge or Dancing Hall, and the Hevisi Mandapaya or the Drummers Hall. The Drummers Hall draws the attention of visitors due to the splendid wood carvings of its ornate pillars and its high pitched roof.
Gadaladenyia Vihara also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya is considered to be one of the largest rock temples in Sri Lanka.
Overnight in Kandy.
Optional Tour Extention 1Adam’s Peak The Adam’s Peak mountain has legends from multiple religions attached to it, all related to the footprint-shaped mark at the mountain’s summit.
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DAY 09 KANDY – RAMBODA – NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA
In the morning visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy is the most prominent and sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka, even in the world. The relic of the tooth is kept in a two-story inner shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks. The relic rests on a solid gold lotus flower, encased in jeweled caskets that sit on a throne. The temple is joined to the Pattiripuwa (Octagon) tower, built in 1803, which was originally a prison but now houses a collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. The king's palace is also in the temple compound.
On the way to Nuwara Eliya in the hill country, we stop at Ramboda and visit the Hanuman Temple. According to ancient stories, Ramboda is an area, where the forces of Rama gathered to fight 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.
The Seetha Amman Temple is located in the village of Seetha Eliya (also known as Sita Eliya). This place is believed to be the site where Sita was held captive by (Vikram) King Ravana, and where she prayed daily for Rama to come and rescue her according to the Hindu epic, Ramayana. On the rock face across the stream are circular depressions said to be the footprints of Ravana’s elephant.
Overnight in Ella.
DAY 10 ELLA – KATARAGAMA
Little Adam’s Peak & the Ravana Caves must be visited while in Ella. Little Adam’s Peak is named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri Pada – where the footprint of Lord Buddha is preserved)
due to the similarity between the two mountains. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak, you can soak in the panoramic views. Walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries. It will be priceless if you could visit the place in the morning when the clouds roll in. It will feel like a neck exercise as you have to rotate your body to catch the outstanding 360 degrees views.
The famous Ravana Ella Cave lies on the foundation of a cliff. The cave is one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka. Ravana Ella Cave is located at the massive Ella Falls; a breathtaking 1080 feet high waterfall that cascades into several falls. The rocky undergoes of the waterfall is Khondalite, a kind of limestone which undergoes faster decay as hard gneiss or granite. This has resulted in many caves being formed near the falls. King Ravana is said to have lived in one of the caves above the waterfall. Excavations undertaken in the cave uncovered evidence of human habitation dating back 25,000 years.
Next you will visit the Divurumpola Temple & the Maligawila Buddha Statue. Divurumpola is a Buddhist Temple located close to Welimada town on the Nuwara Eliya – Badulla main road in the Central
Province of Sri Lanka. The Divrumpola Temple or Divrumpola Raja Maha Viharaya is directly connected with the Ramayana story in Sri Lanka as is believed to be the place where Sita underwent the famous fire ordeal Agni Pariksha or “Agni” test in order to prove her chastity to God Rama after being rescued by him.
Considering these historical factors, Divurumpola is one of the most important Ramayana site in Sri Lanka.
The Maligawila Buddha statue is located close to the village of Maligawila. It has been carved from a single large limestone rock, and is considered to be the tallest ancient free-standing image in Sri Lanka. Along with the Buddha statues of Avukana and Buduruvagala, the Maligawila Buddha statue is considered one of the best examples of the standing image of the Buddha from ancient Sri Lanka. It bears a close resemblance to the Avukana statue and depicts the same asisa mudra, a variation of the Abhaya mudra. The standing Buddha clutches the robe at the left shoulder, while the right hand is raised to the right shoulder. Ruins around the statue indicate that an image house had been constructed around the statue.
Overnight in Kataragama.
DAY 11 KATARAGAMA – USSANGODA – MIRISSA
After breakfast, you will visit the Kataragama Hindu Temple & the Wedihiti Kanda. The Kataragama Temple is also known as Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya, a temple complex dedicated to Buddhist Guardian Deity Kataragama Deviyo and Hindu War God Kathirkamam. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the Aboriginal Vedda people.
For most of the past millennia it was a jungle shrine very difficult to access; today it is accessible by an all-weather road. The shrines and the nearby Kiri Vehera are managed by Buddhists, the shrines dedicated to Teyvavai and Shiva are managed by Hindus, and the mosque by Muslims.
Wedihiti Kanda is a rocky mountain located about 3.5 km from the famous Kataragama Devalaya. Except for Kataragama Devalaya and Sella Kataragama, Wedihiti Kanda is one of the most popular destination for the pilgrims to Kataragama. Although not much of its history is known, this mountain is buried deep in folklore all connected to the deity of Kataragama.
On the way to Mirissa on Sri Lanka's South Coast, you will visit Ussangoda. Ussangoda is known for its unusual placement by soil structure, flora, and location. There are many folk stories related to this site which include different takes about the land. The general belief is that it is a part of a meteor or proximity to a meteor hit. The main rationale for this belief is the soil's brick-like hard quality with a reddish color which is unique to this patch of land. Some rocks and soil layers contain what some speculate to be remnants of extreme heat (that can be caused by an event such as a meteor hit). It is also suspected that the soil has a high concentration of minerals/metals giving its unique color. There are several legends related to the area. The site is considered sacred and one popular belief is that Ussangoda home to the local demi-god Mangara. Other beliefs range from religiously rooted backgrounds to the unwritten/alternate history related to Ravana and the Ramayana. According to Hindu puranas, Ussangoda was one of the landing strips of Ravana's Pushpaka vimana (flying vehicle).
Overnight in Mirissa.
Optional Tour Extention 2See the Adam’s Bridge on a Panorama Sea Plane Flight
If you are interested to include a Panorama Sea Plane Flight in your tour, please let us know when submitting the form below! |
DAY 12 MIRISSA – RUMANSALA – GALLE – KELANIYA – COLOMBO
Breakfast at the hotel and time for a swim in the Indian Ocean. First stop on the way to Colombo is Rumansala. The Rumassala Hill and the surrounding area, that encompasses Unawatuna Beach, are steeped in legends and folklore. According to the Ramayana, the ancient Sanskrit epic, Hanuman the Indian monkey warrior god acquired several medicinal herbs in order to treat the wounded in his army during his battle against the demon king Ravana. Unable to find the herbs on the Island, Hanuman returned to India and brought back a piece of the Himalayas with the required plants but accidentally dropped it at Rumassala. Local villagers attribute this as the source of many rare medicinal plants found in the area to this day. Atop the hill there is a large glistening Buddhist dagoba popularly known as the peace pagoda, built with the assistance of Japanese monks. At the entrance to the temple there is a large statue depicting Hanuman. A walk around the peace pagoda provides magnificent views across Galle bay, with the Galle town and Dutch fort visible on the far side.
Galle itself is a bustling provincial capital and the administrative centre for the South of Sri Lanka. Once a port, Galle was Sri Lanka’s first international commerce and trade centre, and the streets are still awash with a cosmopolitan range of goods available to buy in exotic markets and quirky art galleries. The Dutch presence is still visible in Galle, and should you want to retrace the footsteps of the Dutch rule, let our guide give you a tour of the Old Dutch fort (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Dutch Government House, the former New Oriental Hotel (built in 1684), the old bell tower, and the Dutch tide-based sewage system.
Last stop before reaching Colombo is the Kelaniya Temple. Buddhists believe the temple to have been hallowed out during the third and final visit of the Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment. Its history would thus go back to before 500 BCE. The Mahawansa records that the original Stupa at Kelaniya enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached.
The temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Gautama Buddha and paintings by the native artist Solias Mendis which depict important events in the life of the Buddha. An 18-foot stone statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara has been erected at the temples entrance.
Overnight in Colombo.
DAY 13 AIRPORT OR YOUR NEXT DESTINATION IN SRI LANKA
After checking out of the hotel we drive you back to the airport or your next destination in Sri Lanka.
You also can continue with one of our other Sri Lanka Tours or Sri Lanka Holiday Packages. End of the Magical Mystery Tour Sri Lanka Package.
This Sri Lanka Magical Mystery Tour Package includes transportation by a/c luxury limousine or Japanese Mini Van with driver / guide, excluding entry fees.
Accommodation in double room, on half-board basis.
Private transportation by a/c limousine from day 01 to day 13.
Rate (per person): US$ xxx
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