Day-trip from Colombo to Chilaw - Lanka Ramayana Tour

Colombo , Sri Lanka

Day-trip from Colombo to Chilaw - Lanka Ramayana Tour

Active

8h - 10h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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About this experience

This Ramayana day-trip combines a Colombo city tour (including shopping opportunities) with excursions to 3 famous Ramayana sites in Kelaniya and Chilaw (including the Ramalinga temple of Manavari) plus one more Hindu temple on the way.

Available options

Day-trip from Colombo to Chilaw - Lanka Ramayana Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Total Parking charges

Road Tax & Insurance Tax

Water bottles, 1000 ml per person

Passenger Insurance cover 500,000 LKR P.P

Total fuel cost

Air-Conditioned vehicle

Replacement vehicle in case of unlucky events - with new driver

Knowledgeable English speaking driver guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start your day excursion with a Colombo city tour, seeing the highlights of Sri Lanka's capital such as Galle Face Green with Galle Face Hotel and Old Parliament Building, Independence Square, Gangarama temple and Water Temple in Beira Lake. Afterwards, shopping opportunities include gems, spices, tea, and clothes.

In a suburb of Colombo we will visit the Kelaniya temple which is a renowned Buddhist institution, but also a Hindu place of worship and one of the major Ramayana Trail pilgrimage sites. It's the major Vibhishana shrine on the island of Lanka. Ravana's younger brother Vibhishana, who had supported Lord Rama in the Battle of Lanka, was appointed the new king by Lord Rama himself after the defeat and demise of Ravana.

On the way to Chilaw we stop at the impressive new Kataragama shrine in Madampe, which was erected on private initiative in honour of Lord Murugan also known as Skanda, son of Lord Shiva. This is one of the neatest shrines in South Asia.

Manavari Kovil to the north of Chilaw (Halavata) is only a small Hindu temple but of utmost significance for Hindu devotees, as this is one of the only two places where Lord Rama erected an Lingam in veneration of Lord Shiva, the other Ramalingam being that of the famous Rameshvaram pilgrimage island in India's Tamil Nadu state.

Munneshvaram Kovil to the east of Chilaw is one of the island's four major shrines devoted to Lord Shiva. Apart from Komeshvaram Kovil in Trincomalee, it's the most revered Shiva temple indeed. It's also a place of Rama worship on the Ramayana Trail.

What's not included

Entry fees of visiting site or activities

Extra person in vehicle other than those who booked

Extra excursions not mentioned in the itinerary

Food, meals, other beverages than water

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy

115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle

120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo

35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat