Ramayana: A Divine Pilgrimage

The Ramayana is one of the most significant texts in Hindu mythology, narrating the life, virtues, and journey of Lord Rama. Following this divine journey, the Ramayana Tour takes you to key pilgrimage sites across India, from Lord Rama’s birthplace in Ayodhya to the sacred temples in the South, where the epic’s events took place. Devotees and spiritual seekers alike come to these places, not only for their historical importance but also for their divine energy, which resonates deeply with all who visit. This spiritual pilgrimage is designed to immerse you in the sacred places connected to Lord Rama’s life and mission.

Trip Highlights

• Visit the birthplace of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, including Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and evening Aarti at Saryu River.
• Explore Chitrakoot, where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent part of their exile, with visits to Ram Ghat and Bharat Milap Temple.
• Discover Panchavati in Nasik, where Ravana abducted Sita, and explore Sita Gufa and Kapileswara Temple.
• Experience the spiritual ambiance of Trimbakeshwar Temple, linked to Lord Rama’s exile.
• Explore Hampi, believed to be Kishkindha, the kingdom of Sugriva, with its ancient temples and ruins.
• Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, where Rama built the mythical bridge to Lanka.
• Relive the Ramayana’s Lanka chapters in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, with visits to Ashok Vatika and Ravana Falls.
• Immerse in Colombo’s culture, exploring the Kelaniya Temple and experiencing vibrant traditions.

Day 1–4: Uttar Pradesh (Ayodhya, Chitrakoot)

• Ayodhya: Visit the birthplace of Lord Rama, including Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, and Hanuman Garhi, and enjoy the evening Aarti at Saryu River.
• Prayagraj- Next day move to Prayagraj explore the Triveni sangam, Mankameshwar temple and Anand Bhavan
• Chitrakoot: Explore the place where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent part of their exile, including Ram Ghat and Bharat Milap Temple.
• Travel: Arrive in Lucknow by Road\Train or Cab, then a 2-hour drive to Ayodhya. Proceed with a 4-hour drive from Ayodhya to Pryagraj and 3 hour drive to Chitrakoot.Route 2: Western India (Maharashtra).

Ram Janmabhoomi Temple

The holiest site in Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama. Recently reconstructed, the temple draws millions of devotees each year, offering a profound spiritual experience.

Hanuman Garhi 

A revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, built in a fort-like structure. It is believed that Hanuman lived here to guard Ayodhya.

Kanak Bhavan

This temple is associated with Goddess Sita and is believed to be a gift from Kaikeyi after her marriage to Rama. The idols of Lord Rama and Sita here are adorned with gold ornaments.

Treta Ke Thakur Temple

A temple marking the place where Lord Rama performed the Ashwamedha Yagna.

Saryu River & Evening Aarti

The banks of the Saryu River hold great spiritual significance. The evening aarti here is a mesmerizing experience.

Ram Ghat

A revered riverbank on the Mandakini River, where Lord Rama is said to have performed rituals. Devotees gather here for evening Aarti and to seek blessings.

Bharat Milap Temple

Marks the legendary spot where Bharat met Lord Rama and urged him to return to Ayodhya. The emotional footprints of that divine meeting are believed to be etched in stone here.

Day 5-7: Maharashtra (Nashik, Trimbakeshwar)

• Nashik: Panchavati: Visit the site where Ravana abducted Sita, including Sita Gufa, Kapileswara Temple, and Panchavati caves, Kalaram and Gora ram temples, visit to the sacred Godavari kund site of Kumbh mela
• Visit to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
• Travel: Fly from Varanasi to Mumbai and then drive from Mumbai to Nasik. (3 hours 30 min) and return to Mumbai.

Sita Gufa

A small cave where Goddess Sita stayed before being abducted by Ravana. The cave is an essential pilgrimage site, featuring a narrow entrance leading to a Shiva Linga.

Kapileswara Temple 

One of the oldest Shiva temples in Nashik, unique for not having a Nandi idol in front of the deity, a rarity in Shiva temples.

Panchavati

A sacred grove with five banyan trees is believed to be the site where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana resided during their exile.

Kalaram Temple

A revered temple dedicated to Lord Rama, known for its black stone idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. It played a key role in India’s Dalit rights movement, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Goraram Temple

Another temple in Panchavati dedicated to Lord Rama often visited alongside Kalaram Temple

Godavari Kund

A sacred tank that serves as the venue for the Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, attracting millions of devotees.

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, renowned for its unique three-faced Linga, symbolizing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is also the origin of the Godavari River, making it an immensely sacred site.

Day 7–9: Karnataka (Hampi)

• Hampi: Explore Kishkindha, the kingdom of Sugriva, with its temples and ancient ruins. Visit the UNESCO heritage site
• Travel: Mumbai to Bangalore by Flight and drive from Bangalore to Hampi (6-hour drive) and return to Bangalore.

Kishkindha

It is believed to be Kishkindha, the legendary kingdom of the Vanaras ruled by Sugriva, where Lord Rama met Hanuman and sought help in finding Sita.

Anjanadri Hill 

Revered as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, this hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Tungabhadra River and surrounding landscapes. A trek to the hilltop leads to a temple dedicated to Hanuman, drawing countless devotees and adventure seekers.

Kodanda Rama Temple

Located near the Tungabhadra River, this temple houses beautiful life-sized idols of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. It marks the spot where Lord Rama crowned Sugriva as the king of Kishkindha after defeating Vali.

Vijaya Vittala Temple

One of Hampi’s most iconic structures, known for its stone chariot and intricately carved musical pillars that produce distinct sounds when struck. Though not directly linked to the Ramayana, it showcases the artistic grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. 

Day 10-12: Tamil Nadu (Rameswaram)

• Rameswaram: Visit Rameshwar Jyotirlinga, Vibishan and Hanuman temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple and the site of Rama’s mythical bridge to Lanka
• Travel: Fly from Bangalore to Madurai and a cab from Madurai to Rameshwar(3 hours drive).

Ramanathaswamy Temple 

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, this grand temple is renowned for its 1,200 intricately carved pillars, the longest temple corridor in the world, and 22 sacred wells (Tirthas) where devotees perform purification rituals.

Dhanushkodi

The mythical site where Rama’s bridge (Rama Setu) to Lanka was built. Today, it is an abandoned town with ruins from the 1964 cyclone, offering an eerie yet mystical experience. The spot where Rama broke his bow (Dhanush) is also located here.

Vibhishan Temple

Dedicated to Vibhishana, the noble brother of Ravana who defected to Lord Rama’s side. It is believed that after Ravana’s defeat, Vibhishana was crowned the ruler of Lanka at this very spot.

Five-faced Hanuman Temple

Home to an idol of Lord Hanuman in his Panchmukhi (five-faced) form. This temple also houses floating stones used in the construction of Rama Setu, believed to defy gravity due to divine blessings.

Day 13-16: Visit to Sri Lanka

• Arrival in Colombo and local sightseeing tour

• Travel from Colombo to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and visit sites like the Ashok Vatika and the Ravana falls
• Return to Colombo
• Travel- Flight from Madurai to Colombo and return Colombo to Delhi.

Ashok Vatika (Nuwara Eliya) 

A serene garden where Sita was held captive by Ravana. This picturesque spot, surrounded by lush greenery, is home to the Sita Amman Temple, which enshrines her footprints and marks the location of her prayers.

Sita Amman Temple

Built at the very place where Sita used to pray daily, seeking Lord Rama’s help. The temple houses idols of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, as well as a stream where Sita is believed to have bathed.

Ravana Falls & Ravana Cave

According to legend, Ravana built his palace and secret tunnels here. Hidden behind the magnificent Ravana Falls, this cave is where he is believed to have kept Sita away from Hanuman.

Inclusions:

• Comfortable accommodation in well-rated hotels/heritage properties.
• Daily breakfast and dinner (special dietary needs accommodated on request).
• All ground transportation in private vehicles, including transfers.
• Domestic flights and train tickets (where applicable).
• Guided visits to Ramayana-related temples and sites in India and Sri Lanka.
• Entry fees to temples and historical landmarks.
• Local expert guides at key locations to provide historical and spiritual insights.
• Participation in traditional rituals and ceremonies at sacred sites.
• Pilgrimage assistance for temple visits, darshan, and poojas.
• Visa assistance for Sri Lanka (if required).
• 24/7 support from Yatra Veda travel coordinators.

Exclusions:

• International airfare to and from India/Sri Lanka.
• Lunch and personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, and shopping.
• Travel insurance (highly recommended for medical emergencies and trip cancellations).
• Visa fees for Sri Lanka (can be arranged at an additional cost).
• Special pooja or personal rituals (can be arranged upon request).
• Tips, gratuities, and personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.).
• Any optional tours or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

Q- What is the best time to undertake this Ramayana Tour?

Ans- The ideal time for the Ramayana Tour is between October and March, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for traveling across various regions in India and Sri Lanka.

Q- What should I pack for this Ramayana journey?

Ans-Pack comfortable clothing suitable for varied climates, walking shoes for temple and nature visits, a hat and sunscreen for day time excursions, and essential items like reusable water bottles, medication, and power banks.

Q- Are meals included during the Ramayana Tour?

Ans- Yes, breakfast and dinner are included in the package. For lunch, travellers can enjoy local cuisine at recommended restaurants along the route. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.

Q- Can the itinerary be customized?

Ans- Absolutely! We offer flexible itinerary options to suit your interests, travel duration, and preferred destinations. Share your preferences, and we’ll design a personalised experience.

Q- Are guides available at all locations?

Ans- Yes, knowledgeable local guides will accompany you at significant locations and provide insights into each site’s historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.

Q- Is this tour family-friendly?

Ans- Yes, the Ramayana Touris suitable for travellers of all ages. Activities are thoughtfully curated to engage families, including children and elderly members.

Q- What kind of accommodations are provided?

Ans- Comfortable accommodations in reputable hotels or heritage properties are included, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay throughout the journey.

Q- Will transportation be arranged?

Ans- Yes, all ground transportation, including private vehicles and transfers, is provided as part of the package. If applicable, flights to and within Sri Lanka are also arranged.

Q- Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Ans- Yes, travellers will need a visa for Sri Lanka. We can assist you in the visa application process to & make your travel hassle-free.

Q- Is travel insurance necessary for this trip?

Ans- While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unforeseen situations such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or delays.