Explore Srilankan with Cordelia Cruises

Day 1 | Kandy

Welcome & assistance at the Airport. Proceed to Kandy via Chilaw. It is believed that Munishwaram predates the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was located here. Munishwaram means the first temple for Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). A Shiva Lingam was already here when Lord Rama visited this place. Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya with Sita in one of King Ravana’s Vimanas. The Brahmaasti Dosham was not following him at this particular point. He stopped the Vimana at this juncture and asked god Lord Shiva for advice. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised installing and praying at four lingams located at Manavari, ThiruKoneshwaram, ThiruKetheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India as the only remedy to get rid of the Dosham. The first lingam was installed at Manavari about 5km from here, near the banks of the DeduruOya. At the Manavari Temple Chilaw Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed by Rama and till date this lingam is called as RamalingaShivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in world named after Lord Rama. Visit temple of sacred tooth relic in the evening.

Day 2 | Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at hotel. En route visit Botanical garden, This beautiful flower Eden is restored with over 300 different varieties of orchids, other spices, medicinal plants and Palm trees. Every year more than 1.2 million people are enchanted by the beauty of these 147 acre flower gardens. Visit Sri Hanuman Temple. Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights), blessed with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery; Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year. It is also known as “Little England”, which was the favorite hill station of the British who tried to create Nuwara Eliya into a typical English Village. The old brick Post office, country house like hill club with its hunting pictures, trophies and strict formal dinner attire; the 18 hole golf course, horse race course, etc., all remind you of “England”.s

Day 3 | Nuwara Eliya

The Sita Amman Temple can be seen en route to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The prominent temple architecture will not fail to attract your attention. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on one side of the temple. Divurumpola the temple today is a modern building with its paintings, statues and pillars decorated with sculptures; all depicting the tale of Rama and Sita. Still revered by thousands, this holy haven was the place where Sita performed her Agni Pariksha (proving her chastity) to her husband Rama. Continuing the practice for thousands of years, villagers still pledge their fidelity or take oaths there and even in certain courts, this agreement was binding. This place has been respected and worshipped by people down the ages. Ella is a small mountain village near Bandarawela and boasts three locations linked to the Ramayana where local legend claims Ravana was hiding Sita. First there is the Ravana Ella Cave, 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. A nearby pool bored out of the rock by the gushing waters is where Sita is said to have bathed Ravana. Visit Gayathri Peedam in the evening.

Day 4 | Colombo

Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Located on the west coast, it is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern and colonial impressions. Colombo has wildly varying architecture that span centuries and depict various styles. Many colonial buildings influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British exist alongside structures built in Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Indian and Contemporary architectural styles. No other place is this more evident in the heart of the city the Fort area. Colombo also boasts many shopping malls and department stores that offer brand name clothing at highly discounted prices. Therefore, it has become an important shopping destination among tourists. While on your city tour in Colombo you may visit famous places including Galle Face Green, the Viharamahadevi Park, National Museum, Twin World Trade Center towers, Old Parliament Building, Fort district, Independence Hall at Independence Square, and prominent Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian places of worship. (Entrance fees to sites not included). For shopping, you may visit Odel, House of Fashion, Beverly Street, Majestic City, Noritake, etc.

Day 5 | Colombo

Checkout the hotel and transfer to Colombo sea port WELCOME ONBOARD Board the Empress from Colombo and begin your cruise holiday. Check-into your room and have a relaxed day on board as you enjoy the food and experiences. Visit the bars and lounges and try your luck at the Casino.

Day 6 | Galle

Arrive in the historical port city of Galle today. Enjoy the different shore experiences and activities here as per your itinerary. Spend your evening, enjoying the beautiful views of the ocean as you cruise to your next beautiful Sri Lankan destination.

Day 7 | Trincomalee

Arrive in Trincomalee and head for your scheduled shore excursions. You must experience a tour of this beautiful destination. Trincomalee is one of the most colourful cities in Sri Lanka. This is the last evening of your cruise holiday, enjoy the evening experiencing the best of the Empress. Don’t forget to party at The Dome.

Day 8 | Chennai

Arrive in Chennai and disembark the cruise and proceed to airport to board the flight to Mumbai.