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.
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”.
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.
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.
Checkout the hotel and transfer to Colombo sea port EXPLORE COLOMBO Arrive in Colombo today morning and head for the shore excursions and activities as per your itinerary. The cosmopolitan city of Colombo is every traveler’s haven. The city boasts of historical monuments and beautiful beaches. You will love the excursions and activities here. Don’t forget to book your shore excursions. Make the best use of your time here before heading back to the cruise in the evening.
Spend the day today enjoying the different activities and services onboard. Pamper yourself at the spa or the salon, or hit the gym before you load on the calories. Don’t forget to take your kids to the Cordelia Academy, a fun and learning center for kids of all age groups. In the evening, enjoy the different entertainment shows and events, and party at The Dom.
Today morning, you will arrive at one of the world’s most popular destinations, The Maldives. As per the schedule, head for your shore excursions and tours in Male. Spend the evening on board the Empress cruising to your next destination.
Spending the relaxing and enjoying our buffet spreads. From Pan-Asian cuisines to grills, we serve some of the best vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Go for a swim, enjoy a couple of drinks at the Pool Bar and enjoy the stunning ocean views. If you haven’t visited the casino yet, today evening is the best time.
Arrive in Goa today afternoon and as per the itinerary enjoy the activities and tours before cruising to your final destination, Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai, today morning and disembark the cruise.
