The Orient Express

Travel, Luxury and Comfort have always been a part of live for those looking for a Lifestyle Vacation.

Staying at Luxury Hotels, Resorts, Palaces or Villas. Cruising in Luxury Liners around the world. Driving at your pace along the most scenic drives or experiencing the sheer luxury and comfort in one of the legendary Pullmans railroad car are all part of Luxury, Style, Glamour and Romance.

Ever since Agatha Christie’s classic “Murder on the Orient Express” hit the screens, the Pullman has attained cult status immortalising the legendary “Orient Express”. Started as a normal international rail service, this name has become synonymous with intrigue and the first luxury train in Europe and perhaps the most famous of all Luxury Train Journeys in the world.

Besides Agatha Christie, The glamour and rich history of the has frequently lent itself to the plot and subject of many books and films like Stamboul Train, Death, Deceit and Destiny Aboard the Orient Express, Around the World in 80 Days, From Russia with Love, 102 Dalmatians.

The story began 5th June 1883 when “Orient Express” embarked on her maiden voyage from Paris Gare de l'Est across Europe via Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia to Constantinople (today's Istanbul).

The two cities most intimately associated with the Orient Express are Paris and Istanbul whispering the fascinating history of stylish travel of the upper classes, the aristocracy, of wealthy travelers’ of a fashionable world in a bygone age.

Back in the 1920s, to travel in a compartment with your own washstand was luxury enough. Today the Orient Express runs as “The Venice Simplon Orient Express” and offers original stained-glass, sumptuous wooden inlays and enamelled panelling that attract attention. The on-board restaurant, replete with crisp white tablecloths, sparkling silver and crystal glassware is the last word in classic style and evening dress is still a must.

The journey from Paris to Istanbul, taking in Budapest and Bucharest along the way, lasts eight days and offers travellers spectacular views throughout Europe making it a fascinating and unique journey across seven countries and cultures.

Included in the ticket price are guided tours of all stop-off destinations and the majority of overnight accommodation is in local luxury hotels.

The company also offers similarly-themed Expresses in Malaysia/Thailand and across Australia.

Ramayana Trail

Sri Lankan Tourism has identified some 50 sites associated with the epic Ramayana and many tour operators are enchasing on these through sightseeing tours to rediscover this Trail of Ramayana to attract tourists from India and other parts of the world.

Ramayana symbolizes Rama as “Maryada Purushottama” or a Perfect Man. An epitome of Ideology, Principles and “Dharma". Sita as ideal women of virtue and the ultimate commitment as a wife.

An Ideal Son, King, Deciple,Brother, Friend and above all a perfect Husband. An example of patience, Justice and Logic symbolising defeat of good over evil

For many it might be just an epic of myth. However the fact remains that Ramayana is a part of Culture and literature for Indians, Sri Lankans and Hindus across the world.

Most of the sites are dotted around the cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. However only a few are accessible by road which are scattered across Karunegala, Dombulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela & Ratnapura.

Some important highlights include:

Pussellawa - Home of 18 feet statue of Anjaneear. The famous temple situated on a hill over looking the Kotmale reservoir area is visited by thousands of devotees from India & Sri Lanka.

Sita Amman Temple - Located enroute to Hakgala along the Nuwara Eliya Badulla Road on your way to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on a side of the temple. The rear of the temple overlooks a stream, while from its front can be seen the Hakgala peaks.

The Hakgala Botanical Garden - is said to be one of the pleasure gardens of King Ravana. This garden was expanded during the British period and has a wide variety of flowers including an excellent collection of orchids.

This is the exotic pleasure garden where king Ravana kept the depressed Sita, insisting that she marry him.

It was here where the heart-warming meeting took place between her and Hanuman, who brought her Rama’s ring with the news that Rama was looking for her. He offered to carry her back but she refused saying it would be an insult to Rama’s honour if he did so.

Part of this majestic garden still exists. It is also said that Hanuman nearly destroyed it in order to prove to Ravana of the forces against him

Isthripura: This exotic cave still boasts the picturesque cascading waterfall that was in existence 2000 years ago. It was within this cave that Sita was held prisoner with over 1500 women to attend to her every need.

Divurumpola Temple: Although this Vihara is said to be established in the 6th A.D. Polonnaruwa period it has a long history among people of having been started in the time of Rama, Ravana 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 over thousands of years, villagers still pledge their fidelity or take oaths there and even in certain courts, this agreement was binding.

Since that time this place has been respected and worshiped by people down the ages. Furthermore it is said that this place was given the name “Divurumpola” or the place of making a wow. Not only in legends but this name has been inscribed in the moonstone guarding the Devale in the premises.

Ella: A small mountain near Bandarawela, boasts three locations linked to the Ramayana where, local legend dictates, Ravana hid Sita. First there is Ravana Ella Cave, situated in the massive Ella Rock. Then there is Ravana Ella Falls and a nearby pool bored out of the rock by the gushing waters where Sita is said to have bathed.

Sitawaka: Situated near Avissawella on a tributary of the Kelani Ganga (river). Not surprisingly it derives its name from Sita, who is supposed to have been imprisoned by Ravana in a grove in this neighborhood.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya: a temple built in the 3rd century B.C. Kelaniya was one of the three places visited by the Buddha during his visits to Sri Lanka. Kelaniya is also the centre for traditional Sinhala pottery.

Within the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple is special shrine dedicated to
Vibushana, king Ravana’s brother, who allied with Rama in the struggle to rescue Sita.

During this trail of Ramayana the tours also takes you across some of the most interesting World Heritage Sites of Buddhism including Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Sri Lanka is perhaps one of the closest holiday destinations from India offering exotic beaches, mystic mountains surrounded by tea plantations and the vibrant capital city of Colombo famous for shopping and night life.

A perfect Destination for everyone at an affordable price…..