SriLankan Airlines, the flag carrier of Sri Lanka, has launched a new campaign in India targetting tourists from India keen to retrace the footprints of Hindu deities, Lord Rama, Sita and Hanuman, through the Ramayana Trail.

In a press statement, the airline says that for centuries, the epic tale of the Ramayana has held a special place in the hearts of people across India. 

It adds that now, SriLankan Airlines invites travellers to walk through the sacred pages of this timeless story with its exclusive Ramayana Trail package, designed especially for Indian travellers. It says that this experience will immerse visitors in the places where Lord Rama, Sita, and Hanuman’s adventures unfolded, set against the lush backdrop of Sri Lanka.

The Ramayana Trail takes travellers to 20 significant locations in Sri Lanka

The Ramayana Trail takes travellers to 20 significant locations in Sri Lanka, each deeply woven into the Ramayana story, including Seetha Amman Temple, where Sita is said to have prayed during her captivity, or the Rumassala Hill, where a piece of the Himalayas is believed to have landed, dropped by Hanuman. Every stop is a connection to the spiritual heritage, bringing the stories of the Ramayana alive, says the airline.

Richard Nuttall

“We are pleased to make a grand comeback in the Indian market with this exclusive range of Ramayana Trail excursions which is guaranteed to inspire travellers to explore destination Sri Lanka like never before. India is our single largest market in terms of number of cities connected and flight frequencies. We are certain that this endeavour will further strengthen our future expansion strategies whilst portraying Sri Lanka as a destination that is closely connected to their devotion and culture,’’ says Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer, SriLankan Airlines.

Buddhika Hewawasam

“India has been the prime source market for Sri Lanka’s inbound tourism.  Travellers from India hold a very special place in our hearts, as they have always been the first to arrive in our shores signalling the end of difficult times. This trend has been visible in the context of all unprecedented challenges that we faced recently as a country. We are proud to collaborate with the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines in its latest strategic marketing drive, ‘Ramayana by SriLankan,’ which will continue to inspire discerning travellers from India to explore the charms of old ages blending seamlessly with modern day travel,” says Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau.

The statement adds that travellers can experience the power of faith as they walk in the footsteps of Lord Rama and Sita. From the cave where Ravana hid Sita to the lake where Lord Rama defeated Ravana, these ancient sites provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to connect deeply with their roots. The highlight, of course, is the legendary bridge built by Lord Rama’s Vanara army to reach Lanka, a symbol of resilience and devotion.

Every stop is a connection to the spiritual heritage, bringing the stories of the Ramayana alive

SriLankan Airlines says it ensures that the journey is as comfortable as it is spiritual. With stays at the finest 4- and 5-star hotels, along with the services of expert guides who narrate the rich history and mythology of the Ramayana, visitors will travel in utmost comfort, adding that its direct flights from major cities in India make this pilgrimage not only spiritually fulfilling but convenient and stress-free.

The airline adds that the package also includes exposure to other attractions of Sri Lanka, from its vibrant festivals and colorful temples to mouth-watering local dishes like hoppers and kottu, visitors will experience Sri Lanka’s warm hospitality, echoing the famous Indian Atithi Devo Bhava spirit. Sri Lanka’s close-knit relationship with India makes it the ideal destination for this spiritual quest, says the airline.