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Route of Tiruppukaz Sangamam Kadirkama Yatra, January 16-21, 2003 |
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Atop Kathiramalai, Kataragama |
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Devotees before main gate to Kataragama Maha Devale |
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Ravana Vettai, dramatic gorge at Tiru Koneswaram |
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Manikka Gangai, Sella Kathirkamam |
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Relaxing at the Rosen Renaissance Hotel, Kataragama |
Murugan Bhakti Sri Lanka pilgrimage tour
Tiruppukaz Sangamam Kadirkama Yatra – January 16-21, 2003
Sri Lanka itinerary: 6 days and 5 nights Munneswaram - Koneswaram - Kandy – Kathirkamam - Colombo
Day 1: 16th January: Airport to Chilaw to Dambulla
- Be at Chennai Airport before 9:00 am for 12:30 flight on Indian Airlines
- Land ~14:30 pm, clear immigration, change money and exit by 3:30 pm.
- Met and greeted at Katunayake Airport, board A/C tour bus.
- 90-min drive north to Munneswaram on the west coast. Worship at the kovil, which is one of Sri Lanka's five famous 'Eeswaram' kovils.
- Three hour drive east to Dambulla north of Kandy.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Gimanhala Transit Hotel, Dambulla.
Day 2: 17th January: Dambulla to Trincomalee to Kandy
- After early breakfast leave for remaining three hours drive to Koneswaram Kovil in Trincomalee. Tiru Koneswaram Kovil stands on the pinnacle of Swami Rock, and is
a highly venerated shrine sacred to Lord Shiva. It is also known as Dakshina Kailasam.
- Proceed to Kandy (ca. 5+ hours).
- Dinner & overnight stay at the Tourmaline Hotel overlooking Kandy.
Day 3: 18th January: Kandy to Katirkamam
- After early breakfast leave the hotel for a city tour of Kandy.
- Late morning begin 7-hour drive to Katirkamam. Lunch en route.
- In the evening arrive at Katirkamam.
- Dinner & overnight at Rosen Renaissance Hotel, Katirkamam.
Day 4: 19th January: full day at Katirkamam
- Before/after breakfast go to Sella Katirkama and bath in the Manikka Gangai.
- Return to Katirkamam and worship at the Ganapati Kovil & Maha Devale
- Worship at temples to Visnu, Teyvani Amma and Valli Amma.
- Mahadevale pujas are performed at 5 am, 11 am, and 7 pm.
- Leisure at the Devalaya premises in the evening return to the Hotel.
- Dinner & overnight stay at Rosen Renaissance Hotel.
Day 5: 20th January: Katirkamam to Galle to Colombo
- Before
breakfast, chance to offer worship once more at Maha Devalaya
- After breakfast, check out and start 7-hour coastal drive to Colombo.
- Halt in scenic Galle Fort for lunch.
- Arrive in Colombo in the late afternoon, check into the Galadari Hotel.
- In the evening visit Murugan temple in Colombo Kompanavidya.
- Dinner & overnight stay at Galadari Hotel, Colombo.
Day 6: 21st January: Colombo to Airport
- After breakfast, check out of the Galadari
- Visit nearby Gintupitiya Murugan Kovil, lunch at some suitable place.
- Arrive at Colombo Airport by 12:30 pm for departure to Chennai by Indian Airlines 15:45hrs
- Land at Chennai Airport around 4:30 pm local time.
Note: depending on time and contingencies, minor changes in the programme may be
necessary which will be known only at that time.
Service includes:
- Accommodation for 5 nights / 6 days at the hotel mentioned.
- Daily dinner & breakfast at the hotels.
- Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach.
- Services of an English-speaking assistant
- Site-seeing as mentioned above in the itinerary
What to bring with you:
- One small suitcase or flight bag big ( with lock) enough to carry your
personal needs for one week
- Pilgrim's dress – vetti for men; sari for women;
- Shawl to stay warm during evening time in Kandyan hill country;
- Any personal prescription medicines you may need. General medicines for cold,
cough,fever,sore throat, head ache, stomach disorder etc.
- Water bottle, camera and film
- Small umbrella for those sensitive to sunlight
- Pen for filling forms before & after flights
- Note book for recording your memories.
What to bring from Sri Lanka:
- Ceylon tea
- Spices
- Kathirkamam vibhuti
- Memories
REMEMBER:
- Departure Chennai Airport 16/01/2003 Thursday.
Assemble at Airport 09:00 AM SHARP. Complete check-in formalities. Please don't
be late or all will face difficulties.
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Adi Koneswaram Tirukkovil |
- Weather in Sri Lanka is like Chennai, except Kandy up-country will be cooler.
- Please bring U$ 250 per person, out of which U$ 170 + 50 will be required for travel
+ lunches on the way. Remainder will be for temples and personal expenses.
- Shopping is expensive. In fact, Sri Lankans come to Madras for shopping.
- Don't be late at any point. We are a big group. Don't leave the group without
informing someone one of the group leaders. Wear the badge when coming out of the rooms
- We are traveling by air-conditioned bus for nearly 1,000 kms total. Travel light with minimum luggage.
Interested in joining the next yatra? Contact:
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