SriLankan Airlines is targeting India’s growing tourism market with a new initiative aimed at boosting religious travel. The airline is expanding its flight operations and introducing innovative travel experiences. A significant step in this direction is the launch of the Ramayana Trail package. This package connects travellers to 20 Ramayana-related sites in Sri Lanka in an effort to promote religious tourism.
SriLankan Airlines Launches Ramayana Trail Package
The new travel package offers travellers a unique opportunity to visit iconic sites tied to the Ramayana’s narrative. Highlights include the Seetha Amman Temple, believed to be where Sita prayed during her captivity, and Rumassala Hill, which is believed to have originated from a piece of the Himalayas dropped by Hanuman. These locations will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka.
Richard Nuttall, CEO of SriLankan Airlines, gave a speech at the launch event in Colombo on November 23. He highlighted the initiative’s potential to draw Indian tourists. According to CNBC TV18, he said, “The number of Indian visitors to Sri Lanka has grown impressively this year but is yet to reach pre-Covid levels.” The event was also attended by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Kshenuka Senewiratne. She highlighted the Ramayana’s significance in promoting cultural ties between the two nations.
Spiritual Adventures For Indian Travellers
Indian tourists have been a major contributor to Sri Lanka’s tourism revival, accounting for nearly 20% of all international arrivals as of October 2024. According to CNBC TV18, Nuttall noted that SriLankan Airlines is committed to offering unique travel experiences, such as the Ramayana Trail, to cater to the growing interest in religious tourism from India.
The airline currently offers 88 weekly flights to nine Indian cities, including Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. There are plans to make travel even more convenient by exploring new destinations within India, improving schedules, and increasing flight frequencies.
Senewiratne, the High Commissioner, said the Ramayana was more than an epic. She emphasised the Ramayana Trail’s contribution to strengthening the historical ties between India and Sri Lanka, saying, “It is a tapestry of culture, spirituality, and shared heritage that has connected India and Sri Lanka for centuries,” CNBC TV18 reported.
The Ramayana Trail package positioned Sri Lanka as a must-visit destination for religious tourism.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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