Lanka woos Indian tourists with 'Ramayana package'

Sri Lanka is wooing Indian tourists with the 'Ramayana Package', which promises to take visitors across the island on Lord Rama's trail.

Launched by SriLankan Airlines in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Tourism Board, the package is gaining popularity in India with airlines targeting to sell about 5,000 tour packages by next year.

While the seven-day package includes visit to at least 10 temples in south and central Sri Lanka, the 12-day package covers at least 54 sites identified by the board, SriLankan Airlines, Kerala Manager, Samantha Nagahawatte said.

The potential of the package is enormous as India was by and large a Hindu population, he said adding the "entire Hindu community is our market".

About 500 passengers have used 350 Ramayana packages in the last three months. Launched in February this year in the northern India, the response has so far been encouraging, he said.

Middle-aged and elderly visitors from the northern states have taken a liking to the package, the official said.

The package would be promoted through tour operators and channel partners, he said. PTI