Back to Menu

The Ramayana Trail : Places of Ramayana in Sri Lanka

The Ramayana Trail links Sri Lanka to one of the most significant hindu epics of India where Lanka is known as Ravana, the demon king's kingdom. This interesting historical trail includes various natural and cultural landscapes such as ancient temples, caves,hills, waterfalls, gardens and forests related to key events from the great Ramayana.
WhatsApp Us Now WhatsApp Us Now
Places of Ramayana in Sri Lanka
Places of Ramayana in Sri Lanka
Places of Ramayana in Sri Lanka
Featured in
khaleejgulftimeoutmsnlondoninsideryahoo

Introduction to The Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka

This is a major tourist attraction for Hindus, pilgrims, history enthusiasts, kids and curious travelers who are eager to discover these places in the Ramayana in Lanka. It has a global impact that united both Indian and Sri Lankan cultures. Furthermore, many religiously deep rooted countries like India, Nepal,Thailand and Malaysia visit Sri Lanka to witness the beautiful location in this epic story. Combines adventure with religious significance, providing a unique cultural experience. Certain Ramayana sites on the trail are signified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy your Ramayana Trail with a touch of modernity with the best holiday packages offered by Arabiers, we offer well planned trails with expert tour guides,private transfers and luxury accommodations for an unforgettable adventure.

Seetha Kotuwa (Gurulupotha)
Seetha Kotuwa (Gurulupotha)
  • Seetha Kotuwa is located in a rural village of Gurulupotha in Uva Province,Sri Lanka.
  • It is believed to be the palace of Ravana where Sita was kept after her abduction.
  • The historical name of this location Seetha Kotuwa is presently known as Sita’s Fort due to its historical background.
  • It features ancient ruins of Ravana's palace and garden structures.
  • This location is surrounded by deep green forests, adding a touch of mystery to this historical location.
  • Sri Lankan believe that this area was formerly a part of the Ashok Vatika ( Ravana’s Garden) where Sita used to spend her time during captivity that is mentioned in the Ramayana.
  • It is an easily accessible location that can be reached by a short trip.
  • This location is the perfect blend of nature and history.
Sita Amman Temple (Nuwara Eliya)
Sita Amman Temple (Nuwara Eliya)
  • The Seetha Amman Kovil is located in the beautiful central hills of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya.It is surrounded by cool climate, misty clouds, hills and tea plantations.
  • It is believed to be built at the the place where Sita prayed while in Ravana’s captivity.
  • There is a water stream nearby to the kovil that is believed to be where Sita bathed.
  • The Kovil is a very colorful location that is architectured in the South Indian style with illustrations of the Ramayana characters.
  • The Kovil features statues of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman for worship.
  • Locals also believe that Hanuman’s footprints are visible near the temple proving Hanuman’s arrival to rescue Sita.
  • The temple hosts many colorful and joyful celebrations during Hindu festivals like Rama Navami and Diwali.
  • The location is easily accessible through the road.
Ravana Ella Falls (Ella)
Ravana Ella Falls (Ella)
  • The Seetha Amman Kovil is located in the beautiful central hills of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya.It is surrounded by cool climate, misty clouds, hills and tea plantations.
  • It is believed to be built at the the place where Sita prayed while in Ravana’s captivity.
  • There is a water stream nearby to the kovil that is believed to be where Sita bathed.
  • The Kovil is a very colorful location that is architectured in the South Indian style with illustrations of the Ramayana characters.
  • The Kovil features statues of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman for worship.
  • Locals also believe that Hanuman’s footprints are visible near the temple proving Hanuman’s arrival to rescue Sita.
  • The temple hosts many colorful and joyful celebrations during Hindu festivals like Rama Navami and Diwali.
  • The location is easily accessible through the road.
Ravana Cave (Ella)
Ravana Cave (Ella)
  • The Ravana Cave is located behind the Ravana Ella Falls in Ella featuring a deep forest area.
  • It is believed to be the location where Ravana kept Sita hidden during her captivity.
  • It is a very large, spacious,natural, limestone cave with a great historical atmosphere.
  • Certain locals also believe that Ravana used this hidden cave as a strategic base to plan the abduction of Sita.
  • The cave is named as Ravana due to its relevance to the Ramayana epic story.
  • This cave is easily accessible through a short hike from Ravana Ella Falls.
  • The cave is surrounded by the waterfall, rocks and deep forests offering breathtaking views.
Hakgala Botanical Garden, Ashok Vatika - Nuwara Eliya
Hakgala Botanical Garden, Ashok Vatika - Nuwara Eliya
  • Ashok Vatika that is presently known as the Hakgala Botanical Gardens is a beautiful lovely garden that is located in Nuwara Eliya,Sri Lanka.
  • It is believed to be the The garden of Ravana, the Ashok Vatika, the place where Sita spent her time during her captivity by Ravana.
  • According to the Ramayana,Ravana kept Sita captive in his beautiful royal garden while she was waiting for her husband Lord Rama to rescue her.
  • It is a home to a wide range of numerous flowers, plants and trees.
  • It is famous among tourists for its well-maintained paths, beautiful landscaping,stunning flower beds and mesmerising views of the surrounding tea hills.
  • It is a great location for family time, picnic or simply relaxation and taking beautiful pictures.
  • The garden is easily accessible by car as it is very near to the Nuwara Eliya town.
Ramboda Hanuman Temple (Ramboda)
Ramboda Hanuman Temple (Ramboda)
  • The Ramboda Hanuman Kovil is located in Ramboda, in the beautiful misty central hills of Sri Lanka.
  • This Kovil is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god who played a primary role in rescuing Sita from Ravana.
  • This temple is believed to be the location where Hanuman rested while searching for Sita.
  • It features a huge statue of Hanuman and it is one of the largest Hanuman statues in Sri Lanka.
  • It offers breathtaking scenic views due to its misty climate, cool weather, tea plantations and green hills.
  • The Kovil is easily accessible by road that is located near a major highway between Nuwara Eliya and Kandy.
Thiru Koneswaram Temple (Trincomalee)
Thiru Koneswaram Temple (Trincomalee)
  • The Thiru Koneswaram Temple is located on top of a Swami Rock in Trincomalee that overlooks the beautiful Indian ocean.
  • This Kovil is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed to be the place where Ravana worshipped Shiva.
  • This temple is of high historical value as it is one of the most ancient temples in Sri Lanka that was built over 2,000 years ago.
  • The temple is surrounded by the ocean and it offers mesmerising coastal views.
  • It is easily accessible from the city centre of Trincomalee.
Rumassala Hill (Galle)
Rumassala Hill (Galle)
  • The Rumassala hill is located in the city of Galle.
  • It is believed to be the place where Hanuman might have dropped a small part of the Himalayas while bringing it to get the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana from his injury.
  • This location offers scenic views of the busy Galle city, the Indian ocean and other nearby coastal areas.
  • This hill is a natural treasure that is surrounded by deep forests and it features various indigenous plants and wildlife.
  • The hill is easily accessible from Galle and it can be a great spot for some walking.
  • Many people believe that the hill has some spiritual energy because of Hanuman’s association.
Ussangoda (Hambantota)
Ussangoda (Hambantota)
  • Ussangoda is located near the town of Ambalangoda in the Hambantota District, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
  • It is believed to be the location where Ravana’s brother, Vibhishana took flight towards India to meet Rama, marking it as a very important point in Ramayana epic.
  • The Ussangoda area has a very unique landscape that features red soil and other unique geological features.
  • This location is easily accessible by road from Hambantota, making it a very convenient journey.
  • Many people also believe that this place holds spiritual powers because of its deep rooted ties with the Ramayana epic story.
Divurumpola (Nuwara Eliya)
Divurumpola (Nuwara Eliya)
  • Divurumpola is located in the Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka.
  • It is believed to be the location where Sita performed the "Agni Pariksha" (trial by fire) to prove her purity, innocence and chastity after being rescued from Ravana’s captivity.
  • It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes like forests and hills, offering breathtaking views.
  • This location is easily accessible as it is located near the Nuwara Eliya town.
  • Many Hindu believers visit Divurumpola as a pilgrimage destination to honor Sita’s strength, chastity, innocence and purity towards her husband, Lord Rama.
Kelaniya Temple (Kelaniya)
Kelaniya Temple (Kelaniya)
  • It is located about 10 km away from Colombo in the Kelaniya temple on the banks of the Kelani River.
  • It is believed that this place was visited by Lord Rama in his journey to Lanka for Sita.
  • According to the Ramayana, the location of the temple was identified with the place where, following his defeat of Ravana, Lord Rama performed a penance ceremony to cleanse himself from the war.
  • Spiritual Significance: This temple is meant for meditation, worshipping, and giving respect to Lord Rama, so it is a culturally and religiously important place.
  • Easily accessible by road from Colombo, making it a popular stop for both pilgrims and tourists exploring Sri Lanka’s Ramayana heritage.
Munneswaram Temple (Chilaw)
Munneswaram Temple (Chilaw)
  • The Munneswaram Temple is located in Munneswaram, near Chilaw, on the western coast of Sri Lanka.
  • One of the key sites in the Ramayana Trail, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where it is believed that Rama prayed for blessings before battling Ravana.
  • According to the Ramayana, after his victory over Ravana, Lord Rama visited Munneswaram to offer gratitude and seek Shiva’s blessings for his return to Ayodhya.
  • The temple is an ancient site with records of its existence dating back over 2,000 years, blending Hindu and local cultural practices.
  • Revered by Hindus as one of the most sacred temples in Sri Lanka, it is associated with powerful prayers and offerings to Lord Shiva.

Frequently asked questions - FAQs

Most of these sites can be associated with the image of Ravana found in the Ramayana: he was the evil king of Lanka who kidnapped Sita. In places such as Seetha Kotuwa, Ravana Ella Falls, and Ravana Cave, the belief exists that Ravana interacted with Sita or planned his actions during his conflict with Rama.

These include temple visits, caves, and natural sceneries that hold a place of importance in terms of mythology and history. At many places, one gets very beautiful views, tranquility, and extracts of the Ramayana story through local legends and traditions.

Most of the sites along the Ramayana Trail are open to tourists, some indeed being temples that provide opportunities for worship and prayer, others offering history, nature, and mythology. Visitors must also check the opening hours of certain sites, since sometimes these are not fully accessible due to religious observances.

Yes, it will be ideal for a wide range of travelers interested in spirituality, history, mythology, and nature. It was spiritual and explained the various parts of Sri Lanka in a landscape that made the journey worth taking by different classes of tourists.

Sites of the Ramayana Trail are found throughout Sri Lanka but are largely concentrated in central, southern and western parts of the island. Unless special guided tours are undertaken most of the sites are reachable by car or public conveyances. Most places are well-marked and can easily be found with the aid of local guides.

Yes, the Ramayana is a pivotal religious book to the Hindus, and most of the sites along the route are considered places of worship. The devotees come to pray and get blessings, and for those who follow the Ramayana, the route is of great spiritual significance.

All of these can be visited in one trip, but perhaps needs more care with the planning. Because the sites are dispersed among various regions in Sri Lanka, under the conditions prescribed by your travel schedule you may want to focus on some particular region or hire a local guide to make the tour efficient and enlightening.
; ?>