The Epic Ramayana Trail In Sri Lanka: Footsteps Remain

Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Sri Lanka each year, especially from India, to take part in the Ramayana Trail.

The trail showcases key locations linked to the epic Indian tale of Lord Rama and Sita.

This spiritual and cultural journey allows visitors to witness the significant sites mentioned in the Ramayana story, a one which revolves around myth and history!

Yet, the Island Nation has many historical remnants to bring life to the epic story!

 

1)     Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple – Ramboda

The Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple in Ramboda is an important Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a central figure in the Ramayana.

It is believed that Lord Hanuman rested here while searching for Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, and later discovered her whereabouts.

Ramboda is located in Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country, along the Kandy–Nuwara Eliya or Colombo–Nuwara Eliya route.

2.) Seetha Amman Temple – Seetha Eliya, Nuwara Eliya

Located in the mountainous region of Nuwara Eliya, the Seetha Amman Temple is believed to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Sita.

According to legend, this is where Hanuman first met Sita and presented her with Rama’s wedding ring as a sign of hope.

Folklore states that King Ravana brought Sita to this location after abducting her.

A nearby stream is believed to be where Sita bathed, and footprints on nearby rocks are said to belong to Hanuman.

3.) Ashoka Vatika – Hakgala Botanical Garden

Located close to the Seetha Amman Temple is the world-famous Hakgala Botanical Garden, visited by thousands daily.

According to folklore, this garden was once Ashoka Vatika, created by King Ravana for Sita’s comfort.

It is also believed that Hanuman met Sita here and delivered Rama’s message of his forthcoming arrival.

Hakgala’s cool climate closely matches descriptions found in the Ramayana.

4.) Ravana Falls – Near Ella

Standing at 82 feet, Ravana Falls is a major tourist attraction.

The waterfall is named after King Ravana, who is revered in Sri Lanka for his intelligence and achievements.

It is believed that Queen Sita bathed in a pool formed by the cascading waters of this waterfall.

5.) Ravana Cave

Legend says that after abducting Sita, Ravana hid her in the cave behind the waterfall, possibly while en route to his palace.

At the time, the cave was surrounded by dense forests and deep wilderness.

6.) Divurumpola – Welimada (The Place of Oath)

Divurumpola is believed to be the site where Sita underwent the Agni Pariksha (fire ordeal) to prove her purity.

According to folklore, this is where Rama affirmed Sita’s purity before the entire world, including the Devas, Lord Shiva, and Lord Brahma.

7.) Ussangoda – Hambantota

Ussangoda is a vast red-soil plain believed to have been burned by Hanuman when he set Lanka ablaze.

Even today, the soil remains unusually barren and reddish, adding to its mystique.

8.) Rumassala Hill – Galle

Rumassala Hill is believed to be a fragment of the Sanjeevani Mountain dropped by Hanuman.

The area is well known for its rare medicinal plants.

9.) Sita Kotuwa – Gurulupotha (Mahiyanganaya Area)

Sita Kotuwa is believed to be another location where King Ravana hid Sita.

The area is surrounded by dense forests and ancient ruins.

10.) Manthota / Mannar

Manthota in Mannar is believed to be the place where Rama’s army first landed in Lanka.

Mannar is also the closest point in Sri Lanka to the Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge).

11.) Dunuvila – Near Laggala (Bow or Arrow)

This location is believed to be where Lord Rama defeated King Ravana using the Brahmastra.

12.) Nilavari – Near Jaffna

Nilavari is a natural underground water well believed to have been created by Rama’s arrow to quench Sita’s thirst.

Read more: Sri Lanka: ‘Small Island – Big Trip’ – What The Tourists Think?