It is one of two major texts revered in Hinduism and one of the greatest works of world literature. The Indian epic Ramayana tells the story of crown prince Ram of Ayodhya, banished into exile for 14 years, and his quest to rescue his kidnapped wife, Sita, from the clutches of the 10-headed demon king Ravana of Sri Lanka. Estimated to have been composed around the 4th and 7th centuries BCE, the 24,000 verses narrate events that possibly took place even before 5000 BCE. Sri Lanka is central to the events that take place in Ramayana, and local legends point to places significant to the story.
So, are you ready to follow the trail of one of the most resplendent tales of the ancient world? Spend 6 nights and 7 days discovering the Sri Lankan connection to Ramayana with Blue Lanka Tours. Its epic travel fit for epic storytelling.
Munneswaram Temple
In Chilaw, a 90-minute drive from the coastal town of Negombo is Munneswaram Temple. Here, Rama stopped on his way back to Bharata (India), flying on Ravana’s vimana to pray to Lord Shiva. As a righteous person who lived life by dharma, Rama felt uneasy after killing Ravana. He asked for a remedy for his anxiety. Lord Shiva reassured Rama and instructed him to place four Shiva lingams in four locations. The first of the four locations is Manavari, a temple only 20min drive away from Munneswaram.
Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
Next, we head to the misty central hills, all the way to the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya. Here, we find Sri Hanuman Bhakta Temple in the village of Ramboda. Hanuman was the divine commander of the monkey army who remained devoted to Rama throughout the war. Believed to be the place where Hanuman rested while searching for Sita and where Rama assembled his troops, the temple has the tallest Hanuman statue in Sri Lanka.
Sri Gayathri Peedam
It is the place where Ravana’s son, Indrajit, also known as Meganath, received supernatural powers from Trimurti after performing Nikumbhila yagna. He is the only warrior in Ramayana to possess all “Trimurti Astras.” However, he meets his demise in the war in the hands of Lakshmana.
Seetha Amman Temple
Legend says here is where Sita was held captive by Ravana. The surrounding area is called Sita Eliya. The nearby Hakgala Botanical Gardens is synonymous with Ashoka Vatika, the grove Sita chose to live instead of Ravana’s Palace. It was here that Hanuman met Sita for the first time in his quest to find her. Devotees believe the giant footprints found here are that of Hanuman.
While you are here, enjoy the sights of blooms at the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. There are over 10,000 species of flora in the 28ha garden situated 1745 meters above sea level, in several terraces upon the lower slopes of the Hakgala Rock. It overlooks the Madulsima and Namunukula mountain ranges in the distant landscape.
Divurumpola
At present day, it is a charming Buddhist temple, but the site is significant in Ramayana, thought to be the place where Sita underwent the ordeal by fire to prove her chastity at the end of the war. She emerges from the fire unscathed.
Ella
Travel deeper into the hills to find the mesmerising little town called Ella. Secreted among its dramatic landscape are Ravana Ella and caves. The caves were a favourite haunt of Ravana. The cave tunnels served as a secret passage through the hills.
Ussangoda
Let’s travel south to the mystical Kataragama, the home of God Skanda. A 2-hour drive from Kataragama is Ussangoda, a distinctive landscape with reddish soil and a scorched effect. The serpentine soil does not support much vegetation and species. Legend has it that this was a place Ravana used to park his flying machine and one of the places that got torched by Hanuman’s burning tail.
Rumassala
Attributed to the piece of Himalayas that fell to the ground when Hanuman was flying carrying it to Sri Lanka, Rumassala hill in the south of the island contains exotic flora only found in the Himalayas. The doctors prescribed a miraculous herb (sanjivani) only found in the Himalayas for Lakshmana’s mortal wound in combat. However, unable to find it in a hurry, Hanuman resorted to carrying the whole mountain back to the battlefield.
Seenigama
The island temple of Seenigama on the southern coast is where Hanuman is said to have begun his army’s onslaught against Ravana’s army. One of the main rituals performed here is grinding chillies to punish one’s enemies.
Follow the trail with Blue Lanka Tours!
Tailormade for you, our Ramayana Tour offers convenience, luxury and meaningful insight. Enjoy the additional activities and attractions on the way that showcase the essence of each part of the trail. Discover not just the epic legend but culture, cuisine and authentic experiences. Take part in poojas and rituals at the holy sites you visit. The extraordinary is only a booking away with Blue Lanka Tours. Which Ramayana-related site piques your interest the most?