10 Ramayanaya Sites in Sri Lanka You Must Visit
Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions
Discover the major places in Ramayanaya in Sri Lanka
Ashok Vatika
Where Sita Devi waited in sorrow under Ashoka trees
- Historical Importance: This is believed to be the garden where Sita Devi was held captive by King Ravana after he brought her to Lanka. She spent her days here in sorrow, refusing Ravana’s advances. It’s also said that Lord Hanuman first met her here and gave her Lord Rama’s ring.
- What It Contains: Believed site of Ashoka trees and garden linked to Sita.
- Local Belief / Folklore: Sita refused to enter Ravana’s palace, staying only in this garden. Ravana respected Sita's decision and arranged the garden for her.
- Accessibility: Near Nuwara Eliya, very easy to reach.
- Spiritual Significance Today: A respected site by Ramayana followers and pilgrims.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
A royal garden said to hold memories of Sita Devi’s sorrow
- Historical Importance: Many believe this garden is part of the larger Ashok Vatika mentioned in the Ramayana. It’s said King Ravana maintained this as a pleasure garden, but Sita Devi remained here in deep sadness. The peaceful surroundings match the descriptions in the ancient story.
- What It Contains: Large botanical garden with rare trees and plants.
- Local Belief / Folklore: Some believe a part of the garden still holds the energy of Sita’s prayers.
- Accessibility: Well-known tourist site near Nuwara Eliya. Easy to visit.
- Spiritual Significance Today: Not a temple, but visited for its Ramayana connection.
Sita Eliya (Sita Amman Temple)
The sacred place where Sita Devi prayed to be rescued
- Historical Importance: This temple is believed to be where Sita Devi spent most of her time praying while in captivity. The temple stands near a stream where she bathed, and there are footprints nearby that locals say belong to Lord Hanuman.
- What It Contains: Hindu temple dedicated to Sita Devi, with statues and a stream nearby.
- Local Belief / Folklore: Devotees believe the footprints and stream were blessed by Sita.
- Accessibility: Easily reached from Nuwara Eliya town.
- Spiritual Significance Today: Important pilgrimage site for Hindus visiting Sri Lanka.
Ravana Ella (Ravana Falls)
Where King Ravana is believed to have hidden Sita Devi in a nearby cave
- Historical Importance: According to the Ramayana, Ravana is said to have brought Sita to the nearby cave behind this waterfall after taking her from India. It’s one of the most famous sites connected to the story. The area is full of legends and hidden natural beauty.
- What It Contains: Waterfall and nearby cave linked to the Ramayana.
- Local Belief / Folklore: Locals believe the water here holds blessings because of Sita’s presence.
- Accessibility: A short drive from Ella, but the route is relatively remote.
- Spiritual Significance Today: A peaceful place often visited during Ramayana tours.
Ravana Cave
The secret cave believed to have hidden Sita Devi in the hills
- Historical Importance: This cave is believed to be one of the many places where King Ravana kept Sita during her time in Lanka. It is hidden in the hills near Ravana Falls and linked strongly to the Ramayana's story of captivity and courage.
- What It Contains: Natural cave system with tunnels and ancient steps.
- Local Belief / Folklore: People believe Ravana used these tunnels to travel safely through the mountains.
- Accessibility: Requires a considerable uphill hike. Steps can be steep.
- Spiritual Significance Today: A place of curiosity and legend for Ramayana pilgrims.
Divurumpola
Where Sita Devi proved her purity before Lord Rama
- Historical Importance: After the war ended and Lord Rama defeated King Ravana, Sita Devi underwent Agni Pariksha (trial by fire) to prove her purity. This sacred act is believed to have taken place at Divurumpola. The name means “place of oath” in Sinhala, and it's one of the most spiritually important Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka.
- What It Contains: Temple complex with sacred grounds and Bodhi tree.
- Local Belief / Folklore: Locals believe the ground here cannot be defiled, and that truth is revealed at this place.
- Accessibility: Located between Nuwara Eliya and Welimada. Accessible by road.
- Spiritual Significance Today: Pilgrims come here to take oaths and seek truth.
Ussangoda
The scorched land where Hanuman burned Ravana’s flying base
- Historical Importance: According to local belief, this flat, red-earth land was one of Ravana’s landing strips or airports for his flying chariot. After Sita Devi was found, Lord Hanuman is said to have burned it with his fiery tail. The land here is unique—scorched and barren even today.
- What It Contains: Coastal plain with unusual reddish soil and little vegetation.
- Local Belief / Folklore: Locals say no tree grows here due to Hanuman’s fire.
- Accessibility: Located near Ambalantota, reachable by road.
- Spiritual Significance Today: Not a temple, but holds ancient value and heritage.
Rumassala Hill (Sanjeevani Fragment)
Where a piece of the Sanjeevani mountain is believed to have fallen
- Historical Importance: When Lakshmana was seriously injured during the war, Lord Hanuman flew to the Himalayas to fetch a herb. Failing to find the exact medicine, he brought the entire hill. On his way back, a piece of the mountain is believed to have fallen here. The hill’s rare medicinal plants support this story even today.
- What It Contains: Forested hill with unique herbs.
- Local Belief / Folklore: People believe this hill was formed from a chunk of Sanjeevani mountain.
- Accessibility: Near Galle, can be reached by road and a walk.
- Spiritual Significance Today: Visited for meditation, nature walks, and Ramayana link.
Thotupola Kanda
One of the highlands used as a landing strip by King Ravana
- Historical Importance: This mountain is believed to be one of King Ravana’s landing sites for his flying chariot. The name ‘Thotupola’ means “landing place” in Sinhala. It is the third highest peak in Sri Lanka and part of the Horton Plains.
- What It Contains: Scenic mountain, part of Horton Plains National Park.
- Local Belief / Folklore: Locals link the name and location directly to Ravana’s aerial travels.
- Accessibility: Reached by hiking through Horton Plains.
- Spiritual Significance Today: Natural site with mythological and ecological importance.
Weragantota
The place where Ravana’s aircraft first landed with Sita Devi
- Historical Importance: According to legend, Weragantota was the location where King Ravana first landed in Lanka with Sita Devi after abducting her. The name translates to “place of aircraft landing” in Sinhala. It is one of the earliest recorded landing points in Ramayana folklore.
- What It Contains: Open plain near ancient city ruins.
- Local Belief / Folklore: Said to be one of Ravana’s key entry points into Lanka.
- Accessibility: Close to Mahiyangana. Reachable by road.
- Spiritual Significance Today: Valued for its Ramayana connection and mystery.
These first 10 Ramayana sites are just the beginning of a larger story. Each one holds deep spiritual and cultural value. As you explore, you’re not just visiting places—you’re walking through history.
