Ramayana

In epic Ramayana, Lanka plays an important role in shaping the story. The abode of the King Ravana is described as an island with homes and palaces made of gold. Rama’s army built a bridge on the sea to cross over. They finally defeated Ravana and took Sita home. Look for best time to visit Sri Lanka and plan your Ramayana trail.

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Ramayana Trail

The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic that recounts the legendary journey of Prince Rama, the seventh avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. At its core, the epic tells the story of how Rama's wife, Sita, is kidnapped by the demon king Ravana, and how Rama, with the help of his loyal brother and an army of monkeys, embarks on a perilous quest to rescue her. While the epic weaves a tale of magic, war, romance, and adventure, it is also considered by many as a historical account, with supernatural elements adding to the mystique of the narrative.

One of the most iconic aspects of the Ramayana is the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka, where over 50 sites are believed to be connected to the epic. If you’re looking to explore this rich history, here are some key places to visit on your Sri Lanka tour.

Rama’s Bridge (Adam’s Bridge)

According to the Ramayana, after Ravana abducted Sita, he carried her to his kingdom in Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka), flying her on his Pushpaka Vimanam (a magical flying chariot). Rama pursued them, but the vast expanse of ocean between India and Sri Lanka posed a major obstacle. Legend says that Rama’s army of monkeys built a bridge, allowing them to cross into Lanka. Today, the remnants of this bridge, known as Rama’s Bridge or Adam’s Bridge, can be seen extending from Mannar Island in Sri Lanka to Pamban Island in India. The chain of limestone shoals and sandbanks, stretching approximately 48 kilometers, forms part of this mythical crossing. Interestingly, it’s also known as Adam’s Bridge due to Islamic legend, which states that Adam, after being cast out of paradise, crossed this bridge to reach India.

Ravana Cave and Ravana Falls

After abducting Sita, Ravana is said to have hidden her in a cave behind Ravana Falls in the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary in Ella. The Ravana Cave, located about five kilometers from the waterfall, lies more than a thousand meters above sea level and is believed to be the place where Sita was kept imprisoned. The falls, one of the widest in Sri Lanka at 25 meters, are especially spectacular during the rainy season (June to November) when the water cascades in full force. Legend has it that Sita bathed in the pools formed by these falls during her captivity. Be sure to visit the cave and waterfall for a glimpse into the mystical landscape tied to this ancient myth.

The Sri Munneswaram Devasthanam Temple

Another important site in the Ramayana Trail is the Sri Munneswaram Temple, located in the village of Munneswaram, a short drive from Chilaw. This ancient Hindu temple complex, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka and holds special significance in the Ramayana story. After killing Ravana, Rama is said to have sought forgiveness for the sin of taking a Brahmin's life by praying to Lord Shiva at this temple. The Munneswaram Temple is part of the Pancha Ishwarams, a group of five sacred Hindu temples scattered along the Sri Lankan coast. Although the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it remains a vital site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Ravana's Legacy and Hidden Relics

Sri Lanka, with its lush jungles and hidden caves, is steeped in Ramayana lore. One fascinating aspect of Ravana’s story is the belief that his Pushpaka Vimanam may have landed on a barren, burnt area of land, where nothing grows—said to be the landing pad for his flying chariot. Additionally, there is a hillock near Ravana Falls that contains a variety of plants, including medicinal ones, which do not grow naturally in the surrounding environment. Some believe these plants are relics from Meru Mountain, dropped by Hanuman, the monkey god, during his journey to Lanka. These sites, along with the famous waterfall and cave, offer a deeper connection to the legend of Ravana and Sita’s abduction.

Sri Lanka's landscapes are rich with historical and mythical significance, offering an immersive experience for those looking to delve into the Ramayana. From the spectacular natural beauty of Ravana Falls to the ancient temples and mysterious caves, the island invites travelers to walk through the pages of this epic and discover the magical legacy that still resonates today. Whether you're exploring the Ramayana Trail or simply enjoying the stunning landscapes, Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of history, myth, and adventure.

Mannaris an island in the northwestern part of Sri Lanka and one can visitAdam’s BridgeorRama Sethuin Talaimannar which is also one of the essential parts of Ramayana. Ram Sethu is a legendary bridge built by Rama with the help of his army to reach Lanka.
Adams Bridge Ram Sethu
This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and is located 6 km (3.7 mi) away from the local railway station atElla.
Ravana Falls
Situated near Ella, Ravana Caves were build to connect various locations of Ravana empire, they were a secret passage which serves as quick means of transport through the hills. Existing tunnel mouths are also situated at Ishtripura in Welimada, Senapitiya in Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola in Matale, and Seetha Kotuwa in Hasalaka. The Ravana Ella Falls and the Ravana Ella Cave are located close to the Wellawaya and the valley is called Ella Gap.
Ravana Cave
Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva in the region.
The Sri Munneswaram Devasthanam Temple
It was the location where Sita, the wife of Rama, was held captive by Ravana after her abduction, also because she refused to stay in Ravana's palace and preferred to stay under shimshapa tree in Ashoka Vatika.It was here that Ravana's wife Mandodari came to meet her and also where Hanuman met her for the first time, and identified himself with the finger ring of Rama.
Ashok Vatika
Sita Kotuwais one of the main places to visit while having a Ramayana Tour in SriLanka, it was this place whereSitawas held captive after kidnapping byRavana.The place is surrounded by a waterfall and beautiful stream and the place was named ‘Sitha Kotuwa’ or ‘Sitha fort’ as Sita stayed here.
Sita Kotuwa
Divurumpolais a place where Sita did ‘Agni Pariksha‘ to prove her innocence. When Sita plunges into the fire, Agni the lord of fire prevented any harm to Sita proving her innocence.
Divurumpola
Sigiriya,also known as Lion Rock, according to legend Sigiriya is one of the places where Ravana kept Sita captive in Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya
This temple is located about 6km north of Chilaw on Chilaw – Puttalam road. It is only one hour and thirty minutes from Katunayake Airport where it is situated near the river side estate – Sittamadama. It’s a typical Tamil temple but of significance for Hindu pilgrims from India who travel along the Ramayana trail to visit places connected to Lord Rama.
Manavari Temple