One of the most significant texts in Hindu mythology is the Ramayana. India has several locations that match the Hindu, but they are not the only ones. In fact, both residents and foreign visitors to the island nation love taking a Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka.
The Ashok Vatika, the battleground where the two armies clashed, and other aspects of the Ramayana mythology in Sri Lanka have often left us in awe. The Sri Lanka Ramayana trip, which includes many of these locations of religious significance as well as some other lovely sites, is the ideal fusion of a pilgrimage and a vacation.
Ravana Ella Falls - a breathtaking waterfall, 1080 feet high (cascades into several falls) close to the road from Ella to Wellawaya about 6 Km south from Ella. The stream, a tributary of Kirindi Oya plunges with a foaming spray over a series of ledges into the valley close to a bend in the road. The waters rise from Wewatenna highland above the rocks. In general the rocky underground of the waterfalls in Sri Lanka consists of hard gneiss or granite, but here the material is khondalite, a kind of limestone which undergoes decay faster. This has resulted in many caves being formed near the falls. King Ravana of Ramayana legend is said to have lived in one of the caves above the waterfalls.
Divurmpola (Agni pariksha temple) Divurmpola means a place where one takes an oath. Sitadevi, after being liberated from King Ravana was subjected to a test to prove here chastity by offering herself to the fire. However she came unscathed and proved her holiness during this ritual at this place.
After kidnapping Sita, Ravana imprisoned her in the well-known Ravana Cave. Previously shrouded in deep forest, it is now obscured by the 82-foot Ravana waterfalls, which feature a pool at their base where Sita is supposed to have taken a bath. There may be a cave, waterfalls, and ancient temple nearby.
In the middle highlands of Sri Lanka's tea heartland sits the city of Nuwara Eliya. In addition to housing monkeys and blue magpies, the organically planted Hakgala Botanical Gardens has roses and tree ferns. A vibrant Hindu shrine close by called Seetha Amman Temple is adorned with holy icons. Bulbuls and flycatchers are among the indigenous and migratory bird species that have found refuge in the densely wooded Galway's Land National Park.
Sitadevi was kept in this palace until she was moved to Ashoka Vatika. Sita Kotuwa means Sita’s fort and got its name because of Sita devi’s stay here.
A significant city in Sri Lanka's Central Province is Matale. The Matale District's major urbanised metropolis and administrative centre is there. The second most populous and urbanised city in Central Province is Matale. The foothills were known as Wiltshire by the British. The primary agricultural exports from Matale include spices, tea, rubber, and vegetables. The Aluvihare Rock Cave Temple, a popular tourist destination and a temple dedicated to Lord Buddha, is situated in Matale.
Thiru Koneshwaram was built by sage Agasthyar as per the instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana. This place has the uniqueness of the lord building a temple for his devotee as a reward for his devotion. Lord Rama also offered his prayers on his return to get himself rid of the Brahmaasthi Dosham. Shakthi peedam Adjacent to Koneswaram temple there is another small shrine; with some significance for Hindu pilgrims. The original Shankari Devi temple, said to be built by Ravana, was the first in the list of Ashta Dasha (18) Shakti Pitas written down by Adi Shankara, but its whole cliff was destroyed by Portuguese cannon balls. Only a pillar for commemoration is placed on that spot now. And it is believed that the original idol of the Goddess has been preserved and replaced, being venerated now in this nearby new Shankari Devi temple.
Manaweri Temple. * Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed to by Lord Rama and this lingam is also called Ramalinga Shivan.
After his victorious battle, Lord Rama left for Ayodhya, in one of King Ravana’s vimana (carriages).He felt he was being followed by bramhaasthi dosham as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. Legend has it that when he came to this place he felt bramhaasthi dosham was not following him and he stopped the vimana and asked God Shiva for remedy. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him to install four lingams there and pray to get rid of the dosham. Since then many Hindu devotees flock to the Muneswaram Temple.
En rourte visit Muneshwaram temple & Manaweri temple. * Muneswaram Temple, Chilaw. * After his victorious battle, Lord Rama left for Ayodhya, in one of King Ravana’s vimana (carriages).He felt he was being followed by bramhaasthi dosham as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. Legend has it that when he came to this place he felt bramhaasthi dosham was not following him and he stopped the vimana and asked God Shiva for remedy. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him to install four lingams there and pray to get rid of the dosham. Since then many Hindu devotees flock to the Temple. Thereafter proceed to Mannavari Temple. (Approximately 20 Minutes Drive) Manaweri Temple. * Manavari is the first lingam installed and prayed to by Lord Rama and this lingam is also called Ramalinga Shivan. Dinner & Overnight stay at Tropical life.
Visit Tirukoneshwaram temple & Shakthi peedam. Thiru Koneshwaram was built by sage Agasthyar as per the instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana. This place has the uniqueness of the lord building a temple for his devotee as a reward for his devotion. Lord Rama also offered his prayers on his return to get himself rid of the Brahmaasthi Dosham. Shakthi peedam Adjacent to Koneswaram temple there is another small shrine; with some significance for Hindu pilgrims. The original Shankari Devi temple, said to be built by Ravana, was the first in the list of Ashta Dasha (18) Shakti Pitas written down by Adi Shankara, but its whole cliff was destroyed by Portuguese cannon balls. Only a pillar for commemoration is placed on that spot now. And it is believed that the original idol of the Goddess has been preserved and replaced, being venerated now in this nearby new Shankari Devi temple. After that come back to Dambulla. Dinner & Overnight stay at Tropical life.
Visit Seetha Kotuwa , visit Dunuvila, visit Laggala & visit Weheragantota. Seetha Kotuwa These jungles are the places where the city of Lankapura once stood. The city had a beautiful palace for queen Mandothari surrounded by waterfalls, streams and varieties of flora and fauna. Sitadevi was kept in this palace until she was moved to Ashoka Vatika. Sita Kotuwa means Sita’s fort and got its name because of Sita devi’s stay here. Dunuvila Dunuwilla is the place from where Lord Rama fired the brahmaastharam at King Ravana, which eventually killed him. Dhunu means arrow and Vila Means Lake. This place got its name because Lord Rama fired his arrow from this lake. Laggala The cartels behind the Dunuvila lake are called Laggala. Laggala is derived form the Sinhala term Elakke Gala, which when translated into English gives us the meaning Target Rock. Laggala served as a sentry point to the King Ravana’s army and it was from this rock the first Glimpse of Lord Rama’s army was sighted and informed to King Ravana. This hill is geographically the highest part of the northern region of King Ravana’s city and on a clear day the north east side that is Thiru Koneshwaran and north west side that is Talai mannar could be seen even today. King Ravana is believed to have done meditation on this rock and prayed Lord shiva at Thiru Koneshwaran from this point. Weheragantota In Sinhalese language, Weragantota means a place for aircraft to land. It is believed to be the first place where Sitadevi was brought into Lanka in the King Ravana’s Vimana. Dinner & overnight stay at Grand mountain – Matale
Visit Hanumaji temple, visit Seetha amman temple, visit Gayathri Peedam & Visit Ashoka vatika Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple,Ramboda – (Approximately 1 ½ Hrs Drive) On these hills of Ramboda where Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi, the Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka built a temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity. On every full moon day special pooja”s are conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees. Gayathri Pedam It is believed to be the place from where King Ravana”s son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and poojas and in turn was granted super natural powers by lord Shiva. Seetha Amman Temple, Seetha Eliya. – (Approximately 20 Minutes Drive) The stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her stay at Ashoka Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. Now there is a temple erected for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hanumans’ are found by this river -some small and some large Ashoka Vatika. Its present location is believed to be the Hakgala Botanical Garden, the area is known as Seetha Eliya, close to the resort city of Nuwara Eliya. The Garden is situated at the base of the Hakgala Rock forms, has Sita Pokuna, a barren area atop the Hakgala Rock Jungle, where Sita was supposedly held captive, the Sita Amman Temple is located here. Other connected site is a spot where Sita bathed in a stream at Sita Eliya, called Sita Jharna. The site has attracted media interest owing to its connection with Hindu theology, in the recent years Dinner & overnight stay at St. Andrews- Nuwara eliya
Visit Agni Pariksha temple, Visit Ravana cave, Visit Ravana Falls. Divurmpola (Agni pariksha temple) Divurmpola means a place where one takes an oath. Sitadevi, after being liberated from King Ravana was subjected to a test to prove here chastity by offering herself to the fire. However she came unscathed and proved her holiness during this ritual at this place. * Ravana Ella Falls - a breathtaking waterfall, 1080 feet high (cascades into several falls) close to the road from Ella to Wellawaya about 6 Km south from Ella. The stream, a tributary of Kirindi Oya plunges with a foaming spray over a series of ledges into the valley close to a bend in the road. The waters rise from Wewatenna highland above the rocks. In general the rocky underground of the waterfalls in Sri Lanka consists of hard gneiss or granite, but here the material is khondalite, a kind of limestone which undergoes decay faster. This has resulted in many caves being formed near the falls. King Ravana of Ramayana legend is said to have lived in one of the caves above the waterfalls. Ravana Cave These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. These tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret passage. These tunnels networked all the important cities, airport and dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made and not natural formations. Dinner & overnight stay at St. Andrews- Nuwara eliya
Enroute visit Tea garden & Tea tasting Dinner & overnight stay at Jetwing blue- Negombo.
Breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter transfer to the airport for the departure flight. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End of Tour ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sri Lanka have numerous places related to Ramayana. A typical sri lanka map will take you to places like Sigiriya Rock Fort, Ashok Vatika, Munneswaram Temple, Divurumpola Monastery, Chillaw.
Koneswaram Temple was built by Ravana in Trincomalee. It is believed Ravana and his mother used to worship Lord Shiva at this temple.
Yes! Ramayana is Real and there are several footprints of Lord Rama in India, Sri-lanka and even in Indonesia. Most of the places mentioned in Ramayana epic still exists today,
Ashok Vatika Is situated near the "Hakgala Botanical Garden", close to the Resort City of Nuwara Eliya. Lord Hanuman found her held captive in an Ashok grove near Ravana's palace.
Sri Lanka have around 50 Ramayana sites, ranging from Mata Sita's imprisonment to the battlegrounds where Lord Ram defeated Ravana.
Ravana is worshiped in Srilanka by the Kanyakubja Brahmins of the Vidisha region, who see him as a savior and a sign of prosperity, claiming Ravana was also a Kanyakubja Brahmin.