Exploring the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka: A Journey Through Myth and Legend

The renowned Indian epic, the Ramayana, has fascinated readers for centuries with its timeless tale of duty, love, and courage. Although it was originally composed in India, Sri Lanka’s contribution to it is no less significant. Lanka, according to the Ramayana, was ruled by the mighty king Ravana. It was here that the epic battle between Ravana and his opponent, Rama, took place. Today, the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka offers tourists a chance to tread in the path of these mythological figures. You can discover history, myth, and nature on an unforgettable journey.

The Ramayana trail tour in Sri Lanka is not just a sightseeing experience – it brings this ancient myth to life. Each location along the trail has a long and rich history which goes back centuries. Not only are these locations beautiful – they are deeply symbolic too.

One of the most fabled Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka along the trail is Sita Eliya. This is where Sita, Lord Rama’s wife, was held prisoner by Ravana. The Sita Amman Temple is a tribute to her unwavering devotion. Pilgrims across the world come to this site to pay homage. The small footprints near the river are said to belong to Hanuman. The serene atmosphere and the soft trickle of the river offer a sense of peace.

Close to Sita Eliya lies Ashok Vatika, the mythical garden where Sita spent her days in captivity. According to legend, Sita refused to stay in Ravana’s palace, choosing Ashok Vatika in Sri Lanka, where she sat under a Simsapa tree. Today, it is the Hakgala Botanical Garden, known for its large collection of exotic plants. The garden’s towering trees and beautiful flowers seem to echo Sita’s sadness. It is not difficult to picture her walking along these paths, taking shelter amidst the vegetation and waiting to be rescued.

The trail also takes visitors to Ravana Falls, an eye-catching waterfall named after the demon king himself. Local folklore has it that Ravana hid Sita inside the caves behind these falls. This is one of the most beautiful Ramayana related places in Sri Lanka. Known for the roaring waters that pound on the rocks below, it creates an awe-inspiring sight.

Travellers can also venture into the Ravana Cave, which is steep and narrow but offers plenty of adventure and a sense of connection with the ancient story.

Visitors to the area will have great accommodation options like Jetwing Kaduruketha, an eco-luxury hotel in Wellawaya, close to Ella.

A visit to Divurumpola allows visitors to relive another important moment from the epic. This is the spot where Sita underwent the Agni Pariksha or trial by fire to prove her purity. Today, the site is marked by a temple, and it is a popular location for those who want to renew their vows and rededicate their faith.

Your journey would not be complete without a pilgrimage to Trincomalee’s Thirukoneswaram Temple. Perched atop a cliff with views of the Indian Ocean, this is one of the most ancient temples in Sri Lanka. It has a strong connection to the Ramayana. Legend says that Ravana prayed to Shiva here, to gain strength. The breathtaking location of the temple makes it one of the prime spots for devotees and history lovers.

Further down the east coast lies Ussangoda, a coastal plateau with a reddish soil and a barren, rocky landscape. It was here, according to the Ramayana, that Hanuman landed, and his fiery tail scorched the earth. The unusual landscape, with its dramatic divide between land and sea, adds to the mystique of the myth.

What makes the Ramayana trail so unique is the way it combines myth, nature, and history. It brings the timeless epic of the Ramayana out of the pages of ancient texts and sets it at the centre of a living landscape.