Table of Contents
- Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour 2023: Investigating the Religious Trail in the Archipelago
- The Ramayana Tour of Sri Lanka: Ten Essential Tourist Attractions
- Chilaw
- Munneswaram Temple
- Trincomlaee
- Ramboda
- Nuwara Eliya
- Gayathri Pedam is one of their most renowned Ramayana settings.
- Ella
- Anjanyar Temple
- Hasalaka
- The village of Kothmale and Gurulupotha
- Jaffna
- The itinerary for a five-day tour to Sri Lanka is as follows, Have a look!
Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour 2023: Investigating the Religious Trail in the Archipelago
The Ramayana legend is considered to be one of the most influential texts in Hindu mythology. While numerous locations in India align with Hindu mythology, the ones listed above are not the only ones. In fact, both island inhabitants and tourists alike enjoy the Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka.
We have often pondered the aesthetic appeal of the Ashok Vatika, the precise whereabouts of the battleground between the two armies, and other related matters due to the epic Ramayana taking place in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Ramayana expedition, encompassing numerous aforementioned sacred sites in addition to other picturesque attractions, represents an optimal amalgamation of a holiday and a pilgrimage.
Before proceeding to the intricacies of the itinerary for the Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka, we would like to apprise you of the principal tourist attractions that are encompassed within the tour. Consider taking a look.
The Ramayana Tour of Sri Lanka: Ten Essential Tourist Attractions
The following is an inventory of some of the most renowned and picturesque places in Sri Lanka that are closely linked to the Ramayana and will be included in your tour. If one desires to visit each renowned site, then it is highly recommended that these locations be included in one’s itinerary for Sri Lanka.
Chilaw
Kothmale, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya, Ella Colombo, and Ella, Colombo. Chilaw, situated in the Puttalam District of the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, is a substantial municipality. The region is renowned for its three Cs: coconuts, crabs, and Coreas, or the Chilaw Association and the Ceylon National Congress, which were founded with the assistance of Mahatma Gandhi by independence fighters Charles Edgar and Victor Corea. It is, however, a popular tourist destination due to the religious significance of the location. The Ramayana excursion of Sri Lanka encompasses the renowned Manavari and Munneswaram temples, which are situated in this vicinity.
Munneswaram Temple
As per mythology, as Lord Rama approached Ayodhya in the Pushpak Viman subsequent to his conquest of King Ravana, he perceived that Brahmahathi Dosham, the penalty for betraying a Brahmin, was pursuing him. However, he stopped here because he believed Dosham was no longer following him. To eliminate the Dosham from his being, he beseeched Lord Shiva for guidance on how to erect and engage in prayer at four lingams located in Manavari, Thiru Koneswaram, Thiruketheeswaram, and Rameshwaram.
Manavari Temple, alternatively referred to as Ramalinga Shivan, is the site where, as the legend goes, Lord Rama initially constructed a Shiva lingam. With the exception of Rameshwaram, this lingam bears the appellation of Lord Rama around the world.
Trincomlaee
Famous for its golden sand beaches and the enchanting Thiru Koneswaram Temple perched perilously atop a cliff, this coastal resort is a popular tourist destination. Agastya Rishi allegedly built the temple at the behest of Lord Shiva, who had been moved by the fervour of King Ravana. As the legend goes, Lord Rama built the second lingam at this site with the intention of demolishing the Brahmahathi Dosham.
UNESCO designated the serene plateau settlement of Kandy as a World Heritage Site. It is equally religious, despite not being in a Ramayana setting. The Buddha relic is housed in the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the principal attraction in the vicinity. A brief glimpse of the tooth relic housed at this temple, the imposing golden statue of Buddha, and the tranquil atmosphere will all contribute to the calming effect on your spirit.
Ramboda
Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple and the 109-meter-tall Ramboda waterfalls are the focal points of the community of Ramboda in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The Chinmaya Mission erected a temple on the highlands, from which it is believed that Lord Hanuman sought out the goddess Sita.
Nuwara Eliya
The City of Lights, or Nuwara Eliya, is a tourist destination in the Central Mountain Range of Sri Lanka. The Divurumpola, Gayathri Pedam, and Seetha Amman Temple are all prominent attractions in the city and are all encompassed within the Sri Lankan Ramayana excursion. These easily identifiable temples offer the chance to embark on a temporal journey and function as pivotal sites for momentous occurrences recounted in the Ramayana.
Gayathri Pedam is one of their most renowned Ramayana settings.
It is said that the Seetha Amman Temple was constructed at Ashok Vatika, the site where King Ravana reportedly imprisoned Goddess Sita.
Goddess Sita is said to have been compelled to endure the fire test at Divurumpola, subsequent to her release from King Ravana’s captivity, in order to showcase her chastity and devotion to her spouse, Lord Rama.
Ella
Ella is a minuscule hamlet in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka’s Uva Province. The area is widely recognised for housing the Ravana Ella Falls and the Ravana Caves, both of which occupy a significant position on the Ramayana tour of Sri Lanka. The 1,080-foot-tall cascades derive their name from the limestone caverns that tower above them and are believed to have housed King Ravana. Alongside being one of the Ramayana locations in Sri Lanka, this area attracts nature and adventure enthusiasts due to its breathtaking grandeur.
Anjanyar Temple
Colombo, the metropolis of Sri Lanka, is home to two renowned temples. The Anjaneyar temple is the sole temple on the globe to feature an Anjaneya chariot. Conversely, it is postulated that Vibheeshana was crowned monarch of Lanka at the Kelaniya Temple subsequent to his sibling King Ravana’s demise.
Dewatagaha Mosque, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal, Independence Square, and the Avukana Buddha replica housed at the BMICH are all noteworthy attractions.
Hasalaka
Hasalaka is a small village that is home to one of the most renowned Ramayana settings in Sri Lanka. As per Seetha Kotuwa, this site is situated along the Ramayana trail. Seetha Devi was detained at this location before being transferred to Ashok Vatika. Furthermore, historical accounts suggest that this site once housed the city of Lankapura. The magnificent palace of Queen Mandothri, which was encircled by cascades, stood at this location.
The village of Kothmale and Gurulupotha
Kothmale is among the Sri Lankan locales associated with the Ramayana, where it is said that Seetha Devi deposited rice balls. She purportedly received those as sustenance from Ravana; however, she put them to use aiding Lord Rama in his pursuit of him rather than consuming them. A visit to the village may still yield the opportunity to encounter neighbourhood establishments carrying these rice balls. Presently known as Sitha goli, these are reportedly ingested for the treatment of digestive disorders. Kotmale Dam, Devon Falls, and Kadiyanlena Falls are some additional attractions.
Jaffna
A small community in Jaffna known as Nilavarai is among the Sri Lankan locales mentioned in the Ramayana. Lord Rama constructed the eternal water spring within this renowned village. Due to the undetermined depth of the subterranean tank, it is commonly referred to as a “bottomless well.” Lord Rama allegedly activated a spring beneath the earth by launching a projectile into the ground, thereby supplying water to his soldiers during their conflict with the Ravana. Additional Ramayana relics are in Sri Lanka.
Additional Sri Lankan Ramayana Sites Ussangoda is considered to be one of the sites where legend has it that the tail of Lord Hanuman ignited a fire.
Lord Hanuman conveyed a segment of the hill called Rumassala, located in close proximity to Galle, from the Himalayas to Lanka. It is hypothesised that he dropped the mountain en route, resulting in the fragmentation of Sanjeevni Mountain in Sri Lanka.
Ritigala Caves, which contain seventy caverns, are situated at one of the descent locations on Sanjeevni Mountain in Sri Lanka.
It is believed that the Seenigama Temple in Hikkaduwa served as the launching pad for Sugreeva’s confrontation with Ravana’s army.
It is believed that the Cobra Hooded Cave in Sigiriya is among the sites associated with the imprisonment of Goddess Sita.
Sri Lankan Ramayana excursions may differ in duration, itinerary, and locations visited. In contrast, a five-day, four-night Sri Lanka Ramayana excursion is optimal for observing the route’s highlights.
The itinerary for a five-day tour to Sri Lanka is as follows, Have a look!
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo airport and Transfer to Kandy Highlights:
Munneswaram Temple and Manavari Temple in the Chilaw region, Kandy ought to be the initial stop on any Sri Lanka Ramayana excursion. The journey from the Colombo airport to Kandy takes in some breathtaking scenery. En route, one encounters the Manavari and Munneswaram temples. There is a wide array of places to discover in Kandy. Thus, ensure that you allocate sufficient time.
The distance between Colombo and Kandy is 130 kilometres.
The duration was 3.5 hours.
Travel advice: When planning your road trip to Sri Lanka, be sure to stop by the two temples.
Day 2: A Day in Kandy
Among the covered points of interest are Kandy Lake and the Temple of Tooth Relic.
Kandy is naturally beautiful. As indicated previously, Sri Lanka is not replete with Ramayana sites; however, given your location in the Chilaw region, Kandy would be the most logical choice. Kandy also provides an extensive selection of lodging options.
We advise you to spend a day in Kandy doing market shopping or touring the surrounding area.
Day 3: From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple, Ramboda cascades, Gayathri Pedam, and Seetha Amman Temple are among the covered attractions.
It is advisable that you advance towards Nuwara Eliya as your subsequent location. The road journey passes by the Ramboda cascades and the Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple, in addition to being scenic. Embrace the awe-inspiring panoramas of the undulating tea meadows that line the path; they will stimulate your senses. Embark on a spiritual excursion to the majestic temples of Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya is 80 kilometres from Kandy.
The duration was three hours.
Travel to Colombo on the fourth day.
Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple, Ramboda cascades, Gayathri Pedam, and Seetha Amman Temple are among the covered attractions.
It is advisable that you advance towards Nuwara Eliya as your subsequent location. The road journey passes by the Ramboda cascades and the Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple, in addition to being scenic. Embrace the awe-inspiring panoramas of the undulating tea meadows that line the path; they will stimulate your senses. Embark on a spiritual excursion to the majestic temples of Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya is 80 kilometres from Kandy.
The duration was three hours.
Day 4: Travel to Colombo
The tour takes in the BMICH’s Avukana Buddha, Independence Square, the Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal, and the Dewatagaha Mosque.
After visiting Nuwara Eliya, continue to Colombo in order to observe the Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple and additional attractions. The Panchamuga Anjaneyar is the first Anjaneyar temple in this country and the only one with five faces (Panchamuga).
Nuwara Eliya is located 170 kilometres from Colombo.
Day 5:
We recommend that you embark on your journey to Sri Lanka very early in the morning, in consideration of the extended duration of the journey.
Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Tour concludes on day five.
Depending on the time of your return flight, you may elect to choose between enjoying a leisurely supper outdoors or exploring the local markets. You may also incorporate Ramayana excursions in Negombo, Sri Lanka, into your itinerary if you have additional time.