Sites in the Northern and Eastern Regions
这 Ramayana Trail begins in the northern region of Sri Lanka, where the legendary Ram Sethu (Adam's Bridge) once connected Sri Lanka to India. This bridge, often considered a natural formation, is believed to have been a paved path for the Vanara army (Monkey army) to cross over to Lanka.
The remote island of 马纳尔, accessible from the mainland by a causeway, lies at the northern border of the island. Mannar is often described as an isolated and tranquil region with a lighthouse overlooking the unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean. From atop the Dutch Fort, you can see the remains of the bridge in the form of shallows that once connected Sri Lanka to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi in India. The area provides stunning views of the ocean and the historical significance of the Ram Sethu.
Heading to the eastern region, the 科内斯瓦拉姆寺 stands proudly above the ridges in 亭可马里, a prominent tourist city on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding bay, making it one of the most attractive locations in Sri Lanka.
这 Nagapooshani Amman Kovil is one of the most revered temples in Sri Lanka. Goddess Parvati, known locally as Nagapooshani, and her consort Lord Shiva, referred to as Nayinar in Sri Lanka, are worshipped here. According to the Ramayana, this historical temple is one of the 64 Shakti Peethas, as identified by the great 9th-century Vedanta philosopher, Adi Shankara. The temple's fame is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, who recognized it as one of the prominent Shakti Peethams in the Shakti Peetha Stotram, and it is also mentioned in the Brahmandapurana. The temple is also considered a significant site in the Sri Lanka Ramayana Tour.
这 Kanniya Hot Spring is a fascinating site in Trincomalee. According to the Ramayana, it is believed that King Ravana struck the earth with his sword at several spots, and from these points, fountains of hot water sprang forth. This is considered the origin of the hot water springs. The Kanniya Hot Spring is an important Ramayana Yatra site in Sri Lanka, drawing attention to its association with King Ravana’s era.
Vilundri is a significant Ramayana site located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. According to the epic, Lord Rama stopped at this place on his return journey with Sita to Ayodhya. It is believed that Lord Rama rested his bow on the ground here, which is why the place is named Vilundri—with "Vil" meaning bow, and "Undri" meaning resting, in Tamil. This area is directly linked to the Ramayana story, and it is also where Lord Rama prepared to reach the famous 蒂鲁科内斯瓦拉姆神庙.
Sites in Central Sri Lanka
The journey then moves to the central part of Sri Lanka. Set in the low mountains just outside 坎达拉马 在 丹布拉, the ruins of 锡吉里亚 被认为是拉瓦那的宫殿，可以通过一千多条楼梯进入。
According to the Ramayana, Ravana owned a mighty aircraft, The Pushpak Vimana. It is believed that Ravana had six airfields with many other mythological flying airplanes and chariots, which he succeeded in obtaining from gods and other kings during battles. Thotupola Kanda is one of these six airfields. After Ravana kidnapped Goddess Sita, he is said to have disembarked here.
Thotupola Kanda is the third-highest mountain peak in Sri Lanka and is a famous trekking location. Hiking to Thotupola Kanda is one of the many adventurous activities in Sri Lanka for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Although just a few remnants of a colossal rock citadel exist from the 5th century, this 'lion paw' shaped fort has also been considered to be built by King Kasyapa. While the walls feature many paintings akin to the Gupta-style images at the Ajanta caves, the museum near the bottom of the staircase showcases the beauty of royal architecture and an ingenious hydraulic system that ferried water from the nearby ponds to the top of the mountain.
Sita Kotuwa (Sita Matha’s Court) is an archaeological site located in Gurulupotha, Hasalaka, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is believed to be one of the places where Princess Sita was kept by King Ravana. This site holds great significance in the Ramayana Trail Sri Lanka. Sita Kotuwa is surrounded by abundant flora, fauna, streams, and waterfalls, making it a beautiful and remote spot. The area also features limestone caves, with ruins of a typical forest monastery from the late Anuradhapura period, which can still be visited today.
汤田河 is located within the Wasgamuwa National Park. According to the Ramayana, this site is believed to be the final battlefield between King Ravana and King Rama. The name "Yuda" means war in Sinhala, and "Ganawa" means area or arena. It is said that this area remains barren and hard, with no vegetation growing due to the destruction during the epic battle. The soil here is similar to the one found at the Ussangoda Ramayana site, making it an important location for the Ramayana Yatra in Sri Lanka.
Dunuwila is the place where Lord Rama fired the Brahmastra at King Ravana, which eventually killed him. "Dunu" means arrow and "Vila" means lake in Sinhala, and this place got its name because Lord Rama fired his arrow from this lake. Dunuwila is considered one of the most significant Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka, attracting visitors due to its deep association with the Ramayana epic. It is located near the 40 km post on the Hasalaka – Wasgamuwa road.
Sites in Hill Country
To rid himself of the curse, Rama stops in this region, prays to Shiva, and establishes Shiv Lingas, which were later completed into typical Dravidian-style temples replete with a plethora of colours and statues within them.
The British settlers may have loved the incredible mountains of Nuwara Eliya a bit down south in the 18th century as they grew the world-famous Ceylon tea and made enormous profits. Still, the hills are also rumoured to be part of the beautiful Ashoka Vatika, where Ravana had kept Sita captive.
虽然美丽的花园变成了茂密的森林， 哈加拉植物园 提供 Vatika 的所有荣耀之美。
如果没有参观著名的景点之一，努沃勒埃利耶之旅就不算完整 Sri Baktha Hanuman 寺 in Ramboda. On these cliffs of Ramboda, where Hanuman was searching for Sita, the Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka constructed a temple with Hanuman as the presiding divinity. On full moon day each month, certain poojas are performed and witnessed by thousands of believers.
这 西塔·阿曼·科维尔 temple holds great importance in the Ramayana as it is believed to be where Hanuman encountered Sita for the only time in Ashoka Vatika, reassuring her of his struggles to liberate her. The temple, situated across two levels over the river, is sheltered with golden-coloured sculptures of symbols from the epic. Looking down from the lower level, you will see the demarcated footsteps of Lord Hanuman. The location further earns significance because there is a summit peak in the shape of Hanuman.
这 拉瓦纳瀑布 in Ella are believed to have been named after Sita, who bathed in a waterhole that caused the water to fall from this waterfall. You can also visit the 拉瓦纳洞穴 around Ravana Falls. The Ravana cave is part of a tunnel system connected to the Ravana Falls in Ella.
According to legend, King Ravana of India kidnapped Queen Sita and brought her to Sri Lanka, hiding her in the Ravana caves. These tunnels served as quick passageways through the cliffs and a hidden route, with stories suggesting they connected all the important cities in Sri Lanka. A closer look at these underpasses reveals that they are artificially constructed, demonstrating the intelligent design and construction by King Ravana.
Divurumpola is a small village near Nuwara Eliya, where it is believed that Sita underwent the trial by fire, or Agni Pariksha, to prove her chastity after her captivity in Lanka. This village is of great significance in the Ramayana, as it marks a key moment in the epic where Sita's purity was tested.
这 Chariot Path is one of the iconic Ramayana sites located in the jungle on top of the Ramboda Hills, along the Kandy – Nuwara Eliya main road. This route is believed to be the path where King Ravana transported Sita Devi on his chariot from Sita Kotuwa to Ashoka Vatika. The path is famously known as the "Ravana Grass Pathway" and is significant because no vegetation grows here except grass. The epic story also mentions that Ravana used this path to show Sita the beauty of his kingdom. The Chariot Path, along with Sita's Tear Pond, are important Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka.
这 Sthreepura Cave, located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is believed to have been used by King Ravana to hide Princess Sita as a precautionary measure during the battle between King Rama and King Ravana. This site contains remains of rock caves and interconnecting tunnels, which are believed to have been built during the reign of King Ravana. According to folklore, Sthreepura is part of a network of tunnels that connect major areas of King Ravana’s city. These tunnels have yet to be fully explored, and the site remains one of the important Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka.
Sites at the Southern Coastal Region
Rumassala Rock is one of the five Sri Lankan sites that are believed to be parts of Mount Dronagiri. According to the Ramayana, these parts of the mountain fell when Hanuman carried Dronagiri on his flight back to Lanka, intending to use its Sanjiwani herb to rescue Lakshmana and Rama. This herb was crucial to bring them back to life after they suffered severe wounds in the battle with Ravana's army. Rumassala is also believed to be a place where Sita stayed during her time in Lanka.
Another important site is the 西尼加玛德瓦拉亚 in Hikkaduwa. It is believed to be the landing place from which Sugriva, the King of the Vanaras, and his monkey army, launched their attack on Ravana's forces. This temple holds great cultural and historical significance in the Ramayana epic.
乌桑戈达 is another fascinating site along the Southern Coast. It is a location steeped in legend, as it is believed to be the spot where Ravana’s Pushpaka Vimana (flying chariot) landed. According to the Ramayana, Ravana used this chariot to transport Sita. The area is also known for its unique geological features, offering stunning views of the ocean and a distinct landscape.
The Southern Coastal region is full of mythological significance, from the mystical Rumassala and Seenigama to the dramatic cliffs of Ussangoda. These sites not only provide insight into the Ramayana but also offer some of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking coastal views.
站点西部和西北地区
One of the places found just on the outskirts of 科伦坡, the Vibhishana Palace is considered to have been granted to Ravana's brother after the defeat of Lanka by Ram. Although it now stands as a Buddhist temple called 凯拉尼精舍 墙壁上装饰着许多佛祖的雕塑和艺术品，它仍然是每年成千上万游客蜂拥而至的主要景点之一。
After Lord Ram won his war with Ravana, he established a Shiva Lingam at Manavari and sought Lord Shiva's blessings. It is known as the Ramalingam Manavari Temple and is located in Chilaw, a town of great mythical significance. This is one of the premium sites on the Ramayana Trail.
Known for its fantastic food and ambience, millions of Hindu tourists visit Chilaw every year to experience its deep historical and religious significance.
蒙内什瓦拉姆神庙 is another destination of importance to Hindu pilgrims. Lord Shiva advised Rama to build lingams for him to find penance from the curse of killing a Brahmin. This temple is considered a key stop on the Ramayana Trail and attracts devotees from all over.
Dolukanda is a well-known mountain range due to the Dolukanda Raja Maha Viharaya (Dolukanda Buddhist Temple). It is believed that the mountain is directly linked to the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. In the Ramayana story, this mountain is declared as the Dolukada Sanjeewani Mountain. It is one of the five Sanjeewani drops in Sri Lanka, located in the Kurunegala District. This site is significant as it is believed that parts of the Himalaya Mountain were dropped here while Hanuman carried the mountain to Sri Lanka.
西塔瓦卡, a suburb of Avissawella in the Colombo district, is known for its rich natural diversity along the Kelani Riverbank. According to the Ramayana, Seethawaka is believed to be one of the places where Princess Sita was kept by King Ravana after her abduction. The name "Seethawaka" translates to "Area of Sita", further linking this site to the Ramayana Trail of Lanka. It is one of the important Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka.
这 Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple is considered the first Anjaneyar temple in Sri Lanka. This temple, located in Colombo, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman in his Panchamuga (five faces) form. It is believed that Swamy Chandrashekar built the first Hanuman temple in Sri Lanka, known as Sri Panchamukha Anjaneyar Temple. The temple is renowned for housing the first chariot in the world dedicated to Sri Rama’s beloved devotee, Anjaneyar.