Joanna James
The South Asian island country of Sri Lanka is unequivocally chock full of historical significance, but more often than not, it is the scores of Buddhist sites and attractions that grab the spotlight. Beyond the beaten path, the Teardrop is home to many sites of Ramayana, awaiting your discovery.
Traversing the windy ascent into Nuwara Eliya, shortly before the hill country station, the modern-day namesake town of Seetha Eliya is where Sita was held captive by the demon King Ravana, specifically at the Sita Amman Temple. The aforementioned temple, along with the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, just a short walk away, is believed to have comprised the ancient Ashok Vatika, both of which are popular places of interest in the central highlands of modern-day Sri Lanka, the former being a site of historical and architectural significance and the latter a renowned nature attraction.
Although considered a demon in Hindu mythology, King Ravana is said to have been highly intelligent and is revered in Hindu culture regardless. Perched atop a dramatic seaside rock cliff, Koneswaram Temple, in the city of Trincomalee, is where people go to pay their respect to the fabled king. The breathtakingly striking temple is the undisputed crown jewel of the island country’s east and is a site hardly missed by almost all tourists to the beach town.
The third highest mountain in Sri Lanka is also of particular significance for Ramayana, as the montane grassland is said to be one of the six mythological airports of King Ravana and is where Ravana had landed prior to holding Sita captive at Ashok Vatika in the vicinity. Today, Thotupola Kanda is a popular adventure destination and hiking trail, attracting avid adventurers to the city of Nuwara Eliya and the vicinity.
Descending into the south-central highlands, the small mountainous town of Ella is an unforgettable location on the Ramayana Trail, for it is home to the renowned Ravana Waterfall and the lesser-known Ravana Cave. Even for those with no slightest interest in ancient history, a visit to the fascinating wonders of nature wouldn’t certainly be in vain as the opportunities for adventure are ample. Unleash your inner adventurer and embark on an exciting exploration to get your fill of fun and thrills.
Perched atop a scenic hilltop in Nuwara Eliya bound in the small town of Ramboda, Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple is another important site on the Ramayana Trail. It is also one of the most attractive places in Sri Lanka. Although the temple isn’t among the island country’s top temples, many Ceylon Tours offer day trips to the sacred place of worship, for the history to be savoured and sights to be admired are plentiful at this rather undiscovered temple in the misty hills.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
