The Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka: A Spiritual and Cultural Journey

For the religious or lay traveller, the Trail of Rama offers a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage to those who wish to not only worship this majestic God but also to tour around the historically and culturally preserved geographically picturesque island known as Sri Lanka.

This guide is specifically for the traveler who wants to visit the historical and religious sites which have places in the massive Indian epic, rocking Ramayana; the trip is the perfect mix of pilgrimage and travel. In the following, we share a comprehensive guide and insights to help you plan your trip along the Sri Lanka Ramayana Trail.

Seetha Amman Temple is located approximately 5 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka

What is the Ramayana Trail of Sri Lanka?

The Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka is a pilgrimage tour of all the holy places on the Ramayana. It consists of temples, gardens, and sites related to Lord Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and Ravana.

How Many Ramayana Places Are There in Sri Lanka?

There are more than 50 sites in Sri Lanka that are associated with the Ramayana. These references would be places which have a connection to the captivity of Sita Devi, the battlegrounds of Lanka, the herb-laden hillocks carried by Hanuman, place where Lord Rama killed King Ravana. It seems that every site has a story, in some form of folklore, history, or devotional story.

Top 8 Ramayana Trails to see in Sri Lanka – While on a Short Tour

1. Munneswaram and Manavari Temples (Chilaw)

• Where: Chilaw, Puttalam District – about 80 km from Colombo.
• Highlights: The lively Dravidian architecture of Munneswara, combined with Manavari’s peaceful surroundings, makes these temples a picturesque starting point for the trail.
• Importance: Munneswaram Kovil is one of the ancient kovils in Sri Lanka dedicated to Lord Rama, who prayed to Lord Shiva here to absolve the dosham of Brahmahathi, as he killed King Ravana, who was a Brahmin. Lord Shiva suggested that Rama install and worship the Shiva lingam at Manavari, which is the first Eeswaram, as Ravana was killed at this spot. There is the Swayambhu lingam of Shiva, and it is being worshipped as Ramalinga Shivan.

Discover the dramatic beauty and spiritual significance of Ravana Falls, a key site on the Ramayana pilgrimage route.

2. Ravana Falls and Ravana Cave (Ella)

• Location: Ella, Uva Province.
• Highlights: A beautiful natural wonder, the 25-meter waterfall and the cave are 2 km away from Ella town, and the cave enjoys a lot of visitors who hike their way up.
• Importance: Ravana’s show of the beauty of his kingdom was made in the midst of which is situated Ravana Falls, one of the widest waterfalls of Sri Lanka. The neighboring Ravana Cave is said to be the place where Sita was hidden in captivity.

3. Koneswaram Temple (Trincomalee)

• Location: Trincomalee, on the east coast of the country.
• Highlights: Situated on the Swami Rock, the temple provides stunning views, overlooking the Indian Ocean, and exhibits Pallava and Chola style architecture.
• Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to have been constructed by the sage Agastya on Lord Shiva's order; the demon king, Ramana, an ardent Shiva worshiper, visited the temple regularly. Rama is also thought to have placed a lingam here to get rid of the Ravana brahmahathi dosham.

Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee, where Lord Rama is believed to have prayed after defeating Ravana.

4. Kelaniya Vibhishana Temple and Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple (Colombo)

• Where: Colombo, Western Province.
• Highlights: The murals in Kelinyaya are ancient drawings that illustrate Vibhishana’s coronation, and Anjaneyar’s chariot is one of the most colourful of ethnic events in the culture.
• Significance: Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist site where there is a shrine for Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana, who was coronated as king of Lanka by Lakshmana. Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple is a temple dedicated to Hanuman in his five-faced form (Pancha (five), mukha (face) in Sanskrit), a rare depiction.

5. Sita Amman Temple and Ashok Vatika (Nuwara Eliya)

• Location: Five kilometers from Nuwara Eliya town, in the hill country.
• Highlights: There are statues of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman in the temple, and the gardens are a great place to enjoy serene beauty and get an insight into the epic.
• Importance: The Sita Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya is an attractive temple which is dedicated to the Princess Seetha, who was captive by King Ravana. Nearby, Hakgala Botanical Gardens are believed to be the historic Ashok Vatika where Sita was kept captive.

Kelaniya Temple is believed to be the site where Vibishana was crowned king of Lanka—an iconic stop for Ramayana followers.

6. Rumassala Hill and Ussangoda

• Where: Galle (Southern Province) and Hambantota (Southern Province).
• Highlights: A mix of mythology and natural beauty, from the unique flora of Rumassala to the stark, otherworldly terrain of Ussangoda.
• Significance: Apparently, Rumassala hill, Galle, is a piece of the Himalayas that Hanuman dropped accidentally while ferrying a mountain full of life-saving herbs for Lakshman. Ussangoda: This is a flat ravished area, which is believed to have been an airstrip when Ravana landed his Pushpak Vimana.

7. Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple (Ramboda)

• Where: Ramboda, as you travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
• Highlights: The temple is home to an 18-foot-tall Hanuman statue, the highest in Sri Lanka, and has sweeping views of the surrounding tea plantations.
• Importance: Constructed by Chinmaya Mission, this temple celebrates the powerful Hanuman’s search for Sita. It is said that he viewed the area from a hill called Ravana Goda.

8. Divurumpola Temple (Agni Pariksha Site)

• Where: Close to Welimada, on the road from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
• Highlights: A tranquil location with historical significance, it is still a spot where locals swear oaths to settle disputes.
• Significance: This is a Buddhist Viharā which stands at the very same location where Sita is believed to have undergone agni pariksha (test of purity) to perform a test on her purity to her husband Rama.

Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Rumassala, near Galle—a peaceful site linked to Hanuman’s search for the Sanjeevani herb

Sample 8-Day Ramayana Trail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Drive to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight back home.
Call in at Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple and Kelaniya Vibhishana Temple.
Overnight in Colombo.

Day 2: Colombo to Chilaw

Transfer to Chilaw (80 km, ~2 h 15).
Visit Munneswaram and Manavari Temples.
Stay overnight in Chilaw or Negombo.

Day 3: Chilaw to Kandy

Drive to Kandy (130 km, approx. 035 hrs).
Tour the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO site) and witness a cultural dance performance.
Overnight in Kandy.

Day 4: Ramboda to Nuwara Eliya via Kandy

After breakfast, travel to Ramboda (70 Km, 2 Hrs). Visit Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple.
Drive on to Nuwara Eliya (40 km, ~1 hour).
Visit Sita Amman Temple and Hakgala Botanical Gardens (Ashok Vatika).
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Proceed to Ella (80 km, approximately a 2.5-hour drive).
Stop at Ravana Falls, Ravana Cave (optional hike), and Divurumpola Temple along the way.
Overnight in Ella.

Day 6: Ella to Kataragama

Drive to Kataragamuwa 130km/3.5hrs.
Explore Kataragama Temple, a multi-faith sanctuary associated with the Ramayana.
Overnight in Kataragama.

Day 7: Kataragama to Galle (Ussangoda)

After an early breakfast, we drove to Ussangoda by car.

Visit Ussangoda, which is referred to be a legendary landing strip (Ussangoda- 80 km, approx. 2h)
Then drive to Galle (120km, ~3 hours), where you can climb Rumassala Hill.
Visit the Dutch Fort of Galle (UNESCO site).
Overnight in Galle.

Day 8: Galle - Colombo – Departure

Drive back to Colombo (150 km, ~3 hours).
(Sightseeing tour of the city of Colombo, or shopping).
Transfer from Bandaranaike International Airport.
Useful techniques for those people preparing to journey the Ramayana Trail.

Visit Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya - one of the most sacred Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka

Practical Travel Tips for the Ramayana Trail

Best Time to Visit

• December to March: Ideal for the Ramayana Trail due to dry weather, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.
• Avoid: Monsoon seasons (May to September in the southwest, October to November in the northeast) to prevent disruptions.

Visa and Entry Requirements

• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Required for most nationalities. Apply online and check if you're eligible here.
• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
• COVID-19 Protocols: Check current health requirements, as regulations may vary.

Transportation Options

• Private Car+Driver – easiest/chillest way to get around Ramayana Trail USD 50-80/day and includes gas and accommodation for driver.
• Tours: You can take guided Ramayana tour packages (eg, Jetwing Travels, Ceylon Expeditions, etc) where they arrange everything for you at around USD 500–1,000 for a week (7–8 days).
• Public Transportation: Buses and trains are a cost-effective option, but somewhat limiting for out-of-the-way destinations. A train ride in Sri Lanka. If you want to experience authentic public transport in Kandy, then you can take the local train.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Colombo: Cinnamon Grand (luxury), Jetwing Colombo Seven (mid-range), or Wonder Hotel (budget).
• Nuwara Eliya: Jetwing St. Andrew’s (luxury), The Tea Factory (mid-range), or Hill Cottage (budget).
• Ella: 98 Acres Resort (luxury), Ella Flower Garden (mid-range), or Ella Gap View (budget).
• Book It: Get prices for hotels in Playa Grande.

How to Organize Your Ramayana Trail Holiday

• Duration: You want a perfect 7 to 14-day itinerary.
• Departure Point: Colombo or Kandy.
• Transport: Private vehicle with guide recommended for comfort and accessibility.
• Tour Providers: Many licensed operators offer Ramayana-themed packages with expert commentary and logistical support.

Cultural Etiquette and Tips

• Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Remove shoes and hats before entering sacred areas.

• Respect Rituals: Avoid disrupting prayers or ceremonies. Photography may be restricted at certain sites.

• Local Cuisine: Try Sri Lankan dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti. Vegetarian options are widely available for Hindu travelers.

• Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning basic Sinhala or Tamil phrases is appreciated.

Why Choose the Ramayan Trail in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Trail isn’t just a pilgrimage — it’s an odyssey that will take you from the realm of myth and legend, through history and tradition, and into the heart of Sri Lanka’s beautiful landscape. Key reasons to do your study at this destination:

Rich Mythological Heritage: Over 50 Ramayana-related sites, from ancient temples to natural landmarks, offer a deep connection to the epic.

Diverse Attractions: Combine the trail with UNESCO sites (e.g., Sigiriya, Kandy), beaches, and wildlife parks like Yala.

Affordability: Sri Lanka offers excellent value, with budget accommodations starting at USD 20/night and meals at USD 3–5.

Accessibility: Direct flights from major Indian cities (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai) to Colombo take 2–3 hours, with fares starting at USD 100 round-trip.

FAQs About the Sri Lanka Ramayana Trail

What is the duration needed to cover the Ramayana Trail?

A full itinerary is 7-12 days, depending on the number of locations and the extras you want to see.

What Are the Highlights of the Ramayana Trail?

The seven most important stops of the Sri Lanka Ramayana trail are Seetha Amman Temple, Ashok Vatika, Gayathri Peedam, Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, Munneswaram Kovil, Manavari Temple, and Divurumpola Temple. These locales play an essential part in the narrative of the epic, and they hold spiritual and historical significance for pilgrims and cultural tourists.

Can non-Hindus visit the Ramayana Trail?

Absolutely! The footpath is a cultural peregrine path and cultural-historical trail for active sightseeing, who wish to get to know this world of myths, history, and natural beauty.

Do the locations require physical stature to be accessed?

A majority of sites are accessible; however, Ravana Cave and Sigiriya require hiking or climbing. If you're mobility-impaired, let your tour operator know.

What do I need to bring with me on the trail?

Don't forget light clothing, your walking shoes, a hat, sunblock, and a shawl or scarf to wear in temples. Bring water along. Drink water if you lose your temper with your child.

Do we need to have a guide for the Ramayana trail?

It is definitely not necessary, but very nice to have a (a bit more expensive) guide at hand. The guides give amazing insights and tell tales and legends from the past, and deepen your cultural and spiritual experience at each of the sacred places you visit.

Conclusion

The Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka is not only a pilgrimage — it’s a trip into a common cultural and spiritual heritage that links both India and the island. You’ll never forget this trail—no matter if you're a fan, a historian, or a wanderer hunter.

Start planning your trip today and walk in the footsteps of legends!