Ramayana & Ravana Trail

Walk the trail
where the epic came alive.

Follow the legendary journey of Rama, Sita and Ravana across Sri Lanka’s sacred sites, caves and temples, guided by experts who know the legends behind every location.

Sri Lanka was once known as Lanka, the island kingdom ruled by Ravana and the setting for one of the world’s greatest stories, the Ramayana. Thousands of years later, the story remains woven into the hills, caves, temples and place names across the island.

This trail is designed for travellers who want more than a photo stop. Some locations are grand temples still active in daily worship. Others are quiet, half-hidden places that are easy to pass without a knowledgeable guide to reveal their stories.

The trail

Eight places where
legend meets landscape.

Ravana Ella Cave, Ella

Tucked into the hills above Ella, this cave is said to be one of the places where Ravana kept Sita hidden. A waterfall runs nearby, and the setting has a quiet, almost secretive atmosphere.

Sita Amman Temple, Nuwara Eliya

The only temple in the world built for Sita stands beside a small stream in the cool hill country. Local tradition holds that she was kept here and that this is where Hanuman first found her.

Ashok Vatika, Nuwara Eliya

Now known as Hakgala Botanical Garden, this was said to be Ravana’s private garden, where Sita waited among flowers and trees, surrounded by beauty but far from home.

Divurumpola Temple

A small, peaceful temple believed to be where Sita walked through fire to prove her innocence after being freed. People still visit today to make vows and swear oaths of truth.

Ussangoda

A stretch of red, scorched earth on the southern coast that looks unlike anywhere else on the island. Local legend says it was once a runway for Ravana’s flying machine, the Dandu Monara.

Munneswaram Temple, near Chilaw

One of Sri Lanka’s oldest Shiva temples and a place Rama is said to have visited to seek forgiveness after his battle with Ravana had ended.

Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee

Set high on Swami Rock above the ocean, this ancient temple has long been connected to Ravana, who local tradition remembers as a devoted follower of Lord Shiva.

Ravana Falls & Bomburu Ella

A pair of waterfalls among tea fields and forest, both carrying Ravana’s name and bringing the trail to a quiet, scenic close.

Follow the ancient story

Walk through the hills, caves
and temples of Sri Lanka.

Plan This Trail