The Ramayana holds immense significance in Sri Lanka due to its deep-rooted connection to the island’s cultural and religious heritage. According to the epic, Sri Lanka, known as Lanka, was the kingdom of the demon king Ravana.
The Ramayana recounts the story of Lord Rama’s journey to Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita, who Ravana abducted. Many travellers take Ramayan Sri Lanka Tours specifically to explore the Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka and experience the cultural and mythological significance associated with the epic.
There are several must-visit places to visit in Sri Lanka. The epic’s importance in Ramayana-related places in Sri Lanka is evident in many beliefs and rich cultural heritage stories. The Ramayana has influenced Sri Lankan culture, art, literature, and performing arts for centuries. Traditional dance forms like Kandyan dance often feature episodes from the Ramayana. Various local festivals and rituals also incorporate Ramayana themes.
Places to Visit During Ramayana Tour in Sri Lanka
Here is a list of all the places to visit during Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka that you must not miss!
Chilaw, a quiet coastal town in Western Sri Lanka, holds great spiritual significance and is one of the main Ramayana related places in Sri Lanka.
It is home to two of the most important temples on the Ramayana trail - Manavari temple and Munneswaram temple. The Manavari temple holds special significance as the first place where Lord Rama is said to have installed a Shiva Lingam, now known as Ramalingam, after the war with Ravana.
Just a short drive away is the ancient Munneswaram temple, one of the five Pancha Ishwarams in Sri Lanka. Lord Rama is said to have worshipped here as well. Both temples are quiet, spiritually rich and visited by devotees from around the world.
Ram Setu is a legendary chain of limestone shoals stretching between Rameshwaram in India and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka, and visiting it is one of the most famous things to do in Sri Lanka!
According to the Ramayana, this is the bridge built by Lord Rama’s vanara (monkey) army to reach Lanka and rescue Sita from Ravana. Though partially submerged, satellite images show a visible connection beneath the shallow waters, sparking both religious reverence and scientific interest.
While Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, is more modern, it still plays a role in the Ramayan tour in Sri Lanka. It often serves as the starting or ending point of the tour, offering easy access to nearby Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka like Chilaw, Munneswaram, and Manavarai Temples (Sri Lanka Ramayana tour places).
- Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple in Colombo is Sri Lanka’s first temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman in his rare five-faced form. It’s a key stop on the Ramayan tour, symbolizing Hanuman’s strength and devotion.
- Kelaniya temple, near Colombo, is believed to be the place where Vibhishana was crowned king of Lanka after Ravana’s defeat in the Ramayana.
Ella, a scenic hill town, holds a special place on the Ramayan tour for its strong ties to the legend of Ravana and Sita. According to the epic, Ravana hid Sita in the caves of Ella, and the nearby Ravana Falls is believed to be part of the path he used.
Surrounded by lush greenery, mountains and misty views, Ella combines mythology with natural beauty and making it a must-visit stop for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers following the Ramayana trail.
Trincomalee, located on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast, is an important destination on the Ramayan Tour due to its ancient connection to Lord Shiva and Ravana.
The legendary Koneswaram Temple, perched dramatically on a cliff above the Indian Ocean, is believed to have been a powerful Shiva shrine where Ravana and his mother were devoted worshippers.
Ramboda is a serene and significant stop on the Ramayan tour in Sri Lanka, believed to be one of the spots where Lord Hanuman rested during his search for Sita.
This area includes the famous Ramboda waterfalls in Sri Lanka, adding a peaceful natural backdrop to its mythological importance. Visitors can also explore the nearby Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, which attracts devotees following Sri Lanka Ramayana tour places.
Nuwara Eliya is a key stop on the Ramayan tour in Sri Lanka. It is believed to be home to Ashok Vatika, the garden where Sita was held captive by Ravana.
The nearby Seetha Amman Temple and Divurompola are sacred sites where parts of the Ramayana unfolded, making Nuwara Eliya both spiritually significant and naturally beautiful.
Tucked in Sri Lanka’s lush hills, Kothmale quietly holds a special place in the Ramayan tour in Sri Lanka. Local tradition says that Sita dropped rice balls, called Sitha Goli, along her journey through this area to help Lord Rama trace her path. Even today, the village is known for these rice balls, still sold by locals as traditional remedies, making it one of the famous Ramayana related places in Sri Lanka.
Mannar, located on the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, is a peaceful yet powerful stop on the Ramayan Tour. It’s home to the ancient Thiruketheeswaram Temple, believed to be one of the five sacred Shiva shrines (Pancha Ishwarams) where Lord Rama prayed after defeating Ravana.
Mannar is also linked to the legend of Ram Setu, the mythical causeway built by Rama’s army to cross into Lanka. With its spiritual history and coastal beauty, Mannar offers a quiet but meaningful experience for those following the Ramayan tour in Sri Lanka.
Jaffna, though not a central site in the Ramayana epic, adds cultural depth to the tour with its strong Hindu roots and ancient temples in Sri Lanka .
The region is home to the Naguleswaram Temple, one of the five sacred Shiva temples (Pancha Ishwarams) said to be worshipped by Ravana himself. While the Ramayana connections here are more spiritual than direct, visiting Jaffna offers travelers a deeper understanding of the island’s rich Tamil and mythological heritage, making it a valuable addition to the extended Ramayan tour in Sri Lanka.
Day 1: Colombo – Chilaw – Dambulla
- Visit Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple (Colombo – Hanuman temple).
- Head to Chilaw:
- Manavari Temple – first Ramalingam installed by Lord Rama.
- Munneswaram Temple – where Rama prayed to Shiva.
- Travel to Dambulla for overnight stay.
Day 2: Dambulla – Nuwara Eliya (Sita Eliya)
- Stop at Divurumpola – Sita’s fire test site.
- Visit Seetha Amman Temple and Ashok Vatika (Hakgala Garden).
- Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 3: Nuwara Eliya – Ramboda – Colombo
- Visit Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple at Ramboda.
- See Ramboda Falls and scenic hill country.
- Return to Colombo for departure
Travel Tips for Ramayan Tour in Sri Lanka
- Group nearby Ramayana sites together.
- Many Ramayana in Sri Lanka sites are in remote areas, you can have a local driver with knowledge of the Ramayan trail helps save time.
- You need to dress modestly, and remove shoes before entering temples.
- You need to check timings for the temples during the Ramayan tour.
- Book accommodations in advance!
