Hanuman Temple in Sri Lanka: Sri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil Guide

The most visited and famous Hanuman temple in Sri Lanka is Sri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil at Ramboda, a hilltop shrine on the Kandy–Nuwara Eliya road. It was built by the Chinmaya Mission, is free to enter, and is open most of the day.

If you grew up hearing the Ramayana, this is where the story stops being a bedtime tale and becomes a place you can stand in. A black granite Hanuman, about 16 feet tall, faces a view over the Kotmale valley. Local and overseas devotees gather here for the full moon poojas and the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations. It is also the most reachable stop on the Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka, which continues to Seetha Eliya near Nuwara Eliya and to Colombo (covered further down).

The temple is modern, with construction dated to 1999 and consecration in April 2001, and its link to the Ramayana rests on tradition and faith rather than archaeology. It suits travellers who want a peaceful, well-kept stop with a view. It is not for anyone expecting ruins or a long ceremony, since most visits take 30 to 60 minutes. Most travellers add it to Sri Lanka tour packages that already run between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, because the A5 passes the temple.

The Temple at a Glance

• Name: Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple (also Sri or Shri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil), Ramboda
• Built by: Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka; consecrated 8 April 2001
• Location: Tawalantenne, Ramboda, on the A5 Kandy–Nuwara Eliya road
• Distance: About 45 km from Kandy and 30 km from Nuwara Eliya
• Deity: Hanuman as Bhakta (devotee) of Rama
• Statue: Black granite, about 16 ft
• Darshan timings: About 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 or 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm daily
• Poojas: Three daily, about 15 minutes each, plus a special full moon pooja
• Entry: Free; donations welcome
• Dress and photos: Modest dress required; no photography of the idol
• Time needed: 30 to 60 minutes

What to See and Do Inside the Ramboda Hanuman Temple?

Exploring the Ramboda Hanuman Temple is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka for religious people. The temple sits on a small hill above the A5, and a visit follows one simple path: the climb from the road, the main hall and sanctum, the shrines behind it, and a meditation hall below. Allow 30 to 60 minutes. Most of the time is spent looking, listening and praying, so plan around a pooja if you can.

1. The Climb from the Road

A small shrine to Ganesha, called Sri Varadharaja Vinayagar, stands at the foot of the hill and is the first shrine you meet. Paved steps lead up from the road, and many carry names inscribed by devotees from India who sponsored them. You can drive close to the temple, but expect steps to the entrance, so wear comfortable footwear you can slip off.

2. The Main Hall and the Hanuman Sanctum

The temple stands on a raised base, reached by seven steps. Painted figures of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman decorate the top of the front portico. Inside, the main hall is where devotees gather for pooja, and the sanctum beyond it holds the main deity.

• The statue: A standing Hanuman in black granite, about 4.8 m (roughly 16 ft) tall, with palms folded in prayer
• The pose: Hanuman is shown as a devotee, not a warrior, which is what "Bhakta" means
• The tower: A three-tier tower rises over the sanctum, plain and without sculpted figures

3. Beyond the Sanctum: The Inner Shrines and Meditation Hall

Behind the main sanctum, a passage holds smaller shrines to Shiva (as a lingam, called Dhyaneswarar), Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. With Ganesha at the foot of the hill, Hanuman is surrounded by the central figures of the Ramayana in one compact space.

One floor below the temple is a quiet meditation hall with a portrait of Hanuman on the wall. It is a place to sit in silence rather than take photos, and opening arrangements aren't published, so ask on site.

4. Pooja, Chalisa and Prasadam

This is the part of the visit worth timing.

• Daily poojas: Three short poojas (morning, midday, evening), about 15 minutes each
• The noon pooja: One visitor reports the Hanuman Chalisa played before the noon pooja, with aarti at about 12 pm
• Prasadam: The same visitor was offered urad dal vada after the pooja
• Bhajans: Hanuman Chalisa bhajans are also held in the temple
• Donations: Welcome for the temple and the Chinmaya Mission

5. The View, the Book Stall and a Vegetarian Meal

Outside, the grounds look over the Kotmale valley and part of the Kotmale Reservoir, with tea hills beyond. It is clearest in the morning. This setting is why the temple is a regular stop on Ramayana trail tours, even though it has no proven link to the story.

On your way down, two Chinmaya Mission facilities stand before the temple:

• Book stall: Chinmaya Mission publications
• Annapoorani Restaurant: Pure vegetarian meals on the premises (reported)

Timings, Dress Code & Darshan at Ramboda Hanuman Temple

Ramboda Hanuman Temple Timings

• Timings: Open daily, about 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and again from 3:00 or 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
• Midday break: About 1:00 to 3:00 pm, though sources differ by 30 to 60 minutes
• Confirm locally, especially on Poya (full moon) and festival days

Pooja Schedule

• Daily: Three poojas (morning, midday, evening) of about 15 minutes each
• Full moon days: A special pooja with the statue decorated in flowers and silk, followed by annadhanam (free meal offering)
• Margazhi and Thai (December to January): Special poojas
• Hanuman Jayanti: Celebrations begin about 10 days earlier, so crowds build before the day itself
• Bhajans: Hanuman Chalisa bhajans are held in the temple

Darshan and Offerings

• Entry: Free. A Hanuman temple Sri Lanka's Hindu communities run rarely charges, and donations to the temple and the Chinmaya Mission are welcome.
• Archana pooja: Reported at about LKR 30 (₹9); confirm the current price
• Footwear: Removed before entering
• Cash: Carry small rupee notes for offerings

Nearby Facilities & Parking

• There’s a café, a souvenir shop and a restaurant run by the temple administration
• Parking is available but limited
• Expect to climb a few steps from the car park

How to Reach Ramboda Hanuman Temple in Sri Lanka?

Ramboda is about 45 km (roughly 1.5 hours) from Kandy, 26 to 30 km (about 1 hour) from Nuwara Eliya, and about 143 km (3 to 3.5 hours) from Colombo. The temple sits just off the A5, the main Kandy–Nuwara Eliya road, so it works as a stop rather than a detour.

Where the Temple Sits

The Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple is at Tawalantenne, near Ramboda town, just off the A5. If you are searching for a Hanuman temple Nuwara Eliya road travellers can stop at, this is it. It is also the one Hanuman temple Sri Lanka's hill-country route passes without needing a separate trip.

Getting to Sri Lanka First

Most travellers from India fly into Colombo's Bandaranaike airport and continue by road. Flight time, fares and seasons vary by city, so check out how to reach Sri Lanka from Delhi, Bangalore or Chennai well in advance.

How Far Is It from Where You Are Staying?

Your base decides how long the road takes:

• From Kandy: About 45 km, roughly 1.5 hours on the A5 via Peradeniya and Gampola, climbing through Ramboda Pass
• From Nuwara Eliya: About 26 to 30 km (the figure varies by source), about 1 hour on winding hill road. Seetha Eliya lies in the opposite direction from town, so treat the two temples as separate legs.

• From Colombo: About 143 km, 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic, on the A1 to Kandy and then the A5

• From Ella: Allow 3 hours or more, since the route runs through Nuwara Eliya on winding roads. It works better as a stop on the way to Kandy than as a day trip. Ravana Cave and Ravana Falls are among the places to visit in Ella tied to the Ramayana, so the journey can start with a story.

Getting There by Car or Bus

By car or private driver

• Easiest option: A car with driver, since the stop fits between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya
• Parking: Available near the hill but limited
• Tour planning: Because the A5 passes the temple, a stop is easy to add to Nuwara Eliya tour packages

By bus

• Which bus: Take a Kandy–Nuwara Eliya bus; services stop at or near Ramboda
• The last stretch: Expect a short walk from the bus halt to the temple
• Tip: Ask the conductor to drop you at Ramboda

Know Before You Plan a Visit to the Hanuman Temple Sri Lanka

1. Best time: The hill country is usually driest and clearest from December to March, so views from the forecourt and the stream walk at Seetha Eliya are easiest then. 

2. Festivals: Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami and Sita Navami draw the biggest crowds, and Dussehra celebrations in Sri Lanka add to the Ramayana calendar. Dates follow the Hindu calendar, so check each year's dates. 

3. Getting there: A car with a driver is easiest. Buses on the A5 serve Ramboda, but Seetha Eliya needs a tuk-tuk or car from Nuwara Eliya.

4. Etiquette: Treat a Hanuman temple Sri Lanka visit like any kovil visit. Remove footwear, cover shoulders and knees, and follow the photography rules.

5. Route logic: Most Ramayana trail Sri Lanka itineraries run Kandy to Ramboda to Nuwara Eliya to Seetha Eliya, and this order works well.

Suggested day:

Hanuman Temples and Related Shrines Worth Visiting

1. Seetha Amman Temple and Ashok Vatika (Seetha Eliya)

This is the Ramayana's emotional centre in Sri Lanka. It is the site pilgrims call Ashok Vatika Sri Lanka, the grove where Ravana is said to have held Sita. The temple shrine holds idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman. A stream runs beside it, and the rocks across the water carry circular depressions believed to be Hanuman's footprints.

• Location: Seetha Eliya, about 5 km from Nuwara Eliya and about 1 km from Hakgala Botanical Garden
• Highlights: Hanuman's footprints, the stream where Sita is said to have bathed, a statue of Sita and Hanuman meeting
• Timings: Commonly listed as 8 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6:30 pm
• Entry fee: Generally free; some visitors report a token ticket of about LKR 100 (₹29)
• Time needed: 30 to 60 minutes
• Best for: Travellers who want the Ramayana story at its source

2. Panchamuga Anjaneyar Kovil (Kalubowila, Colombo)

Anjaneyar is Hanuman's name among Tamils. This temple was established on 30 June 1996 and is described as the only Hindu shrine in the country with a five-faced (Panchamuga) Hanuman statue. It is also said to be the only temple in the world with a chariot for Anjaneyar. A smaller Panchamuga Anjaneyar Kovil exists in Negombo.

• Location: Kalubowila, near Dehiwala, south of central Colombo
• Highlights: Five-faced Hanuman, temple chariot, Dravidian-style architecture
• Entry fee: Confirm locally
• Best for: Layovers, city stopovers or travellers who won't reach the hill country, with more things to do in Colombo close by 

3. Maruthanamadam Anjaneyar Kovil (Jaffna)

A dedicated Hanuman temple near the Maruthanamadam junction on the Jaffna–Kankesanthurai road. It is known for its large Hanuman statue, though reported heights vary, so treat any figure as approximate.

• Location: Maruthanamadam, Jaffna
• Highlights: Large Hanuman statue, active daily worship
• Entry fee: Confirm locally
• Best for: Travellers exploring Hindu temples in Sri Lanka

4. Hanuman Temple, Rumassala (Unawatuna, Galle)

A hilltop temple on Rumassala, the hill said to be a piece of the Himalayan mountain Hanuman carried to Lanka for the Sanjeevani herb. Visitors describe a calm site mixing Buddhist and Hanuman imagery, a depiction of Sita hidden in a cave, and sea views.

• Location: Rumassala hill near Unawatuna, Galle
• Highlights: Hanuman and Buddha imagery, hill views, Sanjeevani legend
• Entry fee: Confirm locally
• Best for: South-coast travellers wanting a short cultural stop

Expert Tips for Visiting Sri Lanka’s Hanuman Temple 

• Arrive before the midday closure, as timings vary between sources.
• Tuesdays and Saturdays are traditional Hanuman days, so expect more devotees at any Hanuman temple Sri Lanka has.
• Pair the Ramboda Hanuman temple with Ramboda Falls rather than treating them as separate trips.
• Dress for the dress code before you arrive, since it is strictly applied.
• Wear slip-off shoes and carry water for the steps.
• Carry small rupee notes for offerings and donations.
• Start early on the A5, since hill roads are slow and mist can build by evening.