The Ravana Trail (7 Days)
Tour Overview
Step back into the mythical era of the Ramayana Epic. This specialized 7-day tour follows the legendary path of King Ravana, Princess Sita, and Lord Hanuman across Sri Lanka. Unlike a standard holiday, this journey explores sacred temples, ancient battlegrounds, and mysterious caves mentioned in the Sanskrit epic. From the spot of Sita’s captivity in the central highlands to the burnt earth of Ussangoda, you will witness the living history of a timeless battle between good and evil.
Route Map
Highlights
- Munneswaram Temple
- Sigiriya
- Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
- Seetha Amman Temple
- Divurumpola
- Ravana Falls & Cave
- Rumassala Sanjeevani Hill
Daily Itinerary
The First Prayers Route
Route: Airport ➔ Chilaw ➔ SigiriyaArrival at the airport. Proceed to Chilaw to visit the Munneswaram and Manavari Temples, the first places where Lord Rama installed Shiva Lingams to seek remedy for the Brahminicide dosha. Afterward, transfer to Sigiriya. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Ravana’s Plateau Route
Route: Sigiriya ➔ Dambulla ➔ KandyClimb Sigiriya, often identified by Ramayana researchers as the Chitrakuta or the Glittering Palace of King Ravana. Visit the Cobra Hood Cave, a natural shelter associated with Sita’s captivity. Proceed to Kandy via Matale. Overnight in Kandy.
Seeking Sita Route
Route: Kandy ➔ Ramboda ➔ Nuwara EliyaDrive towards the misty hills. Stop at the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda, built by the Chinmaya Mission, featuring a 16-foot idol of Hanuman. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and visit the Gayathri Peedam, the place where King Ravana’s son Meghanath performed penance to Shiva. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Ashoka Vatika & The Fire Ordeal Route
Route: Nuwara Eliya ➔ Welimada ➔ EllaVisit the colorful Seetha Amman Temple (Ashoka Vatika), the exact spot where Sita sat in meditation. See the footprints of Lord Hanuman by the stream. Proceed to Divurumpola, the Buddhist temple marking the site of Sita’s “Agni Pariksha” (trial by fire) to prove her chastity. Transfer to Ella. Overnight in Ella.
The Tunnels of the King Route
Route: Ella ➔ Ravana Falls ➔ KataragamaVisit the majestic Ravana Falls and hike up to the Ravana Cave, part of the underground tunnel network believed to have been an architectural marvel of King Ravana. In the afternoon, drive south to the sacred city of Kataragama, dedicated to God Skanda (Karthikeya), who was worshipped by Indra. Overnight in Kataragama.
The Burnt Earth & Himalaya Drop Route
Route: Kataragama ➔ Ussangoda ➔ Rumassala ➔ GalleVisit Ussangoda, a rare landscape with red soil and no vegetation, believed to be an airport of Ravana’s Pushpaka Vimana, later burnt by Hanuman. Drive along the coast to Rumassala in Galle, a hill associated with the Sanjeevani mountain dropped by Hanuman. Overnight in Galle.
Victory & Departure Route
Route: Galle ➔ Kelaniya ➔ AirportHead back towards Colombo via the Expressway. Visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (Vibhishana Temple), the site where Ravana’s brother Vibhishana was crowned King of Lanka by Lakshmana after the war. Proceed to the Airport for departure.
What’s Included
Includes
- 6 Nights in hotels close to Ramayana sites
- Private AC Vehicle with knowledgeable driver
- Specialized guide brochure/map
- Daily Breakfast
- Basic Puja items for one main temple
Excludes
- Airfare and Visa
- Entrance fees to sites
- Donations (Dakshina) at temples
- Lunch and Dinner
Frequent Questions
Is this a religious tour or a sightseeing tour?
It is a mix of both. While the primary focus is on the Ramayana history and temple visits, you will also pass through scenic landscapes like tea plantations and waterfalls.
Is vegetarian food available?
Yes. Since this is a pilgrimage route, most hotels and restaurants in these areas (especially Nuwara Eliya and Kataragama) offer excellent vegetarian Indian and Sri Lankan meals.
Are there long walks or hikes?
Most temples are accessible by vehicle. However, reaching the Ravana Cave in Ella requires a steep hike (about 600-700 steps), and climbing Sigiriya involves around 1,200 steps.
Can we perform Pujas at the temples?
Yes, you can participate in Pujas. If you wish to perform a specific special Puja (like at Munneswaram or Seetha Amman), please let us know in advance so we can allocate time.
What is the dress code?
Conservative dress is strict. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times when entering temples. White clothing is preferred but not mandatory.
Is the “Agni Pariksha” site real?
Yes, Divurumpola is a widely accepted historical site and is still used today in the local legal system for swearing oaths, maintaining its reputation for truth and purity.
