Sri Lanka is closely associated with the Ramayana, with numerous places across the island connected by local traditions and legends to Rama, Sita, Ravana and Hanuman. During our January 2026 journey, we visited several of these sites, following a trail that took us from ancient temples and sacred springs to mountains, forests and waterfalls.

Planning Your Sri Lanka Journey

Our seven-day journey combined the Ramayana Trail, Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and a wildlife safari at Yala National Park. For our complete day-by-day itinerary, including all the sites, routes, transportation, accommodations and travel logistics, please see [Sri Lanka Trip – Our 7-Day Itinerary].

Our Ramayana Destinations

1. Munneswaram Temple

According to tradition, Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva at Munneswaram after defeating Ravana. Shiva advised Rama to install and worship Shiva Lingams to overcome the Brahmahasti Dosha associated with killing Ravana.

2. Manavari Temple

Manavari is believed to be the first place where Lord Rama installed and worshipped a Shiva Lingam after the war with Ravana. The Lingam is known as Ramalingam, linking the temple directly with Rama.

3. Ritigala – Sanjeewani Mountain

Ritigala is traditionally believed to be a fragment of the Himalayan mountain carried by Hanuman to obtain medicinal herbs to save the wounded Lakshmana. We visited the Strict Nature Reserve but, due to time constraints, could not undertake the hike to the ancient monastery ruins.

4. Kanniya Hot Springs

Legend associates Kanniya with King Ravana, who is believed to have performed the last rites for his mother here. When he could not find water, Ravana struck the ground seven times with his trident, creating the seven hot-water springs.

We took a ritual bath in all 7 wells and the water was pleasantly warm. The premises were reasonably well maintained, although the toilet facilities could use better maintenance.

5. Thirukoneswaram Temple

Thirukoneswaram is traditionally associated with Ravana’s deep devotion to Lord Shiva. According to tradition, Sage Agastya built the temple at Shiva’s direction, honoring Ravana’s devotion.

The temple has a beautiful setting overlooking the sea. However, when we arrived at around 12:45 pm, the sannidhis had already closed despite the signboards indicating that the temple would remain open until 1:00 pm.

6. Sita Kotuwa – Sita Matha’s Court

Sita Kotuwa, meaning “Sita’s fortress” or “Sita’s court,” is believed to be the place where Ravana initially kept Sita captive before moving her to Ashok Vatika. The surrounding forest is traditionally associated with the ancient city of Lankapura.

The site is poorly maintained, with no clearly marked trail and conflicting information about the walking distance. The steep gradients and slippery boulders made the trek challenging, and we turned back halfway as we felt the terrain was unsafe.

7. Dunuwila Rajavihara

Dunuwila is traditionally believed to be the place from where Lord Rama fired the Brahmastra at Ravana, ultimately leading to his death. The name Dunuwila is said to come from Dunu (arrow) and Vila (lake), reflecting this Ramayana tradition.

We visited Dunuwila during our journey, but we could not find any lake near the town or any clear reference to the Ramayana at the site itself. The location we found was a Buddhist temple, and apart from the photograph displayed in the background, there was little visible information connecting the site to the Ramayana.

8. Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple

This temple is believed to mark a place where Hanuman set foot while searching for Sita. Its principal attraction is the impressive 16-foot statue of Lord Hanuman.

9. Gayathri Peedam

Gayathri Peedam is traditionally associated with Meghanada (Indrajit), Ravana’s son, who is believed to have performed penance and worshipped Lord Shiva here. According to the legend, Shiva granted him supernatural powers.

10. Seetha Amman Temple – Ashok Vatika

Seetha Amman Temple is traditionally identified with Ashok Vatika, where Ravana kept Sita captive.

11. Hakgala Garden – Ashok Vatika

The area around Hakgala (and the nearby Seetha Amman Temple) is traditionally identified as part of Ashok Vatika, the garden where Ravana kept Sita captive and where Hanuman eventually found her.

12. Divurumpola – Sita’s Agni Pariksha

Divurumpola is traditionally believed to be the place where Sita underwent the Agni Pariksha after being rescued by Rama. According to the legend, she emerged unharmed, demonstrating her purity and innocence.

13. Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is one of the natural landmarks associated with the Ramayana tradition in Sri Lanka and is named after King Ravana. The spectacular waterfall and nearby cave are popular stops along the Ramayana trail.

14. Kataragama – Murugan Temple

Kataragama is an ancient pilgrimage centre dedicated to Lord Murugan (Skanda/Kartikeya) and is revered by Hindus, Buddhists and the indigenous Vedda community. Although primarily a multi-faith pilgrimage site, it formed part of our Ramayana journey.

15. Ussangoda

Ussangoda is traditionally believed to have been one of Ravana’s landing grounds for the Pushpaka Vimana. Local tradition also associates its unusual red and blackened soil with areas scorched by Hanuman’s burning tail.

16. Rumassala – Sanjeewani Mountain

Rumassala is traditionally believed to be another fragment of the Sanjeewani mountain carried by Hanuman to obtain life-saving herbs for Rama and Lakshmana. According to the legend, fragments of the mountain fell at several places across Sri Lanka.

17. Kelaniya – Vibhishana Temple

According to the Ramayana tradition, following Ravana’s death, Vibhishana was crowned King of Lanka by Lakshmana. Kelaniya is associated with Vibhishana’s rule and remains an important centre of his worship in Sri Lanka.

18. Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple

We concluded our trip at The Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple in Colombo which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman in his five-faced, form.

A Journey Through the Ramayana

Our journey through Sri Lanka’s Ramayana sites was more than a pilgrimage. It was an opportunity to see how an ancient epic continues to live through temples, mountains, forests, springs and waterfalls.

From Rama’s worship at Munneswaram and Manavari, to Sita’s captivity at Sita Kotuwa and Ashok Vatika, Hanuman’s connection with Ritigala and Rumassala, and finally Vibhishana’s association with Kelaniya, each destination added another chapter to the epic.