Friday, September 19, 2008

SITE INFORMTION FOR RAMAYANA TRAILS

SITE INFORMTION FOR RAMAYANA TRAILS IN SRILANKA
1)Weragantota
Location
Close to Mahiyanganaya town
Legend In Sinhalese language, Weragantota means a place for aircraft to land. It is believed to be the first place where Sitadevi was brought into Lanka in the King Ravana's Vimana.

2)Naga deepa
Location Northern Jaffna Penisula
Legend Lord Hanuman was tested by Suraksha devi the mother of naga's for his valor and intelligence.
Access Jaffna Punkudithiv, Nagadeepa
Minimum time needed at the site 2 hours from Jaffna town.
Special mention This island is now known as Nagadeepa and consists of an Amman temple and a Buddhist shrine.

3)Sita Pokuna
Location Top of Haggala Rock jungle
Legend The barren piece of land in the midst of the jungle is the place where Sitadevi was kept captive is called Sita Pokuna, which means Sita's pond in Sinhalese. It is believed that a pond existed at this site during the captivity of Sitadevi. Local folklore says it is after Sitadevi left this place the pond dried up and till to date no vegetation grows on this particular piece of land, surrounded by dense forests on all sides.
Special mention Not accessible freely due to restriction from Department of Wild life Conservation

4)Ussanggoda
Location This is situated on the Southern Coast.
Legend According to Ramayana, after meeting Sitadevi Lord Hanuman decided to test the strength of the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. In the events that unfolded Lord Hanuman's tail was set on fire by the rakshasa's , who in turn went on to torch some parts of King Ravana's empire. Ussanggoda is one of the torched areas, which is said to have been an airport used by King Ravana.
Access 4 kms off Nonagama on Matara Hambantota road
Minimum time needed at the site one hour
Special mention This area still holds the blackened, burned scorched effect as a reminder of Lord Hanuman's escapade. It is also evident that the adjoining surrounding area has plant life. Its soil is all together of a different colour.


5)Ravana Cave
Location From Banderawela pass Ella to Ravana Cave
Legend These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. These tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret passage. These tunnels networked all the important cities, airports and dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made and not natural formations. This Buddhist shrine at Kalutara was where once King Ravana's palace and a tunnel existed. Existing tunnel mouths are situated - Isthripur at Welimada, Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola/Matale, and Sitakotuwa/Hasalaka. In addition there are many more tunnels.
Minimum time needed at the site Two hours


6)Dondra, Seenigama, Hikkaduwa
Location By the side of Colombo to Matara main road The southern most part of Sri Lanka is called Dondra and further up towards west is called Seenigama Hikkaduwa.
Legend These are the places from where Sugreeva king of the Vanara's started his onslaught on King Ravana's forces.
Access Colombo-Matara main road


7)Kachchativu, Sanjeevani drops
Location
Jaffna
Legend At different points of time during the war both Lord Rama and Lakshmana were hit by powerful arrows, fell unconscious and to bring them back to life Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch the life saving herbs from Himalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and brought it, as he was not able to identify the life saving herbs alone. Parts from the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya , Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north.
Access By boat from Jaffna
Minimum time needed at the site Three hours
Special mention Not possible during this period due to on going situation in the country

8)Dolu Kanda, Sanjeevani drops
Location Hiripitiya
Legend At different points of time during the war both Lord Rama and Lakshmana were hit by powerful arrows, fell unconscious and to bring them back to life Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch the life saving herbs from Himalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and brought it, as he was not able to identify the life saving herbs alone. Parts from the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya , Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north.
Access 15 kms from Wariyapola.
Minimum time needed at the site one hour


9)Yehangala
Location
In the Mahiyanganaya - Wasgamuwa road.
Legend King Ravana's body after his death was kept upon this rock Yehangala meaning bedrock. His body was kept here for his countrymen to pay their last respects to their dear departed king. Geographically this rock is visible from miles away on its 3 sides


10)Amman Kovil, Vantharumulai
Location Ambalthada, Vantharumulai
Legend Vantharumulai in tamil means “corner where they came and rested “. It is believed that Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman rested at this place after the turmoil's of the war. Today the Eastern University is situated at this place.
Access On the Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa road about 20 kilometers from Batticaloa
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes


11)Muneeshwaram
Location About 12 kilometers from Chilaw town.
Legend Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya in one of King Ravana's vimana's. He felt he was being followed by bramhaasthi dosham as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. He stoped the vimana at this juncture because he felt at this place the “Brahmaasthi Dosham” was not following him. He ascended from the vimana and asked God Shiva for a remedy. God Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him installing and praying four lingams at Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India, as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham.
Minimum time needed at the site about 30 minutes


12)Thiru Koneshwaram Temple
Location
In the Trincomalee town.
Legend Thiru Koneshwaram was built by sage Agasthyar as per the instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana. This place has the uniqueness of the lord building a temple for his devotee as a reward for his devotion. Lord Rama also offered his prayers on his return to get himself rid of the Brahmaasthi dosham.
Minimum time needed at the site one hour
Special mention This is situated within the Dutch Fort. People are allowed to walk to the temple without any special approval. However to take vehicle need to obtain approval from the Army Head Quarters in Trincomalee.


13)Kanniya
Location About 10 km from Trincomalee town on the Trincomalee - Anuradhapura road.
Legend Kanniya is the place where King Ravana carried out the last rites for his mother. When he was not able to find water to perform his rites, he in sheer anger pierced his trishul on the ground seven times, and water started gushing out immediately. It is believed that the anger of the king subsided on seeing the water and similarly the warmth of the water also reduced. The temperature of the water is different in all the seven wells.
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes


14)Wariyapola in Mattale
Legend Researchers have found out more than 5 airports believed to have been used by King Ravana and his mighty army to land and take off their vimana's. These Vimana's were used as goods and passenger carriers. Identified airports are Weregantota in Mahiyangana, Thotupola Kanda at Hoton Plains, Usangoda on the Southern Coast, Wariyapola in Kurunegala and Wariyapola in Mattale
Minimum time needed at the site 10 minutes
Special mention very flat area surrnded by hills


15)Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple
Location No 3/11, Sri Bodhirukkarama Road, (Vihara Lane) Kalubowila, Dehiwela
Legend A temple dedicated to Anjaneyar temple in Sri Lanka. The only temple in the world to have a chariot for Anjaneyar.


16)Sita Kotuwa
Location Gurulupotha
Legend These jungles are the place where the city of Lankapura once stood. The city had a beautiful palace for queen Mandothari surrounded by waterfalls, streams and varieties of flora and fauna. Sitadevi was kept in this palace until she was moved to Ashoka Vatika. Sita Kotuwa means Sita's fort and got its name because of Sita devi's stay here.
Access On Mahiyangana - Kandy road; 10 kms from Mahiyangana Junction.
Minimum time needed at the site 2 hours
Special mention Archaeological site


17)The chariot path and Sita tear pond
Location The jungle on the top of Ramboda Hills. Between King Ravana's capital city and Ashoka Vatika
Legend The barren land here is believed to be the route in which King Ravana took Sitadevi from his capital city Lankapura to Ashoka Vatika, which was a paradise on earth. To date no vegetation grows on this passage except grass. King Ravana is believed to have taken this passage on top of these hills to show Sitadevi the beauty of his kingdom.
Access Estate road from Labookelle
Minimum time needed at the site Half a day
Special mention There is a pond found on the en route, is believed to have been formed by the tears of Sitadevi and has not dried up (even during severe droughts when the adjoining rivers dry up). In this area there are many large trees whose bright red blooms add colour to the scenery. These flowers are called Sita flowers. The peculiarity of these flowers is the configuration of the petal's, stamen and pistil's, which resemble a human figure carrying a bow, and is said to represent Lord Rama. These flowers are unique only to this area in the whole of Sri Lanka.


18)Seetha Amman temple
Location Seetha Eliya
Legend A temple for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes
Special mention There is a stream by the side of the temple. Sitadevi said to have bathed in this stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hanuman's are found by this river and some are of small size and some are of large size, which tells us of the immense powers of hanuman transforming himself into any size.


19)Ishtripura, Konda Kattu Gala
Location This is situated in the Welimada Area.
Legend Ishtripura means an area of women in Sinhalese. This was one of the places to which King Ravana shifted Sitadevi as a precautionary measure which he was forced to take by Lord Hanuman's advent. Sitadevi took bath in this very stream and had dried her hair sitting on a rock and put clips to her hair, hence this rock is known as Konda Kattu Gala.
Access Welimada town / Udapussalawa Roard/ Lunuwatta / Thrivangama temple (about 17.5 km)
Minimum time needed at the site About two hours
Special mention There are lots of intruding tunnels and caves in this area. This seems to be a part of a great ingenious network of paths, which is interconnected to all the major areas of King Ravana's city.


20)Gayathri peedam
Location This is situated in the Nuwera Eliya town.
Legend Gayathri peedam is believed to be the place from where King Ravana's son Meghanath propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and pooja's and in turn was granted super natural powers by Lord Shiva.
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes
Special mention This is the first and the foremost temple built for Gayathri Amman in Sri Lanka, and the Shiva Lingam found in this temple was brought from the holy river Narmada.


21)Sita Waka
Location Situated close to Avisawella.
Legend An interesting as well as shocking episode took place here. To shatter Lord Rama's confidence and halt his progress during the war, Indrajith eldest son of King Ravana played a trick, with Sitadevi's look alike. Indrajith beheaded the look alike in front of Lord Hanuman thinking that it will stop the advancing forces of Lord Rama. There is a stone in this area called “Rampathagala” with one foot mark which is traditionally believed by the people as Lord Rama's foot mark. This place is known as Sita Waka


22)Dunuvila
Location In the Matale district on the out skirts of Wasgamuwa National Park.
Legend Dunuwilla is the place from where Lord Rama fired the brahmaastharam at King Ravana, which eventually killed him. Dhunu means arrow and Vila Means Lake. This place got its name because Lord Rama fired his arrow from this lake.
Access Kandy / Matale / Rathota / Rivestone / Illukkubura / Pallegama / Hettipola
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes


23)Thalladi, Sanjeevani drops
Location Manner
Legend At different points of time during the war both Lord Rama and Lakshmana were hit by powerful arrows, fell unconscious and to bring them back to life Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch the life saving herbs from Himalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and brought it, as he was not able to identify the life saving herbs alone. Parts from the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya , Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north.
Special mention It is not possible to visit at present.


24)Laggala
Location
North of Matale
Legend The cartels behind the Dunuvila lake are called Laggala which when translated into English gives us the meaning target rock. Laggala served as a sentry point to the King Ravana's army and it was from this rock the first Glimpse of Lord Rama's army was sighted and informed to King Ravana. This hill is geographically the highest part of the northern region of King Ravana's city and on a clear day the north east side that is Thiru Koneshwaran and north west side that is Talai mannar could be seen even today. King Ravana is believed to have done meditation on this rock and prayed Lord shiva at Thiru Koneshwaran from this point.


25)Divurumpola
Location It is situated 20 Kilometers from Seetha Eliya on Neliya Welimada road.
Legend This is the place where Sita underwent “Agni” test. Sita reached her husband. Meeting him after such a long time, she ws overcome by joyous emotion. But Rama seemed to be lost in thought. At length he spoke, “I have killed my enemy. I have done my duty as a true king. But you have lived for a year in the enemy's abode. It is not proper that I should take you back now.” Sita was shocked. Is it my fault that the monster carried me off by force? All the time, my mind, my heart, and soul were fixed on you and you alone, my Lord!”. She turned to Kakshmana and said with tears streaming from her eyes, “ Prepare for me a fire, That is the only remedy for this sorrow of mind”. Lakshman in suppressed anger, looked at Rama's face, but saw no sign of softening. He lighted a big fire. Sita reverently went round her husband and approached the blazing fire. Joining her palms in salutation, she said, “If I am pure, O fire, protect me”. With these words she jumped into the flames, to the horror of ht monkeys who stood on all sides watching the tragic sight. Then arose from out of the flames Agni, the fire-god, whom she had invoked. He lifted Sita from the flames unharmed, and presented her to Rama. “Don't I know that she is spotless and pure at heart?” cried Rama, standing up to receiver her. “It is for the sake of the worrkd that I made her go through this ordeal of fire, so that the truth may be known to all.
Minimum time needed at the site 30 minutes
Special mention popular place of worship among locals in that area. Divurumpola means a place of oath. Today the temple is revered for the oath taken by Sitadevi and even the legal system permits and accepts the swearing done at this temple while settling disputes between parties.

26)Amarnthakali
Location It is situated in the Batticaloa town.
Legend Amarnthakali is believed to be the place where Lord Rama, Seethadevi and Lakshmana had their first meal after the ravages of the war. There is also a lake at this place known as Hanuman Lake or the old lake, which served to extinguish the fire set on lord hanuman's tail. Today their exists a temple for Kali Amman , Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes


27)Manavari
Location
On the Chilaw - Puttalam road about 10 km from Chilaw.. From Katunayake airport about One hour and thrity minutes.
Legend Manavari is the first place where Lord Rama installed and prayed the Siva lingam after the end of the war with King Ravana. To date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in the world named after Lord Rama.
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes
Special mention The annual festival take place in July for ten days. To visit temple: from 6.30 a.m to 12.30 p.m, and from 4.00 to 7.00 p.m


28)Thiru Ketheswaram
Location In Mannar.
Legend Thiru Ketheshwaram is the third Lingam in Lanka, which was installed and prayed by Lord Rama to get rid of the Brahmasthi dosham.
Special mention It is not possible to visit at present.

29)Gavagala (Ghoushala)
Location This is situated at Harasbedda on Nuwera Eliya Walapane Road.Route: N'Eliya / Ragala / Manthrithanna.
Legend King Ravana had his dairy farm here. Milk was air lifted to the capital Lankapura from here using Vimana's. The stone pillars here has the worn out marks cast by constant use of tying ropes on them.
Minimum time needed at the site One hour

30)Kondakalai
Location Rambodda
Legend Kondakalai like many other cities and villages in Sri Lanka also derives its name from the Ramayana, when King Ravana took Sitadevi in a chariot to ashoka vatika her hairs got de ranged because of the speed of the chariot. Konda kalai in tamil means deranging of hair. Till date the villagers live with legacy of this event.


31)Rama Temple at Rathoda
Access Kandy / Matale / Rathota
Minimum time needed at the site About 20 minutes
Special mention There are only a few Rama Temples in Sri Lanka and this is one of them.


32)Gurulupotha
Legend
There was an aircraft repair center in the capital city of King Ravana. In Valmiki's depiction King Ravana's vimana resembled a huge peacock. The Vimana in Sinhala language means Dhandu monara which is known as flying peacock, and hence the name Gurulupotha, which means parts of birds.
Access On Mahiyangana - Kandy road; 10 kms from Mahiyangana Junction.


33)Sri Baktha Hanuman temple
Location Ramboda
Legend On these hills of Ramboda where Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi, Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka built a temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity.
Access Kandy/Nuwara Eliya road (40 km post on A5 route)
Minimum time needed at the site about ½ hour
Special mention On every full moon day special pooja's are conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees. The image of Lord Hanuman here is 16 feet.


34)Mani Kattuther
Location This is a rock in the Labukalle estate.
Legend Lord Hanuman met Sitadevi, then on his way to announce this happy information to Lord Rama, rested on this hill top.
Access 15 minutes by foot on estate road from Labookele.
Minimum time needed at the site one hour
Special mention Today an open temple with statues of Lord Rama , Sitadevi, Lakshmana and Lord hanuman stands on top of it. Locals very often visit this temple.


35)Ravana Goda
Location
This is situated in the Kotmala area opposite to Ramboda rock.
Legend It is a place where Sitadevi stayed during her transit. This area is also linked with tunnels and caves, which runs through to other parts of King Ravana's kingdom.
Access Turn off from Tavalantenna on Knady Nuwara Eliya road
Minimum time needed at the site one hour
Special mention Extremely difficult access by foot to cave entrances


36)Nilawarai
Location Situated in the Northern Jaffna Peninsula.
Legend When Lord Rama's army entered Lanka they took positions on different sides to attack King Ravana and his army. The army that was situated on the northern side faced a severe water crisis. Lord Rama at this juncture shot a powerful arrow into the ground and water sprung out immediately. Till date there is a well situated at this very spot called Nilawarai in Puthoor. It is a fact that this well has never dried up and caters to the needs of the local folks even during severe droughts.
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minute
Special mention Not accessible due to security situation in the country


37)Yudhuganawa
Location
situated in the midst of the jungle Wasgamuwa.
Legend It is said that this particular piece of land can never bear any vegetation as this served as the battlefield and had borne the brunt of destruction.
Access In side Wasgamuwa National Park. Accessibl by 4 wheel drive jeep
Special mention Wild life safari could be done.


38)Rumassala Sanjeevani drops
Location Unawattuna, Galle
Legend At different points of time during the war both Lord Rama and Lakshmana were hit by powerful arrows, fell unconscious and to bring them back to life Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch the life saving herbs from Himalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and brought it, as he was not able to identify the life saving herbs alone. Parts from the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya , Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north.
Minimum time needed at the site One hour
Special mention Lord Hanumanji statue is found at the site.


39)Ritigala, Sanjeevani drops
Location
Habarana
Legend At different points of time during the war both Lord Rama and Lakshmana were hit by powerful arrows, fell unconscious and to bring them back to life Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch the life saving herbs from Himalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and brought it, as he was not able to identify the life saving herbs alone. Parts from the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya , Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north.
Access 10 kms from Habarana on Maradankadawa Road, turn off and further 10 kilo meters which leads to Ritigala.
Minimum time needed at the site 3 hours
Special mention Hill climb


40)Kataragama
Location
It is situated in the South East of Sri Lanka.
Legend This is the temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama. Lord Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Lord Indra on the last day of war. This was done to protect Lord Rama from the wrath of Brahmasthra aimed by King Ravana which other wise would have weakened Lord Rama. The benefit was one of the most powerful weapon brahma asthra aimed at Lord Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya
Minimum time needed at the site one hour
Special mention very popular place of worship among Sri Lankans


41)Vidurpola
Access By the side of Nuwara Eliya/Welimada road
Minimum time needed at the site 30 minutes


42)Kelaniya Buddhist temple
Location About 10 km from Colombo on Colombo - Kandy road.
Legend Kelaniya is the place where King Veebeshana ruled after being crowned by Lakshmana. As Lord Rama was in exile for 14 years, could not take part in any coronation ceremony, deputed his younger brother prince Lakshmana to crown Veebeshana. Today in this very place a Buddhist shrine and a temple for king Veebeshana exist. There are murals enshrined outside the Buddhist temple depicting the crowning of King Veebeshana. Today temples for King Veebeshana are found through out Lanka and he is still considered as one of the 4 guardian deities of Sri Lanka. A painting of King Veebeshana adorns the walls of the new parliament. It is a fact that there is no temple for King Ravana where as many exist for King Veebeshana. This goes on to prove that his stand towards dharma and justice made him a god is Sri Lanka.
Minimum time needed at the site 30 minutes


43)Vilundri
Location In the Trincomalee town.
Legend On his return Lord Rama stopped at this place to reach Thiru Koneshwaram. He rested his bow on the ground here. Bow meaning vil and Undri meaning resting, in Tamil gave this place Vilundri its name.
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes


44)Thirukovil
Location
In the Eastern Coast of Ampara.
Legend Thirukovil is the place where King Ravana mother's palace stood. The whole place was submerged, and a temple has been built on the shores now.
Minimum time needed at the site 20 minutes


45)Thotupola Kanda at Hoton Plains
Location Horton Plains
Legend Researchers have found out more than 5 airports believed to have been used by King Ravana and his mighty army to land and take off their vimana's. These Vimana's were used as goods and passenger carriers. Identified airports are Weregantota in Mahiyangana, Thotupola Kanda at Hoton Plains, Usangoda on the Southern Coast, Wariyapola in Kurunegala and Wariyapola in Mattale
Minimum time needed at the site 3 hours
Special mention steep climb


46)Nilavari
Location
Puttur, Jaffna
Legend Lord Rama aimed an arrow in this area to obtain water. To this well there is no end. The water from this well is not salty and used for drinking. It should be mentioned in the nearby area the water is very salty. This well and “Kirimali” pond are connected through underground.
Special mention Locals use to visit this area.

The Trail of Ramayana in Sri Lanka

Following The Trail OF Ramayana in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is famous to Hindu devotees as the land of the Demon King Ravana. The Hindu epic, the Ramayana dwells on the beauty and splendour of Sri Lanka, for Ravana was said to be a rich king, the brother of Kubera, the treasurer of the Gods.

Ravana was deemed a great and good king by his own subjects and it is said that he is depicted with 10 heads, not because he was some kind of monster but because he had knowledge worthy of filling 10 heads. Yet all his knowledge, power and achievements had failed to remove his basic desire for women, legend says.

The fault was compounded when he went against all tenets of Hindu Dharma in seeking to seduce another’s wife and kidnapped the Indian princess Sita in her husband’s absence.

There are an estimated 50 sites in Sri Lanka, connected to the Ramayana.

‘’Following the Trail of Ramayana’ is based on research findings that link the sites to Lord Ram, wife Sita and demon king Ravana.

“Currently we are taking steps to promote all 50 sites in collaboration with Sri Lanka tour operators to facilitate Indian Tourists the opportunity to witness and experience the sacredness of these sites.’’

The Ramayana
For over thousands of years, the Ramayana, epic of Asia, has had an unshakeable hold on the beliefs of vast multitude of Asia's teeming millions. As diverse span of humanity as Kashmiri pandits and Combodian fisherman, it is the universal heritage of all humanity.
Emerging from the mists of the forested banks of India's northernmost rivers, the crown jewel of a rich oral tradition, the song of Valmiki has become a pillar of principles, a symbol of the victory of good over evil, and a metaphor for the battle between the forces of light and darkness within every human soul.
The legend of Rams, Prince of Ayodhya, where the darkly handsome prince in exile, unswervingly confronts and overcomes fearsome odds in the form of the mightiest demon-king of his time and the heartbreaking injustices of court intrigues, with equanimity and generosity in thought and action, has also left behind a rich legacy of sites and temples in the country where the most significant events of this epic took place - Lankapura - SriLanka

Sri Lanka's Rich Ramayana Heritage
Sri Lanka is the proud custodian of more than 50 Ramayana sites from the place of Seeta Devi's captivity to the battlefields where vast armies clashed, to the groves of exotic herbs dropped by the monkey god Hanuman, to the ultimate theatre of war where Lord Rama slew Ravana, the ten - headed demon - king.

People living in the areas where great events took place, remember to this day the connection of their soil to the great epic. An oath taken at the spot where Seetha Devi undertook 'Agni Pariksha' is still considered valid in village courts or grama sabhas. The color of the soil of the ancient battlefield is still red today, and is still surrounded by lighter coloured earth. One of the airports of Ravana, torched by Hanuman when he came looking for Seetha Devi, still has a scorched -earth look. A patch of darker soil surrounded by brown earth. Exotic alpine Himalayan species are found suddenly amidst tropical Sri Lankan vegetation, the legacy of Hanuman's heroic voyage carrying a mountain with life- restoring herbs.
Incredibly, the names of places have come down to modern times unchanged. Though great social, cultural and religious changes have taken place in Sri Lanka since.
For further information;please contact:
Special Tours India- The Travel Co.
3 GF, P.N.B. BUILDING,THE MALL, MANALI 175131(H.P.) INDIA
Phone No (Tours) : ++91-1902-253737 / +91 9805367675Fax No : ++91-1902-253737