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7 places in Sri Lanka that are believed to hold traces of the Ramayana
Travellers today look for more than just beautiful views when planning a trip. They want to visit places that hold meaning, where stories from the past are still remembered and Sri Lanka is one such country that holds immense cultural and spiritual significance.
The country has traces of the Ramayana and there are several attractions that take you back in time. Although most parts of the Ramayana take place in ancient India, the final story which narrates the tales of Sita’s time in Lanka and the battle between Rama and Ravana, is believed to have happened here in Lanka.
Over time, several locations across the island have become connected to the epic. There’s no solid historical proof, but these places are remembered through stories, local traditions, and faith.
Here are seven places in Sri Lanka that people still link to the Ramayana, even if only through generations of storytelling.
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Kothmale
This quiet hill village doesn’t often make it to travel guides, but it holds a soft place in Ramayana lore. Locals believe that while in captivity, Sita dropped rice grains along her route– either to mark her way or to signal help. While there’s no temple or plaque here, the story has survived through word of mouth, keeping Kothmale on the map for those retracing Sita’s journey.
Image credits: Canva
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Sita Kotuwa
Near Hasalaka in central Sri Lanka, Sita Kotuwa– meaning “Sita’s fort” – is believed to be the first place where Sita was kept after her abduction. The area is thick with forest, and among the trees lie the remains of old structures that locals say were once part of a palace. There's no archaeological link to the Ramayana, but the belief is strong enough that many visit simply to be close to what they feel is a sacred spot.
Image credits: X/@IAMPMSM
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Dolukanda
In the Kurunegala district, Dolukanda hill has long been tied to a moment in the Ramayana when Hanuman, flying with the Sanjeevani mountain to save Lakshman, is said to have dropped a part of it here. The hill is still rich in medicinal herbs, which some take as a sign that the story holds true. Whether one believes it or not, the site blends nature and mythology in a way that’s hard to ignore.
Image credits: Canva
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Nilavarai
Located in the Jaffna region, Nilavarai is home to a natural underground spring. What sets it apart? According to local belief, Rama shot an arrow into the ground here to provide water for his thirsty army. The spring is unusual in that it never dries up, and its full depth remains a mystery, both facts that have helped the legend persist.
Image credits: X/@hirancooray
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Sigiriya
Famous for its massive rock fortress and royal history, Sigiriya isn’t the first place that comes to mind when talking about the Ramayana. But some locals believe that Sita may have been kept in one of the nearby caves. Though there’s no official record linking Sigiriya to the epic, this alternative reading of the landscape continues to shape how some people view it.
Image credits: Canva
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Ella
Best known for its rolling hills and scenic train rides, Ella also features in the Ramayana story, at least in local lore. Ravana Ella Falls and a nearby cave are believed to have been used by Ravana to hide Sita. For travellers, this connection adds a mythical layer to what is already one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque regions.
Image credits: Canva
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Dunuwila
Near the village of Laggala lies Dunuwila, a quiet area often overlooked by tourists. But to many locals, it holds deep symbolic value. It’s believed to be the site of the final battle between Rama and Ravana– the climax of the epic. There are no signs or statues, but for those who visit, it’s a place of closure, where the long journey of the story finds its end.
Image credits: iStock
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