An island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka mesmerises the world with its beautiful beaches. But for those who have grown up listening to the story of Ramayana, it is a magical land of rock fortress, majestic waterfalls and stunning temples with rich architecture. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this small tropical nation is more than blue ocean and white sands - it is a nation with a rich history and treasured cultural heritages that trace the 'remnants' of Rama, Sita, Ravana for those who wish to travel here seeking connections to the characters of Ramayana while exploring its other scenic and cultural beauty. The following exploration of Sri Lanka is based on a six-day visit to the picturesque island with a focus on some of its noteworthy destinations in the Ramayana Trails that include different sites spread across the country.
Sigiriya: The ancient rock fortress
"That's the place where it is believed Ravana had his palace," tour guide Sampath Mayadunne said while pointing to a massive column of rock from the top of Pidurangala Rock. He was referring to Sigiriya, a plateau top that as per the legends is believed to be the site of Ravana's 'majestic palace' made of gold some 5,000 years ago.
From the rock, one can get a clear and beautiful glimpse of Sigiriya - the two are located a few kilometres apart, both surrounded by forests. Also known as the Sigiriya Lion Rock, it looks like a big rock resting atop trees, presenting a breathtaking view in nature.
Sigiriya is located in the Matale district, near the town of Dambulla, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
It is also believed that Ravana, the king then imprisoned Sita in one of the caves at the bottom of rock. One of the most visited destinations in Sri Lanka, this is however just one story connected to Sigiriya.
The citadel on top of Sigiriya was built by king Kasyapa who ruled from 477 to 495, and he choose this as his royal residence as he was worried about potential attacks from his brother Moggallana, the rightful heir to the throne, according to sigiriyafortress.com - he was born to a non-royal concubine and had no right to the throne. Consequently he rebelled against his king father Dhatusena, imprisoning him and eventually having him killed, entombing him in a wall.
Prior to him using Sigiriya Lion Rock as his residence, it's thought the rock was a Buddhist monastery. It was once again used as a monastery after Kasyapa's death till it was abandoned in the 14th Century.
On a plateau halfway up the rock, Kasyapa built a gateway in the form of a huge lion with a staircase emerging from the lion's mouth, hence its name meaning Sigiriya Lions Rock, adds sigiriyafortress.com.
With different stories of the same place, one might have hard time choosing between different versions. But what is definite is that this 200-metre high granite rock that was named a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1982, is one not-to-be missed destination in you visit Sri Lanka. Be it to re-live the Ramayana moments or to see the remnants of the "best examples of ancient urban planning" by king Kashyapa or watch a place that once used to be a Buddhist monastery, you can climb to the top via 1,200 steps divided amongst a number of staircases.
Panoramic: Pidurangala Rock
The hike to the Sigiriya Rock, as per Mayadunne takes some one-and-a-half to two hours. But if you are someone who can't do that long a climb, a quick hike to Pidurangala Rock would let you watch Sigiriya while enjoying the incredible view of the surrounding areas and witness a historic cave complex.
Usually, this is the best destination to catch the sunrise - you can reach the top after a 20-40-minute-hike, depending on your stamina to walk uphill! But even if you are the one who wakes up late, and not much fascinated by the idea of watching the sun rise, Pidurangala Rock is a place to be in Sri Lanka.
The path to the 200-metre peak begins in a Buddhist temple, and then the climb begins with sharp steps waiting for you. Winding through the forest, tree roots and ruins, the well-maintained trail takes you to the statue of the Reclining Buddha and ruins of the Pidurangala Temple.
It can be called the first stop of the hike from where begins the tricky part of the journey - it requires hikers some skills in bouldering, climbing and jumping between boulders and cliffs. While it's not that difficult, you might need some help along the way for a smooth ascent and descent.
Once you reach the top, a stunning view of Sigiriya greets you - the peak of Pidurangala Rock is located to the north of Sigiriya. As the whiff of cool air brushes your face, the panaromic view around with lush green forests and white Buddha statutes nestled in the forests make the climb worth it, and one forgets all the struggles to reach the top.
One of the most notable aspects throughout this journey remained how Sri Lanka had maintained such trails and heritage sites in their natural state, making the visitors feel the essence of the place, reliving the history and stories associated with them.
Seetha Amman Temple: Where Hanuman met Sita
Of the many places connected with the story of Ramayana, the Seetha Amman Temple carries a special significance due to belief that it was the place where Hanuman met Sita, wife of Lord Rama, for the first time after she was abducted by the demon king Ravana. The temple, located in Nuwara Eliya district, also in the Central Province, exudes a spiritual vibes with different stories related to it.
The temple known as Ashok Vatika Sita Temple is believed to be the site where Sita prayed daily for her husband Rama to rescue her. And during his rescue mission, Hanuman met her here. There is a stream near the temple and it is believed that Sita bathed there. On the rock face across the stream, one can see circular foot impressions, regarded as the footprints of Hanuman.
Ravana Falls
Finding a waterfall in country that is most renowned for its oceans and beaches is a wonder in itself. And a picturesque waterfall at that! That would be none other than the Ravana Falls - it is not only beautiful but carries a rich history with it.
As the name suggests, this fall is once again associated with the legend of Ramayana. Named after the epic's main antagonist Ravana, it is believed that after abducting Sita, he hid her in a cave near the waterfall. According to a local who was observing the waterfall with his friend, the said cave is located some two kilometres from the waterfall. It is located on the main road en route from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Considered one of the widest waterfalls in the island nation, Ravana Falls measures approximately 25 metres in height.
Myths, stories, and beliefs are one thing, but even for non-believers, these places are sites one must visit, to enjoy the natural and almost untouched beauty of Sri Lanka in its original form.
