5 Top places in Sri Lanka linked with Epic Ramayana

Dolukanda Sanjeewanee Mountain

Dolukanda is another major location that closely linked with the epic Ramayana. Dolukanda is a table mountain rock formation situated 120 kilometer away from Sri Lankan capital city, Colombo and close to Hiripitiya village.

The mountain rock, Dolukanda is one among the five places where Lord Hanuman accidentally dropped a part of Sanjeevani mountain brought from Himalaya. Rumassala, Ritigala, Thalladi, and Kachchativu, the other four locations in Sri Lanka where Hanuman unknowingly dropped the parts of Sanjeevani mountain.

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Sigiriya

Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is a location that closely associated with the epic. Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress situated near Dambulla at the northern Matale district in the central province of Sri Lanka.

It is a one a major sites in the country with historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metre high. According to the local legend, Naguliya cave in Sigiriya is believed to be one of the places where Ravana kept Seetha Devi as captive.

Ravana cave and tunnels network

Ravana cave and tunnels network is a proof for the architectural brilliance of Lanka’s Ravana. The tunnels were used for means of transportation through the hills and also as secret passages.

A detailed analysis on the tunnels indicate that the tunnel networks are man-made and not natural formations. At present the tunnel mouths are located at Isthripur, Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola/Matale, and Sitakotuwa.

Ketheeswaram temple

Ketheeswaram temple is a Shiva shire also known as Tirukketisvaran is situated in the Mannar district, but on the mainland opposite to Mannar island.

Mandodari, wife of Ravana was belong to this region and local legends narrate that her father constructed the shrine.  The temple was reconstructed in 1903 after Portuguese invaders and religious fanatics destroyed temple structure in 1575.

Gavagala

Gavagala is a place in Sri Lanka where Ravana had a vast diary farm. Milk obtained from the cattle was airlifted from here using Vimana (aircraft) to transport milk to Ravana’s residence. The stones, stone pillars, posts, and others in Gavagala have the worn out marks cast by constant use of tying ropes on them.