With Diwali around the corner, people are excited to celebrate the festival and revisit the iconic story of the Ramayana. Adding to the excitement is the newly released Ramayana movie, featuring popular stars like Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita Mata and Yash as Ravana. As we revisit this timeless epic, let’s take a look at some places linked to Ravana that have now become tourist attractions.
5 Tourist Places Connected To Ravana
1. Ravana Cave
Ravana’s Cave in Ella, Sri Lanka, is believed to be one of the places where King Ravana kept Sita Mata after abducting her. The cave is also known as Rawana Guhawa and has archaeological remains dating back around 25,000 years. Want to explore it? You’ll have to climb around 700 steps to reach it from Ella town.
2. Seetha Kotuwa
Seetha Kotuwa in Gurulupotha, Sri Lanka, has a special connection to the Ramayana. According to some beliefs, King Ravana brought Sita here after abducting her from India and later moved her to Ashok Vatika. The site is also believed to be the location of Queen Mandodari’s palace. To reach this tourist attraction, you’ll need to take a short walk through the forest from Gurulupotha.
Also Read: 5 Countries Beyond India Where The Ramayana Has A Life Of Its Own
3. Ravana Falls
Want to see a waterfall with a Ramayana connection? According to some beliefs, King Ravana hid Sita in a cave near these falls, and she is believed to have bathed in the pool below. Known as Ravana Ella, this 25-metre-high waterfall is just 6 km from Ella town and is a must-visit stop during your trip.
4. Ussangoda National Park
Ever seen a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet? Ussangoda National Park in Sri Lanka is known for its bright red soil and unusual terrain. As per some beliefs, this area was once the landing spot for King Ravana’s flying chariot. Another belief says Hanuman set this land on fire with his burning tail.
5. Kanniya Hot Water Springs
Kanniya Hot Springs in Sri Lanka has an interesting connection to King Ravana. It is believed that he struck the ground at seven spots with his sword while looking for water to perform his mother’s funeral rites. Today, you can see seven shallow wells here, each with a slightly different water temperature.
Which of these places are you excited to visit? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: 5 Ramayana-Linked Destinations Every Traveller Should Visit At Least Once
Cover Image Courtesy: Production House/ Prime Focus Studios
FAQs
Who wrote the Ramayana?
The original Ramayana was written by sage Valmiki.
Who was Ravana's wife?
Ravana's wife was Queen Mandodari.
Where was Ravana born?
It is believed that Ravana was born in Bisrakh village in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
