Here are seven places in Sri Lanka that are connected in lore with the epic — perfect stops for those on Sri Lanka Tour Packages focused on culture, myth, and wonder.
- Kothmale
Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Kothmale is quiet, green, and steeped in oral tradition. Locals say that during Sita’s captivity (after her abduction by Ravana), she dropped grains of rice on her path here — either as a signpost for Rama or as a way to mark her route. There’s no grand temple or archaeological dig to show for it today, but the stories persist, passed down through generations.
Why go there on your tour?
- To experience serene landscapes and meet people who carry on these living stories.
- As part of a Cultural Sri Lanka Tour, it gives you the peaceful, off-the-beaten-path contrast to tourist hubs.
- Sita Kotuwa (Near Hasalaka)
“Sita Kotuwa” literally means Sita’s Fort. According to local belief, this is the first place where Sita was kept after she was taken to Lanka. Dense forest surrounds the area, and you’ll see old structures — walls whose stones are said to be remnants of that ancient time. Whether one believes it literally or metaphorically, there’s something powerful in coming here and feeling the legend in the air.
What to expect on a visit:
- Forest walks, glimpses of ruins, and quiet spots that invite reflection.
- A strong sense of connection with myth, especially in the hush of the woods.
- Dolukanda (Kurunegala District)
Dolukanda Hill features in one of the more dramatic legends of the Ramayana. As the story goes, Hanuman was carrying the Sanjeevani mountain (to bring herbs to heal Lakshman) and dropped part of it here. What makes Dolukanda more than just myth in people’s eyes is its vegetation: many medicinal herbs grow there, reinforcing the belief.
Why Dolukanda adds colour to your tour:
- Hiking or trekking in nature that feels mythic.
- Herbal flora, views, and a connection to the healing themes of the epic.
- Nilavarai (Jaffna Region)
In the northern region, Nilavarai holds fascination. There is a natural underground spring there that — according to local belief — came about because Rama shot an arrow to the ground to bring water for his thirsty troops. What’s striking is that the spring, even in dry seasons, never dries up. Its unexplored depth only adds to the mystery.
Highlights if you visit:
- A cool, clear spring in a serene setting.
- An opportunity to see how myth is lived in everyday life — not just in temples but in natural wells, springs, and water sources.
- Sigiriya
Sigiriya is world-famous for its rock fortress and frescoes, but there are local traditions and stories linking the area to the Ramayana. Some believe Sita might have been held in caves near the fortress. While mainstream history gives Sigiriya its own rich narrative (kings, gardens, ancient engineering), the layering of myth adds another dimension.
What you’ll enjoy in Sigiriya:
- Climbing the rock, seeing gardens, looking out from the summit over misty forest.
- Imagining the stories as you peer into caves and natural formations nearby.
- Ella & Ravana Ella Falls
Ella is famous among travellers for its green hills, tea plantations, lovely train rides, and cascades. But it also features Ravana Ella Falls and a nearby cave, which locals say was used by Ravana to hide Sita. The combination makes Ella a place where natural beauty meets myth.
Why Ella is ideal for travellers:
- Scenic train ride, lush landscapes, mist-draped hills.
- Mythic stories woven into nature; a chance to rest, reflect, and soak up calm.
- Dunuwila (Near Laggala)
Quiet, off-the-usual-path, and beautiful, Dunuwila is a place many locals believe is the scene of the final battle between Rama and Ravana — the dramatic climax of the epic. There are no huge monuments, no visitor center; instead, it's a place of natural beauty and of the imagination. For many, visiting here brings a sense of closure — of stepping into myth.
What makes Dunuwila special:
- Very serene; not usually crowded.
- A place to connect with nature, story, and spirituality in a deep way.
How These Places Fit Into Your Tour
If you’re booking a Cultural Sri Lanka Tour or a Cultural Sri Lanka Golden Triangle Tour with Turban Adventures, these spots add special texture beyond temples, beaches, and standard sightseeing. We design Sri Lanka Tour Packages that balance natural beauty, culture, food, and myth — places like these give you stories that stay with you.
Here’s how a package might flow:
- Golden Triangle + Ramayana Myth Mix: Start in Colombo or Airport, head into the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa), and detour to Dolukanda, Ella, Nilavarai, and Dunuwila.
- Myth & Nature Week: Include Kothmale, Sita Kotuwa, Ella for hillside calm, and Sigiriya for archeological wonder.
- Faith & Folklore Tour: For those interested in myth, religion, and story-telling — guided walk and talks in each place, with local storytellers.
Tips for Travellers
- Timing: The best times are the dry seasons (typically December-March and July-August) so these rural, hill-and-forest areas are more accessible.
- Local Guides: In many spots, there's no signboard or tourism infrastructure; a local guide adds value — both in showing you spots and telling stories.
- Respect: These places are sacred in local lore. Even where there are no temples, treat them with respect.
- Stay Flexible: Roads in rural Sri Lanka can be unpredictable. If rain comes, climate or transport delays can happen. An adventure-mind helps.
- Combine with Culture & Comfort: Stay in heritage guesthouses, eat local food, enjoy arts & crafts so you get the full richness of the Cultural Sri Lanka Tour experience.
Why Turban Adventures Makes a Difference
When you travel with Turban Adventures, you’re not just ticking off destinations. Our Sri Lanka Tour Packages are designed to give you immersive experiences: myth, nature, culture, and comfort.
- We include Cultural Sri Lanka Golden Triangle Tour options that let you see all major sites + mythic places.
- Our itineraries are curated — you won’t miss the hidden legends (like Nilavarai, Kothmale) or scenic highlights (Ella, Sigiriya) just because they’re “off the main road.”
- We work with local storytellers, guides, and communities so you hear the legends in the voices that know them.
Bringing It All Together
These seven mythic places are not just for fans of the Ramayana or religious pilgrimage. They’re for anyone who loves travelling deeply — where stories guide your steps, where landscapes hold memory, and where culture is alive and breathing.
If you’re considering a journey to Sri Lanka, think beyond beaches and temples. Choose a Cultural Sri Lanka Tour or the richer experience of a Sri Lanka Golden Triangle Tour that weaves in the epic stories. With Turban Adventures, your journey becomes more than sightseeing — it becomes myth-in-motion.
Ready to explore? Check out our Sri Lanka Tour Packages and discover how you can walk where legends still linger.