Highlights
- The rock where Ravana's body is said to have been laid
- Yahangala means bed rock in Sinhala
- His people are said to have come here to say farewell to their king
Overview
Yahangala is a rock in the northern Knuckles area, near Laggala and Dunuwila. In local Ramayana tradition, it is where King Ravana's body was laid after he was killed by Rama, and where his people came to pay their last respects.
The legend
The name is usually explained as "bed rock" in Sinhala. Stories say Ravana's body lay here, and some add that it was later hidden in the rock. For many Sri Lankans, Ravana is a respected king rather than a villain, and sites like this are part of that local telling of the epic.
What you see
From the top there are wide, open views over farmland, reservoirs and the dry side of the Knuckles range. The climb is steep in parts and paths are informal, so go with a local guide.
How long it takes
Allow two to three hours for the walk up and back, plus travel time.
Getting there
Yahangala is in the same rural area as Laggala and Dunuwila, reached by narrow roads through the Matale district. Visiting all three makes a good day.
When to go
Go early in the morning. The dry season, roughly January to April, has the best conditions underfoot.
Practical tips
- Wear good shoes and carry plenty of water.
- Avoid climbing in wet weather; rock is slippery.
- Respect any shrines along the way.
Follow the full story on our Ramayana tour, or see things to do in the Knuckles and Knuckles hotels.
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