Highlights
- Believed to be where Sita was held by Ravana
- Marks on the rocks are said to be Hanuman's footprints
- Three idols were found in the stream about a century ago
- An important stop for Hindu pilgrims on the Ramayana trail
Overview
Seetha Amman Temple is a small Hindu temple at Seetha Eliya, beside the road from Nuwara Eliya to Hakgala and Welimada. It is dedicated to Sita, the heroine of the Ramayana, and is one of the main Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka. Many Indian pilgrims visit.
The legend
In the Ramayana, Ravana, king of Lanka, carried Sita away and held her in a garden called Ashok Vatika. Local tradition places this garden in the Hakgala area, and holds that Sita prayed for Rama's return beside the stream that runs past the temple. Marks on a rock by the stream are believed to be the footprints of Hanuman, who came to find her.
What you see
- The temple: brightly painted in South Indian style, with figures of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman.
- The stream: clear water running over rocks beside the temple, with the "footprint" rocks.
- The setting: forest and the slopes of Hakgala Rock above.
How long it takes
About twenty to thirty minutes.
When to go
Morning, when pujas are held and the light is good. Hindu festivals bring large groups of pilgrims.
Getting there
The temple is about 5 to 6 km from Nuwara Eliya on the A5 towards Hakgala, around 15 minutes by road. It is close to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, so the two are often visited together.
Practical tips
- Remove shoes and dress modestly.
- Ask before taking photos inside the shrine.
- A donation is welcome.
Visit Ashok Vatika and Divurumpola, or follow the story on our Ramayana tour. See things to do in Nuwara Eliya and Nuwara Eliya hotels.
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