Divine Trails of Sri Lanka
Pilgrims at a waterfall in Sri Lanka
Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a land where spirituality and natural beauty come together. From ancient Buddhist stupas to vibrant Hindu temples, the island is a meeting place of spiritual traditions, and it holds a unique place in the Ramayana as the stage where the divine saga of Lord Rama and King Ravana unfolded.
For modern seekers, Sri Lanka is also closely connected to Mahavatar Babaji, who is believed to have meditated at Kathirkamam. Whether you walk barefoot around the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, rest in the tranquil energy of Seetha Eliya or meditate in Babaji’s footsteps, every corner of the island invites you to pause, reflect and rejuvenate your spirit.
The funds from these pilgrimages directly support the establishment and operations of Mohanji Datta Tapovan.
Journey with us. Mohanji Foundation Sri Lanka arranges pilgrimages to these sacred sites for individuals and small groups, with Mohanji Datta Tapovan in Kithulgala as your spiritual base.
Plan your pilgrimageSacred Landmarks
The Ramayana Trail
1Sri Bhakta Hanuman TempleRamboda60 km · about 2 hours from Tapovan2Seetha Amman TempleSeetha Eliya, Nuwara Eliya75 km · about 2.5 hours from Tapovan3Munneswaram TempleChilaw130 km · about 3.5 hours from Tapovan4Koneswaram TempleTrincomalee270 km · about 6 hours from TapovanOther Spiritual Landmarks
ASri Dalada MaligawaKandyapprox. 100 km · about 3 hours from TapovanBShri Gayathri PeedamNuwara Eliyaapprox. 70 km · about 2.5 hours from TapovanCBadulla Kathirkamam DevalayaBadullaapprox. 140 km · about 4 hours from TapovanDKathirkamamKataragamaapprox. 230 km · about 6 hours from TapovanThe Ramayana Trail
Sri Lanka has a profound connection to the Ramayana. These sacred sites resonate with timeless stories of devotion, valour and divine intervention.
Stop 1 · Ramboda · 60 km · about 2 hours from Tapovan
Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
Where Lord Hanuman rested during his search for Seetha Devi.
Nestled amidst the scenic hills of Ramboda, the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is a site of profound spiritual and historical significance. Managed by the Chinmaya Mission, this revered temple is a key destination on the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka, drawing both devotees and travelers seeking divine blessings and deeper insights into the epic.
The name Ramboda is derived from the Tamil word “Rampadai,” meaning “Rama’s army,” signifying its historical importance as the place where Lord Rama assembled his forces. The temple houses a 16-foot black granite idol of Lord Hanuman, the tallest in Sri Lanka, and offers pure vegetarian, saatvik meals and a quiet ashram for devotees.
Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
Stop 2 · Seetha Eliya, Nuwara Eliya · 75 km · about 2.5 hours from Tapovan
Seetha Amman Temple
Believed to be Ashoka Vatika, where Seetha Devi was held captive.
Tucked away in the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, the Seetha Amman Temple stands as a powerful symbol of devotion and mythology. Located in Seetha Eliya, this sacred site is believed to be the final place where Seetha Devi, the wife of Lord Rama, was held captive by Ravana.
According to legend, this is where Lord Hanuman first attempted to rescue Seetha, but she refused to leave, insisting that only Lord Rama should save her. Nearby, a rock formation bears deep imprints believed to be Hanuman’s footprints, and the stream flowing through the site is said to be where Seetha bathed during her captivity.
Seetha Amman Temple
Seetha Amman Temple
Seetha Amman Temple
Seetha Amman Temple
Stop 3 · Chilaw · 130 km · about 3.5 hours from Tapovan
Munneswaram Temple
Where Lord Rama installed a Shiva Lingam and sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva.
Munneswaram Temple, one of the five major Shiva temples in Sri Lanka, has stood as a symbol of devotion and cultural heritage since at least 1000 CE. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple features intricate sculptures and inscriptions that reflect its rich history.
According to legend, Lord Rama stopped at Munneswaram while returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Seeking absolution for killing Ravana, a devout Brahmin, he installed a Shiva Lingam at the temple and prayed to Lord Shiva, who, pleased with his devotion, granted him forgiveness.
Munneswaram Temple
Munneswaram Temple
Munneswaram Temple
Stop 4 · Trincomalee · 270 km · about 6 hours from Tapovan
Koneswaram Temple
Where Ravana and his mother worshipped Lord Shiva.
Perched above the ocean at Trincomalee, Koneswaram Temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Shiva temples, deeply connected to Ravana and the Ramayana. It is believed that Ravana and his mother worshipped Shiva here, and that after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama installed a second Shiva Lingam at this sacred site.
Just a short distance away lie the Kanniya Hot Water Springs. According to mythology, these springs emerged when Ravana struck the ground with his sword to create healing waters for his ailing mother. The seven wells, each with a different temperature, remain a place of spiritual and therapeutic significance.
Koneswaram Temple
Koneswaram Temple
Koneswaram Temple
Koneswaram Temple
Other Spiritual Landmarks
Beyond the Ramayana, the island is home to sacred places of Buddhist and Hindu devotion, and to the living presence of saints and Siddhas.
Landmark A · Kandy · approx. 100 km · about 3 hours from Tapovan
Sri Dalada Maligawa
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
The Sri Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a living testament to Sri Lanka’s history, devotion and heritage. The relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE, concealed in the hair of Princess Hemamali, and has been venerated by kings and pilgrims ever since.
Its octagonal shrine, the Pattirippuwa, is adorned with woodwork, ivory carvings and frescoes. Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage city, invites an evening visit to the temple followed by a quiet walk around Kandy Lake.
Sri Dalada Maligawa
Sri Dalada Maligawa
Sri Dalada Maligawa
Landmark B · Nuwara Eliya · approx. 70 km · about 2.5 hours from Tapovan
Shri Gayathri Peedam
Home of 108 sacred Banalingas from the River Narmada.
Founded in 1970 by the saint Murugesu Siddher, Shri Gayathri Peedam is a temple and spiritual retreat dedicated to Goddess Gayathri. Legend holds that Indrajith, the son of King Ravana, performed penance and worshipped Lord Shiva on this land before the battle with Lord Rama and Lakshmana.
The temple preserves 108 Banalingas brought from the River Narmada in India. Murugesu Siddher taught that feeding the hungry is the truest worship; his samadhi stands within the grounds, drawing devotees who honour his memory and teachings.
Shri Gayathri Peedam
Shri Gayathri Peedam
Shri Gayathri Peedam
Landmark C · Badulla · approx. 140 km · about 4 hours from Tapovan
Badulla Kathirkamam Devalaya
A historic temple of Lord Muruga, linked to Skanda Vale Ashram in the UK.
Believed to have been built under the patronage of Kandyan King Vimaladharmasuriya I, the Badulla Kataragama Temple was destroyed in 1630 and restored by King Rajasinghe II. It remains a living symbol of devotion to Lord Muruga.
Guru Subramanium, founder of Skanda Vale Ashram in the United Kingdom, recounts in Living with God a transformative experience while meditating here, which marked the foundation of the ashram’s mission in the West.
Badulla Kathirkamam Devalaya
Landmark D · Kataragama · approx. 230 km · about 6 hours from Tapovan
Kathirkamam
Dakshina Kailasa, where Mahavatar Babaji performed intense sadhana.
Kathirkamam (Kataragama), the sacred abode of Lord Muruga, lies on a line drawn due south from Mount Kailash, earning it the name Dakshina Kailasa. Within the complex are shrines to Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, Valli and Deivanai, a Buddhist stupa, and a nearby Muslim shrine: a true confluence of faiths.
Kathirkamam has long been a centre of meditation for saints and sages. Mahavatar Babaji met his Guru, Siddha Boganathar, here and performed intense sadhana. Pilgrims meditate at the Babaji spot and visit nearby Sella Kathirkamam.
Kathirkamam
Kathirkamam
A Sample Divine Trail
An 11-day journey that brings the landmarks together. Every pilgrimage is tailored to your dates, group and interests.
- Day 1Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and rest in Negombo after the flight.
- Day 2Munneswaram Temple in Chilaw, then on to Kandy. Evening at the Temple of the Tooth and a walk around Kandy Lake.
- Day 3Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda, a tea estate visit, and Shri Gayathri Peedam in Nuwara Eliya.
- Day 4Seetha Amman Temple, Badulla Kathirkamam Devalaya, Ravana Falls near Ella, and on to Kathirkamam.
- Day 5Meditation at the Mahavatar Babaji spot, Sella Kathirkamam, then on to the south-west coast.
- Day 6Galle Dutch Fort, then arrive at Mohanji Datta Tapovan in Kithulgala.
- Days 7–8Time at Mohanji Datta Tapovan for satsang, meditation and seva.
- Days 9–10Rest and reflection by the beach in Bentota.
- Day 11Morning at leisure, transfer to Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport.