Ravana cave is one of the most significant tourist attractions with historical value, it is known to be a place of legends and one of the best visits in Sri Lanka. This cave was supposedly used by King Ravana to hide Sita Mata (the wife of Lord Ram). It is a gigantic creation by King Ravana located 2 km away from the small town of Ella, Sri Lanka, and lies 1370 meters above sea level. The cave is linked with cities, dairy farms, and airports in Sri Lanka. The view, the magnificence, and the history this cave offers are captivating for all the tourists.




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Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka lies on the southern tip of India between the Bay of Bengal and the Laccadive Sea. It is the 25th largest island in the world. What makes Sri Lanka an irresistible location is that it can be visited year-round, and its proximity to the equator ensures pleasant temperatures irrespective of the season. The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the area you want to explore. The island’s weather is dictated by two key monsoon seasons – its annual dual monsoons mean that while one side of the country is knee soaked, the other is primed for sunbathing.

In a nutshell, the best time to visit the southwest coasts is from December to April, while the best weather on the east coast and hill stations are from May to September. However, Sri Lanka sees the highest number of tourists during the winter season as the weather in these months is dry and cool. Moreover, during this time maximum festivities take place.

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Ravana’s Cave History, Timings & Entrance Fee

According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, King Ravana of Sri Lanka was a brutal, demon king, who abducted Sita, the consort of Lord Rama of India, and hid her in the caves behind the waterfall (Ravana Fall), now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. Some say he was captivated by Sita’s beauty while others say he sought revenge against Rama and Lakshmana, the two brothers who sliced off his sister Surpnakha’s nose. The army of lord Rama, which was led by the monkey, God Hanuman eventually found Sita Mata and killed Ravana.

As you get close to the cave, a panoramic view of the mountains reveals itself which is a treasure to the eyes. The cave itself is very small. There are sayings that this cave leads to an underground tunnel, which then leads to an underground open area with a lake (where princess Sita used to bath) and rooms that are assumed to be a part of Ravana’s Palace. If you will observe the architecture of these tunnels you will conclude that they are man-made and not just natural appearances. There is an imprint of a huge demonic face on the stone at the entrance of ‘Ravana Cave’; such imprints can be found on many stones inside this cave. The Architectural details of these tunnels prove the architectural brilliance of King Ravana.

Some people in Srilanka who follow the cult of Ravana believe that he was a God and he will eventually make a comeback from this very “Ravana’s Cave”. It is advised to take a local guide or a friendly local along to guide your way through as they are not signposted well and people can get lost.

Timings: It is open every day from 8 am-4 pm. The best time to visit is early morning or evening to escape the scorching heat.

Ticket Price:  LKR 150 (For Indians), INR 30-35

LKR 100 (For Locals)

LKR 250 (For Foreigners), USD 0.70

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How To Get To Ravana Cave?

Ravana Cave is 3 km away from Ella’s railway station. The tourists can walk from Ella town to the cave. The trek starts near the Ravana Temple. Once you start trekking you will find a small closed gate where you need to buy entry tickets. One has to climb 700 steps to reach the cave. The steps are steep and some places have broken or no steps just steep rocks. The last few meters are the toughest because you have to climb up the rocks without anything to hold on to, hence, you need to be cautious and mind your step.

Visitors cannot go further inside the cave than 200 meters as there is a big boulder that has been placed by the government in the middle of the pathway restricting entry.

Is It Safe To Travel To Sri Lanka Now?

It is totally safe to travel to Sri Lanka. You just need to keep a few things in mind to be ready to explore the history and beauty of Sri Lanka.

* Select accommodations that have a generator with them so that you do not have to face the wrath of power cuts. At the moment power cuts have become very common in Sri Lanka due to the economic crisis that hit Sri Lanka at the start of the year 2022.
* Stay updated about travel news since power cuts and sudden changes are common in Sri Lanka you will have to be prepared for a sudden change in your plan.
* Try to stay away from public demonstrations and crowds.
* Avoid traveling to the capital ‘Colombo’ since most of the public demonstrations 
have occurred in Colombo.
* Book transport with a reputable company so that they have the fuel ready for your 
journey and you don’t have to stand in long queues.
* Get a local guide who can keep you updated and safe.
* Follow the rules and advice given to you by your hotel.




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Are These Ramayana-Related Places Open Every Day?

Most of the Ramayana-related places are open 356 days for the public from morning to evening and there’s no entrance fee for most of the Hindu Temples and other Ramayana-related places in Sri Lanka.

Other Must Visit Places In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka never fails to entice and amaze tourists from all around the world with its mythology and history. Below are some of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka:

Sigiriya

Also called Lion Rock or Lion Mountain is an ancient rock fortress that was built in the late 5th century, today is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site as the 8th Wonder of the World. Some myths are that this place was linked to king Ravana as it used to hold the majestic palace of Ravana made of solid gold crafted by Kubera at the top of the plateau. Believed to be built 50 centuries ago, it is said that the palace had a special lift for Ravana and his visitors. Sigiriya is also believed to be one of the famous Buddhist monasteries.

Timings: It remains open from 7 am to 4 pm. The best time to visit this place is from January to April. The climate would be pleasant.

Ticket Price: Tourists need to buy the ticket before heading up the stairs which can cost anything between 2000-2500 INR, 30 USD (yes, it’s a little pricey but it’s worth it).




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Chilaw

Chilaw town is among the favorite tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. It is home to the popular Munneswara and Manavari Temples. These two temples hold great significance to Ramayana. Munneswara Temple is believed to be the place where King Rama penanced for his sin (Brahmahatya Dosha) to Lord Shiva for killing Ravana, a Brahmin.

As advised by Lord Shiva, Lord Rama installed four Shivalingas at four different places namely Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram, and Rameswaram in India to get rid of Brahmahatya Dosha. Entry to this temple is free for everyone.

Timings: Munneswara temple remains open all day from 5:30 am – 8 pm and Manavari temple remains open all day from 6.30 am to 12.30 pm & 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm.

Ella

Ella is a small mountain village with two places that ties to the legendary Ramayana. It never fails to allure tourists with its magnificent beauty and mythology. First, the Ravana Ella Cave situated 1370 meters above sea level is believed to be the cave, Ravana used to hide Sita. Second, Ravana Ella Falls (falling from a height of about 25m) is believed that Seeta bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall.

Timings: Ravana Cave remains open from 8 am – 4 pm every day but it is advisable to avoid trekking during monsoon season since the slopes become slippery and risky. The best time to visit Ravana Fall is during the rainy season as it gives a breathtaking view. It is best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the scorching heat.

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Dolukanda Sanjeevani Mountain

Located near Dolukanda is another famous tourist spot carrying trails of Ramayana in Sri Lanka. According to the legends, Lord Hanuman (whose army helped Rama in his war with Ravana) was asked by Lord Rama to bring Sanjeevani Booti (in Hindu mythology it is a magical herb that glows in the dark and is capable of healing any illness) which only grew in the Himalayas to cure his brother Laxmana’s wound who got severely injured during the war against Ravana. As Hanumana was unable to identify the herb, he carried the whole mountain on his shoulder, which is then believed that parts from the Himalayas fell on five places in Sri Lanka and those five places were declared as “Sanjeevani drops” and the Dolukanda Sanjeevani Mountain is one of them.

Sita Kotuwa

‘Sita Kotuwa’ (Sita’s Fort) is situated in ‘Gurulupotha’ village in the thick forest of the ‘Uwa’ region of Sri Lanka. Waterfalls and streams encircle it. This is known to be the first place where Sita Mata was held captive by King Ravana. This was where the city of Lanakapura stood and Sita Mata was kept at Queen Mandodari’s (the queen consort of Ravana) palace at Lankapura until she was moved to Ashoka Vatika.

Other Places to Visit In Ella

Ella Rock

It’s one of the most popular hiking destinations in Ella. The hike takes about 2-3 hours to reach Ella Rock. During the trek up to the rock, you will witness beautiful tea plantations and can interact with the tea planters. Once atop the rock, you can witness the sights of the morning sun rising from behind the hills. You will get a mesmerizing view of the scenic valleys. There is no entry fee.

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Nine Arch Bridge

Nine Arch Bridge was constructed when Sri Lanka was under British rule. The bridge is incredibly alluring and is amongst the most popular tourist places in Ella located between Ella and Damodara stations. When the British stopped the construction of this bridge mid-way due to a lack of steel during World War I, the locals completed it using stone and bricks. The bridge has stood strong without a single piece of steel since then. There is no entry fee.

Little Adam’s Peak

Little Adam’s Peak is one of the popular hiking trails. It’s a short trek (1 hour) that takes you through the world-famous tea plantations of the region. Once you reach the top of the Peak, you will glimpse a Buddha sculpture backdropped against the mountains. There is no entry fee.

Ceylon Tea Factory Restaurant

Ceylon Tea Factory is one of the most famous restaurants in Srilanka. Tourists can get a flavor of the most ethnic and traditional dishes of Sri Lanka along with international cuisines. The restaurant also has a tea bar that makes hundreds of varieties of teas. It has been named “Tea Factory” to intrigue the tourists.

Sri Lanka has a great history and treasured heritage, which is related to one of the most important scriptures of Hindu mythology, the great epic Ramayana. Right from the site of Seeta’s abduction to the killing place of Ravana, there are so many mythological and historical places in Sri Lanka that can be visited year long.

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