Ashoka Vatika is the place where Sita Devi was in captivity under Sri Lankan king Ravana during Ramayana yatra in Sri Lanka.  There is no clear demarcation of the exact land of Ashok Vatika in Nuwara Eliya but it is believed the area is to be in Sita Eliya + part of the Hakgala botanic gardens & Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve (SNR). Basically, area is surrounds Sita Amman Temple / Hakgala Botanic Gardens / Nearby stream and close areas & part of Hakgala SNR.  As per the Ramayana Story Sri Lanka, the beautiful princess Sita Devi was brought to the island of Lanka Puram (Sri Lanka) and imprisoned in an area named Ashok Vatika.
Ashok Vatika / Ashok Vanam Sita Eliya Sri lanka Ashok Vatika is one of the significant places mentioned in Ramayana Yatra Sri Lanka. She was preferred to stay in this garden instead of at Ravana’s majestic castle. There was a wonderful Ashoka tree here, which provided the distressed Sita, shelter and comfort. It is believed that the considerable area of Ashok Vatika were burnt and destroyed by monkey god Hanuman when he arrived in the island and found the lost princess Sita Devi.  Sita Devi was in Ashok Vatika until end of the battle between Ravana & Rama which resulted the death of Ravana, the Sri Lankan King.

 

Today situation of Ashok Vatika

Today visitors can explore the Sita Amman Temple which is the iconic site of Sita Devi stay in Ashok Vatika / Nearby stream where its is believed that Princess Sita Devi used and the Hakgala Botanic garden which is the part of Ashok Vatika. Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve (SNR) is not approved to enter for regular visitors and you need to get special approval from Department of Wildlife Conservations and only for research and educational purposes. 

Ramayana Tour Sri Lanka Tips / FAQs / Travel Notes

How many Ramayana related sites in Sri Lanka?

There are 52 Ramayana relates sites available in Sri Lanka

Can we visit Gurulupotha Sita Kotuwa during 7 Nights Ramayana Tour Sri Lanka Package ?

Generally we do not include Sita Kotuwa Ramayana site for the regular Sri Lanka Ramayana tour packages since this is located bit far from the main route and also this trek is not possible for senior citizens. But Ceylon Expeditions include this upon request or we include this for 12 nights full Ramayana tour package Sri Lanka.

Entrance fees of Ramayana Sites of Sri Lanka

No entrance fees for most of the Hindu Temples and other Ramayana related places in Sri Lanka but you may donate a reasonable amount if you wish. If you participate for the Puja / services, you need to buy a ticket (Approximately (100 – 200 Sri Lankan Rupees). But there are some places like Dambulla cave temple / Cobra Hood Sigiriya / Ashoka Vatika (Converted as a Botanic Gardens) need to pay entrance fees.

Entrance fees for Gurulupotha Sita Kotuwa

There is no entrance fees for this archeological site but you may give a reasonable donation to the Temple. (Not mandatory)

Is it safe to travel to Jaffna now?

Yes. Sri Lanka is safe country now and there is no security threat island wide

Are these Ramayana Related places open every day?

Yes most of the places are open 356 days for public from morning to evening.  Consult Ceylon Expeditions tour executive beforehand to know the exact timings.

How many Sanjeevani mountains in Sri Lanka?

There are 5 Sanjeevani Mountains in Sri Lanka namely, Dolukanda (Kurunegala) / Ritigala Nature Reserve (Habarana) / Rumassala Mountain (Galle) / Kachchativu island (Jaffna) / Thalladi (Mannar)

Important places of Ramayana in Sri Lanka

Ketheeswaram Temple Mannar, Munneswaram & Manawari Temples Chilaw , Sanjeevani mountain Ritigala, Thirukoneswaram Temple, Sita Amman Temple Nuwara Eliya , Ahoka Vatika Nuwara Eliya , Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple Ramboda, Gayathri Peedam Nuwara Eliya, Divurumpola Templ, Ravana Water Fall, Ravana Caves, Kataragama Temple, Sri Anjaneyar Temple Colombo, Kelaniya Buddhist temple.

Can I visit all Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka within 3 or 4 days?

Not really, you need stay at least 7 – 8 days to cover most of the important Ramayana Proofs in Sri Lanka.

How many days I need to visit all Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka?

You will need approximately 14 days to cover all Ramayana trail sites of Sri Lanka.

Can I visit other cultural or wildlife parks during Ramayana Tour in Sri Lanka?

Yes you can see other cultural triangle attractions and wildlife parks in Sri Lanka but your Ramayana Tour itinerary should be discussed with our travel executives beforehand to manage the time.

Can I visit Yala National Park while am on Ramayana Tour in Sri Lanka?

Yes possible but you need to wake-up early morning and leave for Yala National Park safari (3 Hrs on jeep safari) and then visit Kataragama Temple.

Can I participate for the Puja / services while am on Ramayana holiday in Sri Lanka?

Yes this is possible but you need to discuss with Ceylon Expeditions tour executives beforehand to check the puja timings at each Ramayana temples / kovil Sri Lanka.

What are the hotels you provide for Sri Lanka Ramayana Tours?

Generally Ceylon Expeditions provide 3 accommodation plans with mix of 3 to 5 star accommodation and you may decide the selection as per your budget. Ceylon Expeditions may change the accommodation plan as per your estimated budget.

Note – Kindly note that we do not work with guest houses / 1 or 2 star hotels and we contracted ONLY with 3 Star and above recommended hotels in Sri Lanka.

But as a responsible travel company we could guide / advice you for guest hoses / 1 & 2 star hotels bookings and provide all necessary guidance for your tour FREE of CHARGE throughout the tour.

Can I have 5 star Ramayana Package?

Yes. You need to mention this to Ceylon Expeditions Tour executive when you plan the trip.

Do I get all 3 meals or only breakfast during Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka?

Generally we provide half board, both dinner & breakfast included package except lunch but we could include lunch upon request.

while am on tour?Ramayana itinerary in Sri LankaCan I change the

Not at all. You cannot change the accommodation plan which we already confirmed but you may change itinerary if time permits. Charges may apply if any additional transport / mileage is required

What is best time to do a Sri Lanka Ramayana tour?

Year around. Generally summer period (Till end of Oct) hotel rates are comparatively lower than winter.

Can I access all Ramayana sites of Sri Lanka like Ravana Caves?

Yes you can go up to the entrance of the caves but it’s not possible to go inside of the Ravana cave while you are on holiday.

Can senior citizens access Sanjeevani mountains / Ravana caves / Ravana Ella (Falls) ?

We do not recommend to climb these Ravana caves / Sanjeevani Mountains for senior citizens. But you can see all places from the main road.

Are these Ramayana tours are exclusive or group tours?

We operate private / exclusive family type holidays and we never merge you with another family or group.

Can I get a Tamil or Hindi speaking guide for Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka?

Yes but subject to availability. Generally we provide English speaking Ramayana qualified guides for all our tours. All Ceylon Expeditions Guides carefully handpicked / well qualified responsible guides who passed the rigorous examination held by SLTDA (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority of Gov)

Can I buy mobile SIM card on arrival / do you provide SIM card for travelers on arrival?

Yes Ceylon Expeditions provide a free SIM card on arrival. Need to request in advance along with your copy of passport.

?Ramayana tour in Sri LankaDo I get free Wi-Fi during

We do provide free Wi-Fi connection throughout the tour. Only one router per coach which maximum 10 devices / people can be connected at once.
Also you will get free Wi-Fi from most of the star class hotels you stay.

Do I receive emergency support from Ceylon Expeditions while we are on tour?

Of course you will receive 24 x 7 support for all tours from Colombo end.

Can I join with your group of Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka ?
Yes, then you need to contact our India agent Mumbai / Chennai or Bangalore
Refer below email address

?Ramayana tour package from ChennaiCan I book Sri lanka

Yes, you need to contact our agent in Mumbai / Chennai / Bangalore
Please email to holidays@expeditions.lk

Can we pay Ramayana tour package cost to your Indian agent in Mumbai / Chennai ?

Yes of course. You can directly pay to our agent in Mumbai / Chennai.

Do you serve pure vegetarian food during our Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka

Yes, Ceylon Expeditions inform all hotels to serve veg dishes and we closely monitor the food management. But when you stay 4 or 5 star hotel during the Ramayana tour, you need serve from the regular buffet but we will inform to all hotels to arrange veg dishes well in advance,

What is the meal plan for Ramayana package Sri Lanka ?

All group tours are full board and you will receive all 3 meals from arrival to departure, We provide dinner & breakfast from the hotel where you stay but all lunches will be served outside recommended tourist restaurants.

Do you provide airport assistance for Ramayana tours in Sri Lanka ?

Of course, you will welcome by Ceylon Expeditions tour manager and your guide.
Also we do keep close communications you / airport authority / airlines by keeping constant updates on your flight.

For any other clarification, please reach us

Ramayana Tour Sri Lanka Help Desk
Email holidays@expeditions.lk
Hotline +94 717 88 44 99
WhatsApp / Viber +94 714 276 985

Reference to the article

Mr. S. Kalaiselvam (Former Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority)
Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management – SLITHM
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (Ramayana Trail Sri Lanka) – SLTDA