Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Seetha Eliya: Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Ashoka Vatika Site
Seetha Eliya is a small village in Sri Lanka’s highlands that people think is where the goddess Sita was kept by the villain Ravana in the ancient story Ramayana.
The village has a beautiful garden, a temple, and a stream that are all linked to that story.
Many people travel there to pray, learn about the story, and enjoy the cool mountain air.
The village is close to a town called Nuwara Eliya, which is very high up in the mountains.
Visitors can walk or drive there, and the temple welcomes people of all religions.
Special celebrations happen there during the festivals Ram Navami and Diwali.
Seetha Eliya is believed to be the site of Ramayana’s Ashoka Vatika where Sita was held captive.
The area includes Hakgala Botanical Garden, Sita Amman Temple, and the Sita Jharna stream, all linked to Sita’s captivity.
Pilgrims and tourists visit as part of Sri Lanka’s Ramayana trail, which stretches from Mannar to Ella.
The village is about 10 km from Nuwara Eliya, a hill town at 1,868 metres, reachable by road or railway.
The temple welcomes visitors of all faiths, requiring modest attire and footwear removal; special ceremonies occur during Ram Navami and Diwali.
- Who
- Pilgrims, tourists, devotees, and travel enthusiast Shenaz Treasury
- What
- A pilgrimage circuit believed to be the site of Ramayana’s Ashoka Vatika
- When
- Year‑round visits, busiest during Ram Navami and Diwali
- Where
- Seetha Eliya village near Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
- Why
- To honor Sita’s story and for religious and cultural tourism
- Location
- Seetha Eliya, Sri Lanka
- Associated with
- Ramayana's Ashoka Vatika
- Key sites
- Hakgala Botanical Garden, Sita Amman Temple, Sita Jharna
- Distance from Nuwara Eliya
- 10 km
- Altitude of Nuwara Eliya
- 1,868 metres