Sri Lanka is known for its historical forts, crystal-clear beaches, and wildlife. Ravana’s Cave in Sri Lanka is an architectural marvel that is said to be one of the popular tourist attractions near Ella. The place has historical as well as mythological significance attached to it. People who have read, seen, or even heard about the epic Ramayana must be excited to witness this place in reality. So, if you are in Ella or nearby and are a history fanatic or an adventure lover, don’t stop yourself from exploring this uncharted territory.
Quick Details About Ravana’s Cave In Sri Lanka
Location: Bandarawela- Wellawaya Road, Ella
Ticket Price: 100 LKR (₹ 26) per person for locals, 200 LKR (₹ 51) per person for foreigners
Timings: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Elevation: 4,490 feet above sea level
Dimensions: 150 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 60 feet high
Best time to visit: Throughout the year, preferably from January to March
Who was Ravana?
Image Credit: Rohit MDS for Wikimedia Commons
Ravana was a king who ruled the island of Lanka. He is a positive figure for the people of Sri Lanka, whereas, a demon in Hindu mythology. The Indian epic Ramayana states that Ravana abducted Sita, the wife of the Hindu God Rama. There are two viewpoints of people as to why Ravana held Sita as a hostage. Some people say that Ravana was mesmerised by Sita’s beauty, whereas, others say that he wanted to take revenge on Lord Rama and Lakshmana, the brothers responsible for his sister Surpnakha’s chopped nose.
Must Read: Things To Do In Ella
History of Ravana’s Cave
Image Credit: A.Savin for Wikimedia Commons
More than 5,000 years old, Ravana’s Cave (or as the locals call it “Ravana Guhawa”) is a protected ancient place in Ella, Sri Lanka. As per the Hindu mythology Ramayana, Mata Sita was kidnapped by Ravana and kept here before getting transferred to Ashoka Vatika (also in Sri Lanka).
The cave is said to have a rock cavity that leads to an underground tunnel, which further leads to an underground lake and rooms. It is also said that the cave has been connected to the Dowa Rock Temple Cave (part of King Walagamba’s “tunnel network”), near Dambulla. Further, it is believed that during archaeological excavations of the Ravana’s Cave, human fossils were found that dated back thousands of years. A 25-metre waterfall, Ravana Falls, lies just behind the Ravana’s Cave.
About Ravana’s Cave
Image Credit: A.Savin for Wikimedia Commons
Perched on the foundation of a cliff that is 4,490 feet above sea level, the Ravana’s Cave is 150 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 60 feet high. You have to climb approximately 700 steps to reach the cave. The cemented steps leading to the cave are irregular and steep whereas, the broken steps are substituted with temporary steps in the form of sharp rocks and tree roots. There is a handrail for support that you can hold on to while climbing, except for the final leg of the trail, which appears difficult without any support but not impossible.
Once you reach the cave, a stone printed with a demonic face welcomes you at the entrance. Similarly, there are inscriptions, imprints, and scribblings on the stones and walls inside the cave. After 200 metres, you will find a boulder in the middle prohibiting further entry. This is because the Government has set an exploration limit for the visitors inside the cave and the remaining area is restricted for public viewing.
Suggested Read: Awesome Places To Visit In Ella
How To Reach Ravana’s Cave?
Image Credit: A.Savin for Wikimedia Commons
Located 2 kilometres outside Ella town and 11 kilometres from Bandarawela, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Ravana Ella Temple. After that, you will find a small gate where you need to buy the tickets. An uneven trekking trail takes you to Ravana’s Cave, located at the base of a cliff.
Do’s And Dont’s
- Wear a comfortable pair of shoes as you have to trek up to the caves.
- Carry water bottles to stay hydrated.
- Senior citizens must avoid the trek as the path is rugged, and during the monsoons, it gets slippery.
- Don’t carry food items in your hands as you will find monkeys while trekking your way to the top.
- Carry a torch light with you as it gets dark inside the cave.
- Wear comfortable clothes covering your arms and legs to avoid getting bitten by an insect or cut by a wild forest plant.
Further Read: Best Things To Do In Ella
Ready to explore Ravana’s Cave in Sri Lanka? We bet you are! So, plan a trip to Sri Lanka as soon as you can and do visit this significant tourist attraction that speaks volumes about the history and culture of the country. Don’t forget to carry your cameras to capture the ancient marvel and view from the top of the cave.
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Cover Image Credit: Alexey Komarov for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Ravana’s Cave In Sri Lanka
Does Ravana’s Cave still exist?
Yes! Ravana’s Cave, or as the locals call it “Ravana Guhawa,” is a protected ancient place in Ella, Sri Lanka.
What is inside Ravana's Cave?
There are inscriptions, imprints of demon faces, and scribblings on the stones and walls inside the cave.
How much does it cost to go to Ravana cave?
The entry fee for locals is 100 LKR (₹ 26) per person, whereas, for foreigners, it is 200 LKR (₹ 51) per person.
What is the story behind the Ravana cave?
As per the Hindu mythology Ramayana, Mata Sita was kidnapped by Ravana and kept in the cave of Ravana in Sri Lanka, before getting transferred to Ashoka Vatika (also in Sri Lanka).
Can elders visit Ravana’s Cave?
Ravana’s Cave is not recommended for the elderly as the trek path is rugged, and during the monsoons, it gets slippery.
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