Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is located on the summit of a scenic mountain in Ramboda, Sri Lanka. The temple was constructed in 1999 by Chinmaya Mission. Shri Bhakta Hanuman temple was built in dedication to Lord Hanuman and it has become one of the important sites of the Ramayana Tour in the beautiful country of Sri Lanka. It comprises an 18 feet Hanuman statue, making it the tallest Hanuman statue in all of Sri Lanka. The Chinmaya Mission is a Hindu spiritual organization established in 1953 by the devotees and admirers of Swami Chinmayananda, the esteemed teacher of Vedanta.
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple History And Origin
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Chinmaya Mission, in 1981, purchased 10 acres of land at Wevanden Hill and renamed the land “Ramboda”. The temple’s history dates back to the time of Ramayan. It is believed that Lord Hanuman came to search for Sita Devi in this region. The Tamil word for Ramboda (Rampadai) translates to “Rama’s force”; hence, Ramboda is believed to be where Rama formed his troops. Also, Hanuman took a rest here while his search for Sita continued.
Hindu missionaries, local devotees, and leaders began building temples in Lanka to worship Hanuman. The idol is made of black granite and carved exquisitely. It stands high at around 16 feet. Devotees come here to worship their beloved Lord Hanuman.
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Location And Timings Of Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
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The temple is primarily located in Ramboda village in Sri Lanka. It lies about 500m from the main road and 30 km north towards Nuwara Eliya. Ramboda is a picturesque village in the central province of Sri Lanka, quite popular for its tea factories and waterfalls. The temple is open every day throughout the year from 7 am to 1 pm and 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Inside Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
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Lord Hanuman’s tall idol is one of the main attractions inside the temple. You are not permitted to photograph the idol, though. You can attend Hanuman Chalisa Bhajan conducted inside the temple. The premises have a good, pure veg, saatvik meal at Annapoorani Restaurant inside the premises. Donations for the temple and Chinmaya Mission are welcome. There is a special pooja done during the full moon a big event during which the statue of Lord Hanuman is decorated with silk and a variety of flowers. The celebrations for Hanuman Jayanthi begin 10 days prior and end with a grand show of chariots and parades. There is also an ashram of about 16 rooms, with room names based on characters on the Ramayan – Vibheeshan, Sugriva, etc.
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How To Reach Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
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By Air
The nearest airport to the temple in Sri Lanka is Hatton (NUF) Airport and it takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Ramboda from the airport. Meanwhile from Colombo Airport, it takes about 4 hours.
By Road
The temple lies about 500m from the main road. Taxis are widely available to take you to and back from the temple.
By Train
The cheapest way to travel from Sri Lanka to Ramboda is by train, which costs around ₹500 – ₹800 and takes 3 and a half hours to reach.
Tourist Spots Near Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
There are many tourist spots that you can add to your itinerary during your visit to Hanuman Temple. These places are as follows:
1. Kalugala Gerandi Ella Waterfall
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A magnificent collection of around seven waterfalls, the Kalugala Gerandi Ella Waterfall is located about 15 minutes from Kalugala Village in the district of Kandy. Not only can tourists sit and watch the cascading water but the site is also popular for hiking and camping. Hikers can easily get to the upper levels of the waterfall. The height of the waterfalls is somewhere around 240–250 m. They transform into more powerful falls during the monsoon season, and they are the most beautiful sight in the rain. Due to the moist atmosphere, it is always pleasant and cool around this area, and a great tourist attraction.
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2. Peacock Hill
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From a distance, the shape of the mountain resembles a peacock, hence the name. Monaragala is the Sinhalese name for the Peacock Hill. Located in Pussellawa town in Sri Lanka, halfway between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, one must take a tuc tuc or even a jeep for a 15 km detour to the Peacock Hill Trail. The hike is 1.5 km long and will take you uphill in about 20 – 30 minutes. As you travel uphill from Gampola, Peacock Hill can be seen on the right-hand side along a 30 km-long stretch of the road. The summit of Peacock Hill is proven to be the best vantage point for watching the entire mountain range of the central highlands. Visiting the hill during the daytime is best as hiking and photography are easier in the daylight.
3. Bluefield Tea Garden and Factory
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It is a popular tea production estate in Rambado town. Located on a hillside, about 1200 meters above sea level, the site is surrounded by lush green mountains and valleys. It is the most popular and frequently visited tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya district. Since it has a lot of influence on English architecture, it is also called Little England. Bluefield Tea Factory is known for its garden of fresh tea varieties.
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4. Ambewela Farm
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It is located in the hill station in Sri Lanka known as Ambewela. It is also known as ‘Little New Zealand’. It is situated about 17km away from Nuwara Eliya. It spreads across 150 acres and is popular for its dairy products. Here you can find cows roaming free as they graze on the farm’s lush pastures by the windmills. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the sky is almost always crystal blue. The farm was originally established with the help of the New Zealand government in the ‘60s, and due to its milk production, yoghurt, cream, and cheese production, the farm is an eye-catching spot for tourists and visitors. It is a must-visit!
Further Read: Nuwara Eliya Waterfalls
Now that you know everything about this great temple, why wait anymore? Sri Lanka has so much to offer from beaches to temples and monasteries. This trip ensures that you go back home charged both mentally and spiritually. So pack your bags and set out on your next trip To Sri Lanka. Book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
What is the climate in Ramboda, Sri Lanka like?
Ramboda’s yearly temperature is around 27 ºC - 28 ºC. Months of December, January, July, August, and October have a pleasant climate with average temperatures.
Are there good facilities in the temple?
The premises have a good, pure veg, saatvik meal at Annapoorani Restaurant. Some shops sell Sri Lankan coffee, tea, and spices. There is a bookshop as well. Parking is available but limited.
What is the entry fee?
There are no entry fees as such but donations are welcome.
Is there accommodation near the temple?
Nuwara Eliya and Ramboda have a plethora of hotels to lodge in. So book your accommodation beforehand if you are traveling in peak season.
What to wear at the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple?
You have to be appropriately dressed in traditional clothing, otherwise will not be allowed to enter inside the temple. Hair should be tied, knees and shoulders should be covered for both men and women.
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