Sri Lanka: Revamping the Ramayana Trail; Beautification of Ashok Vatika and Seetha Eliya Temple Begins

Colombo/Nuwara Eliya, January 8, 2026: In a significant move to strengthen civilizational bonds with India, the Sri Lankan government has fast-tracked the revamp of its iconic Ramayana Trail. Starting today, large-scale beautification and infrastructure development work has commenced at the Seetha Eliya Temple and the legendary Ashok Vatika in the central highlands of Nuwara Eliya.

Restoring the Glory of Seetha Eliya

The Seetha Amman Temple, believed to be the site of Goddess Sita's captivity, is the focal point of this project:

• The Ashok Vatika Project: The area is being transformed into a world-class heritage garden. Plans include planting flora described in the Valmiki Ramayana and preserving the sacred stream where Sita is said to have bathed.

• Meditation Hub: A new meditation hall, funded partly through international devotees and supported by the Indian government, is being integrated into the temple complex to offer a space for spiritual reflection.

Launch of the Interactive Digital Map

To aid modern pilgrims, Sri Lanka Tourism has launched a Digital Ramayana Map:

1. Connectivity: The map tracks the journey of Lord Rama and Hanuman across the island, linking key sites like the Seetha Amman Kovil, Hakgala Botanical Garden (Ashok Vatika), and the Ravana Caves in Ella.

2. User Experience: It provides GPS navigation, real-time weather updates for the hilly terrain, and multilingual historical narratives for each site.

Economic and Cultural Impact

With the Indian diaspora showing immense interest in the Ramayana Circuit, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a premier destination for spiritual tourism. The beautification project includes improved walkways around the Hakgala peaks and better accessibility for elderly travelers. The government aims to make the Ramayana Trail a "bridge of friendship" between the two nations, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.