Ella Ravana Cave | AmazingLanka.com

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Hidden high above Ella, Ravana Cave blends epic legend with deep prehistory. Linked to the Ramayana and inhabited as early as 20,000 BCE, this dramatic cliffside cavern invites hikers to explore Sri Lanka’s myths, archaeology, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

According to the Ramayana, one of the great Indian epics believed to have been composed in the 4th century BCE by Valmiki, Ravana was among the most powerful rulers of the ancient world and reigned over the island of Lanka. The epic portrays him as a tyrannical king of the Raksha tribe who wielded immense power over gods, demons, and humans.

In Sri Lankan tradition, however, Ravana is regarded as one of the greatest rulers of Lanka and is revered as a devoted worshipper of Shiva. In several temples, images of Ravana appear in association with Shiva.

Ravana also features in Buddhist and Jain literature. He is mentioned in the Mahayana Buddhist text Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra, appears in Buddhist Ramayanas and Jatakas, and is included in Jain Ramayanas. In some traditions, he is described as one of Vishnu’s cursed doorkeepers.

The Abduction of Sita and the War of Lanka

In the Ramayana, Sita is the wife of Rama, the hero of the epic. When Rama and his half-brother Lakshmana wounded a Raksha princess who attempted to seduce Rama, she returned and complained to her brother Ravana, the ten-headed ruler of Lanka. Enraged, Ravana devised a plan to abduct Sita after hearing of her incomparable beauty. Disguised as an old beggar, he kidnapped Sita and carried her to Lanka aboard his flying chariot, the Dandumonara (Pushpaka Vimanaya).

According to legend, Ravana concealed Sita in several locations across his kingdom. Rama eventually defeated Ravana with the aid of a monkey army led by Hanuman and rescued Sita.

Many in India and Sri Lanka believe the Ramayana is based on a historical king who ruled Sri Lanka around 4,000–6,000 years ago. The island is dotted with places traditionally linked to Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and Ravana.

Sacred Geography of the Ramayana in Sri Lanka

The Rama Setu, a chain of limestone shoals between Rameswaram and Mannar, is believed to be the bridge built by Hanuman to cross the sea into Lanka. European explorers later referred to it as Adam’s Bridge.

Sites associated with Sita’s captivity include Sita Eliya in Nuwara Eliya, Streepura in Ratnapura, Ravana Cave in Ella, and Sita Kotuwa in Gurulupotha. Several locations are also believed to have served as ancient landing grounds for Ravana’s flying machine, the Dandumonara. These include Wariyapola, Maskeliya Ravana Gala, Horton Plains (Maha Eliya), and Ussangoda in southern Sri Lanka.

Divurumpola near Welimada, today a Buddhist temple, has become an important Hindu pilgrimage site, as it is believed to be the location where Sita underwent the Agni Pariksha, the trial by fire. Dunuwila, a small village in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, is traditionally identified as the site of the final battle between Rama and Ravana.

When Rama and Lakshmana were gravely injured during the war, Hanuman was sent to fetch a life-saving medicinal herb from Sanjeevani Mountain in India. Unable to identify the plant, he carried the entire mountain back to Lanka. Legend holds that five fragments fell along the way at Dolukanda, Rumassala, Ritigala, Thalladi, and Kachchativu, each location now noted for its unique geography.

The rocky outcrops in the sea where the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse and Little Basses Reef Lighthouse stand are known locally as Maha Ravana Kotuwa and Kura Ravana Kotuwa, believed to be remnants of a fortress of Ravana.

Ravana Cave and Archaeological Evidence

Among all sites linked to Ravana, Ravana Cave (Ravana Guhawa) in Ella remains one of the most popular, now forming a major hiking trail and tourist attraction. The cave lies along the route to Ella Rajamaha Viharaya. The access road branches off 2.7 km before Ravana Ella waterfall when traveling from the Bandarawela side. After passing Ravana Rajamaha Viharaya and climbing approximately 600–700 steps, visitors reach this prehistoric cave.

Archaeological excavations indicate human activity in the cave dating back to around 20,000 BCE. The cave is situated at an elevation of 1,370 m (4,490 ft) above sea level and measures approximately 15 m (50 ft) wide, 46 m (150 ft) long, and 18 m (60 ft) high. Although not vast, about 200 m of the interior is accessible, beyond which the passage has been deliberately blocked.

Local tradition holds that this cave connects via underground tunnels to Dowa Rajamaha Viharaya in Bandarawela and Bogoda Rajamaha Viharaya, where similar cave entrances exist. These interconnected tunnels are said to have been used by King Walagamba (89–77 BCE) during his exile between 104 BCE and 89 BCE.

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