Seetha Amman Temple, Sri Lanka

The Seetha Amman Temple is a small, brightly painted Hindu temple at Seetha Eliya, beside the main road a few kilometres from Nuwara Eliya. For Hindu pilgrims, especially from India, it is the most visited stop on Sri Lanka's Ramayana trail.

According to tradition, this is close to where Sita was held captive by King Ravana and where she prayed for rescue. Round marks on the rock beside the stream behind the temple are revered as the footprints of Hanuman. These stories belong to faith and legend rather than recorded history, but the devotion here is very real.

What to see

• The shrines — colourful sculptures of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, with a shrine dedicated to Sita.
• The stream — pilgrims say the water runs clear on the temple side. Many take a little home.
• The rock marks — the stones behind the temple that are honoured as Hanuman's footprints.
• The setting — misty hills and forest at around 1,800 metres, often cool even at midday.

Visiting tips

• Remove your shoes before entering and dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
• Priests may offer a blessing, and a small donation is customary.
• Morning puja is the most atmospheric time. Check times locally, as they can change.
• Bring a warm layer. It gets chilly and rain is common.

When to visit

The temple is open all year. January to April has the driest weather in the hills. It is busiest in April, when Sri Lankan holidaymakers fill Nuwara Eliya.

Getting there

The temple is on the Nuwara Eliya to Badulla road (A5), about 15 minutes by tuk-tuk from Nuwara Eliya town. It is easy to combine with Hakgala Botanical Garden, a few minutes further along the same road. See our Ramayana sites guide for the full trail.