The Ramayana Trail Continues to Attract Visitors from India

 The Ramayana Trail of Sri Lanka revolves round the Ramayana, the great epic of Asia, which has an unshakable hold on the beliefs of a vast multitude of Asia’s population. Over 50 sites associated with the Ramayana, are located within Sri Lanka, with around 12 of them being sites with archeological evidence. The rest of the sites are largely based on unwavering faith and traditional beliefs.

A dedicated team from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Bureau (SLTPB), is handling the promotion and development of the Ramayana sites, and have created interest among local travel agents and hoteliers on the subject. Nearly 30 guides have been trained and a brochure, a DVD, and a travel planner have been published.

Rev. Swami Ajai Bhai Ji, President of the Triveni Seva Mission, Delhi, was in Sri Lanka early in June 2009, with a group of 30 devotees, on an eight-day tour, to visit a substantial selection of the Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka. Subsequent to an orientation programme held at Sri Lanka Tourism, the group of devotees proceeded on their journey through the country.
Rev. Swami Ajai Bhai Ji has continuously supported the Ramayana Trail and in September last year, he has brought down a group of 100 devotees on a Ramayana Trail tour.

Commencing the tour with a special puja at the Sri Anjenayar Temple in Dehiwala, the group went on to visit the many Ramayana sites such as Seetha Kotuwa in Gurulupotha, Sita Eliya where the Sita Amman Temple is situated, Isthirpura Cave, Ravana Cave, World’s End in Horton Plains, Dunuwila and its lake, Laggala, Yahangala, and Katharagama.

Speaking on the Ramayana Trail, Director General, SLTDA, Mr S Kalaiselvam said, ‘we have been able to bring down over 3000 devotees last year, to visit the Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka, and this year our target is 5000 persons. It is interesting how the Ramayana Trail has continuously created interest and attraction among our neighbouring countries and we hope to build this interest further, with many activities that have been planned in this regard.’

He further added that a familiarization tour of the Ramayana Trail has been organized for later this month, where journalists from India will get to know about the local Ramayana sites of interest. Meanwhile, in August this year, a road show is scheduled to take place, incorporating 4 cities of India, to build up awareness and interest.

 

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