Ravana’s Country

Aditi Ghosh

It is believed that Ramayana is a semi-fiction woven around a real King who ruled over Sri Lanka from 2554 to 2517 BC. According to Sri Lankan lore, Ravana – the Legendary Emperor of Sri Lanka- brought great advancements in science and medicine. The pushpaka vimana or the airplane which he flew is held as an example of great scientific achievements made during his regime, while Ravana also holds a high position as a physician and there exists, to this day, seven books on Ayurveda his name. And his description as a ten-headed person is believed to be a reference to his vast knowledge and intelligence.

The country is filled with locations that are linked to the Ravana legend. Ella is one such location. The gigantic Ravana Fall is where Sita used to take a bath during her captive days in Ravana Cave. Ravana Falls is a 25-metre waterfall and during the wet season, the waterfall is one of the widest in Sri Lanka. Right behind the waterfall, is where you would find the cave.

The Ravana cave is full of historical mystery and wonder, with excavations of this site revealing evidence of human life that goes back to around 20,000 BC, as there was a human skull found at the site which dates back to this time. It is the type of place for people who are interested in learning about ancient history and the various myths and legends that have been associated with places such as these. Moreover, there is more to be uncovered in this small cave as it is thought to be connected to a ‘tunnel network’.

This tunnel network has long been rumored to be the architectural brilliance of King Ravana, as they proved to be a swift means of transport through the hills, but also as it served as a convenient secret passage. This network of caves and tunnels has all been confirmed to be man-made, as they could not have formed naturally. Good to experience the legend of Ram-  Ravana from the Lanka side!

The writer is a globe traveler