Seetha Amman Temple | History and Timings

Seetha Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Princess Sita in Sri Lanka. It has made where Seeta Mata spent her days in the prison of Ravana approx 5000 years ago. It is one of the important Ramayana-related places in Sri Lanka. This is also unique because it is one of the few temples dedicated to Seeta. Temple timings from the morning: 8 am to 1 pm and
afternoon: 2 pm to 6:30 pm

Seetha Amman Kovil

The Seetha Amman Temple has located just 1 km from the Hakgala Botanical Garden is the Seetha Amman kovil. It is 5 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya. Seetha Amman Temple is in the village of Seetha Eliya. The Seetha Amman Temple has idols of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Devi Sita, and Lord Hanuman. Near the temple stream flows, where Devi Sita prayed and bathed.

History of Seetha Amman Temple :

This place is where Ravana made Sita a prisoner. And where she prayed daily for Rama. To come and rescue her in Epic Ramayana. On the rock face across the river are circular felt sad, said to be the footprints of Lord Hanuman. The temple is also where Lord Hanuman came to deliver a message to Sita Devi.

Temple Timings for Pooja:

  • Morning 8 am to 1 pm
  • Afternoon: 2 pm to 6:30 pm

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Hotels Nearby Seetha Amman Temple:

  • Hotel Ashford
  • Akiko rest
  • Grandview Hotel
  • Miliya guest house
  • The tea garden
  • Grand camellia hotel
  • AGP home
  • tea mount forest
  • Misthill Rest – Lavish Villa 
Temple Address:

Seetha Eliya(V), Nuwara Eliya(D), Sri Lanka.

Temple Contact Number:
  • +94-522235536
  • +94-522222038

How to reach Seetha Amman Temple:

By Air:

The nearest airport to this beautiful place is Bandaranaike International Airport. One can hop in a local auto rickshaw, taxi, cab, or bus from the airport or railway station to reach Seetha Amman Temple. Nuwara Eliya, the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is well-connected to Colombo, and once you reach Nuwara Eliya, the temple is merely 6 km away.

By Rail:

Nanu Oya railway is the nearest railway station to the Seetha Amman Temple and is nearly 13 km away. For people boarding the train from Colombo Railway Station, their travel time will be nearly 7 hours 15m.

The train journey to Nanu Oya will take nearly 6 hours20m, and one can reach this majestic temple in the next 50-55 minutes via local road transport.

By Road:

The road trip to Seetha Amman Temple is through Kandy and Hatton. The journey will take 5-6 hours as the conditions of the roads could be better.

Places to visit at Nuwara Eliya:

Hakgala Botanical Gardens: 

Hakgala Botanical Garden is the second-largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. It was established in 1861 by Dr. G.H.K. Thwaites to experiment with the growth of Cinchona.

It has a wide variety of plants and some exotic animal species, with the entire garden divided into different sections dedicated to different plant species, like ferns, cacti, and orchids.

  • Timings : Gardens: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm; Nursery: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.
  • Entry Fee: LKR 1500 for adults; LKR 750 for children
Ramboda Falls:

If visiting tourist places in Nuwara Eliya, visit the beautiful falls. It is in the Pussellawa district in Kandy, famous for scenic landscapes comprising highlands, ridges, plains, streams, and hilly mountains.

Aberdeen Falls:

It is an 89-meter-high waterfall on the Kehelgamu Oya, a prominent tributary of River Kelani. Aberdeen Falls is rocky and drops to create a plunge pool. It surrounds by dense greenery and looks stunning. 

Kudahagala:

Kudahagala also known as Agrabopat Hills. It flaunts a height of 2320 meters, 4th tallest mountain in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. And the landscape, this massive mountain stands surrounded by lush green mountain ranges.

Galway’s Land National Park Near Seetha Amman Temple:

This Park is one of the few well-known national parks in the city and the smallest one. Many exotic birds and animals coexist to form diversity. It is one of the best places. Its area of 27 acres and houses about 20 rare migrant bird species and 30 species.

  • Entry Fee: 813 Rs per person
  • Timings: 10 am – 5 pm
Lover’s Leap:

It is known for its romantic folklore. One of the most picturesque, the cascading waterfall, drops from a height of 30 km. It is where lovers leap to death in the name of love, but you go there to enjoy the views. 

Travel Tips for Seetha Amman Temple:

  • Following are some important Seetha Amman Temple tips one must check out before visiting this majestic temple: The temple has a river stream where one can plunge and have some refreshing hours. Remember to carry an extra outfit if you plan to swim or take a bath in the stream.
  • As Seetha Amman Temple houses two temples within its premises, wear shoes that can easily remove.
  • As the area lies amidst the tropical forest, it is advisable to carry an umbrella before heading to this temple.
  • The temple is near a magnificent botanical park, the Hakgala Botanical garden; one can also explore this garden after visiting the temple.
  • Carrying a hat and sunscreen is advisable if you visit the temple in the summer.
  • The guests don’t need to pay extra money to the temple priest or other individuals. There is no entry fee to visit this place.

FAQs:

Where did Ravana keep Sita in Lanka?

The Ashok Vatika is the place where Ravana kept the Sita prisoner. It is a garden in the Sita Eliya in Sri Lanka.

Where did Hanuman land in Lanka?

It believes that Ramboda is where Hanuman first touched down on his visit to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita devi in the epic Ramayana. He is said to have rested here and meditated.

How many years Sita live in Lanka?

Ravana took Sita Amma to his kingdom in Lanka and carried her as a prisoner. While in prison for a year in Lanka, Ravana conveyed his desire for her; however, Sita refused and struggled to maintain her virginity.

Who helped Rama find Sita?

Hanuman. Rama and Lakshman searched for months. Finally, they asked Hanuman for help. Hanuman could fly. He found Sita imprisoned in Lanka.