After his victorious battle, Lord Rama left for Ayodhya, in one of King Ravana”s vimana (carriages).He felt he was being followed by bramhaasthi dosham as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. Legend has it that when he came to this place he felt bramhaasthi dosham was not following him and he stopped the vimana and asked God Shiva for remedy. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him to install four lingams there and pray to get rid of the dosham. Since then many Hindu devotees flock to the Temple.

The Hakgala Botanical Garden was one of the pleasure gardens of King Ravana of the well-known epic Ramayanaya. This garden was expanded during the British period and has a wide variety of flowers including an excellent collection of orchids. This is the exotic pleasure garden where king Ravana kept the depressed Sita, insisting that she marry him. It was here where the heart-warming meeting took place between her and Hanuman, who brought her Rama’s ring with the news that Rama was looking for her. He offered to carry her back but she refused saying it would be an insult to Rama’s honour if he did so. Part of this majestic garden still exists. It is also said that Hanuman nearly destroyed it in order to prove to Ravana of the forces against him.

The stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sita Devi during her stay at Ashoka Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. Now there is a temple erected for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hamunams are found by this river -some small and some large.

According to Ramayana, after meeting Sita Devi, Lord Hanuman decided to test the strength of the mighty King Ravana and his army of Rakshasas. In the event that unfolded Lord Hanuman’s tail was set on fire by Rakskasas, who in turn went on to torch some parts of King Ravana’s empire. It is believed that Ussangoda is one of the torched areas, which is said to have been an airport used by King Ravana.

During the war, both Lord Rama and Lukshmana were hit by powerful arrows and fell unconscious but bringing them back to life. Lord Hanuman was instructed to fetch the lifesaving herbs from Himalaya. Lord Hanuman went to Himalayas, lifted the whole hill and brought it. As he was not able to identify the lifesaving herbs alone, it is believed that part of the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumassala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya, Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchathivu in the north.

Lakegala, the world’s highest bare rock outcrop, stands regally over the surrounding landscape like a silent giant. The meaning of “Lakegala” in Sinhala is “The Rock of Lanka.” The rock is 1,310 meters tall and is located in the Knuckles mountain range. It is believed that King Ravana’s final battle was held here. Although reaching the pinnacle of the mountain is challenging, and the final 300 meters are the toughest, adventurous people find it well worth the effort. From the summit of Lakegala, can see all the way to Sri Lanka’s east coast. The mountain is covered in magnificent wildflowers, and eagles may be seen flying over the skies. Lakegala is considered the toughest rock climbing adventure in Sri Lanka.