The Seetha Amman Temple (Sita Amman Kovil) is a colourful Hindu temple at Sita Eliya, about 8 km south-east of Nuwara Eliya on the A5 road to Badulla. It is dedicated to Sita, the heroine of the Ramayana, and is often described as the only temple in the world devoted to her.
It is one of the most important stops on the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka and sits beside a mountain stream just below Hakgala Botanical Garden.
Plan your visit to Seetha Amman Temple
- Entry: free (donations welcome)
- Open daily, morning to early evening
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes
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History of Seetha Amman Temple
According to legend, this is where the demon king Ravana held Sita captive after abducting her from India, in the garden known in the epic as Ashok Vatika. Local tradition links that garden with the nearby Hakgala area.
The stream beside the temple is said to be where Sita bathed, and circular marks on the rocks across the water are revered as the footprints of Hanuman, who found Sita here and gave her Rama’s ring. The present temple was built by the Indian Tamil community, whose ancestors came to work on the tea estates, and was completed in its current form in the early 21st century.
Attractions at Seetha Amman Temple
- Main shrine: brightly painted, with images of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman.
- Sita’s stream: the mountain stream flowing past the temple, linked to Sita’s bathing place.
- Hanuman’s footprints: rock impressions across the stream, revered by pilgrims.
- Ramayana sculptures: figures and paintings telling the story of Sita’s captivity and rescue.
Things to Do at Seetha Amman Temple
- Watch a puja: offerings are made through the day; visitors are welcome to observe quietly.
- Follow the Ramayana trail: combine with Hakgala Botanical Garden next door and other Ramayana sites in the hills.
- Dress respectfully: cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering.
- Photography: ask before photographing worshippers or inside the shrine.
Seetha Amman Temple – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Entry: free; donations are welcome.
- Hours: open daily from morning until early evening; it may close briefly around midday.
Tours
- Nuwara Eliya 2-day tour from Colombo (Seetha Amman Temple, Hakgala, Gregory Lake and the World’s End hike): on Klook
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How Long to Spend at Seetha Amman Temple
Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour, or half a day combined with Hakgala Botanical Garden.
How to Get There
- Train: Nuwara Eliya’s station is Nanu Oya, on the scenic Kandy–Ella line, about 8 km from town; take a tuk-tuk or bus into the centre.
- Bus: buses run from Kandy (about 3 hours) and Colombo (about 6 hours, often changing in Kandy or via Hatton).
- Car or taxi: Nuwara Eliya is about 75 km from Kandy (around 2.5–3 hours on winding mountain roads) and about 170–200 km from Colombo (around 5–6 hours).
- From Nuwara Eliya: about 8 km on the A5 towards Badulla, around 15–20 minutes by tuk-tuk or car; buses towards Welimada and Badulla pass the temple.
Coming from Colombo or the airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer for a private door-to-door ride to Nuwara Eliya.
Eateries Nearby Seetha Amman Temple
There is nowhere to eat at the temple itself. Nuwara Eliya’s town centre has plenty of choice within a short walk or tuk-tuk ride:
- Colonial hotels: the Grand Hotel and the Hill Club are known for their old-world dining rooms and afternoon tea.
- Town centre cafés: around the main street and market you’ll find rice-and-curry places, bakeries and Indian restaurants.
- Tea estates: several factories near town have tea rooms serving fresh Ceylon tea and cake.
Check opening hours before you go.
Other Attractions Nearby Seetha Amman Temple
- Hakgala Botanical Garden: just up the road, famous for roses and ferns.
- Gregory Lake: on the way back into Nuwara Eliya.
- Victoria Park: the town park in central Nuwara Eliya.
- Ramboda Falls: on the A5 north of Nuwara Eliya, near a Hanuman temple.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Nuwara Eliya: the temple is a short ride from town, so a Nuwara Eliya base works well.
- Get a Sri Lanka eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
The Seetha Amman Temple is a small but vivid stop on Sri Lanka’s Ramayana trail, set beside the stream where Sita is said to have bathed during her captivity. Visit respectfully, and allow time for a puja if one is under way.
Walk or ride on to Hakgala Botanical Garden next door, then return to town for Gregory Lake.
