Seetha Amman Temple

Seetha Amman Temple: A Ramayana Site at Seetha Eliya

Seetha Amman Temple is in the village of Seetha Eliya, about 5 km from Nuwara Eliya town. It is a Hindu temple of religious importance, and it is believed to be the place where Sita was held captive by King Ravana.

The stream and the temple

A stream runs next to the temple, and Sita is said to have bathed in it. Notable features:

Hanuman's footprints: circular depressions in the rock bed of the stream, worshipped as the footprints of the god Hanuman.

Statues: sculptures of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman in a traditional South Indian style.

Main pujas are usually held in the morning around 8:00 AM and in the early evening around 5:30 PM. The temple is very active during major Hindu festivals such as Maha Shivratri and Thai Pongal.

Getting there by car

The temple is 166 km from the airport, about 5 hours by road. It is directly on the main Nuwara Eliya-Badulla road, so it is an easy stop on the way to Hakgala Botanical Garden. A rental car can park in front of the temple complex: see [rent a car in Sri Lanka](/rent-a-car-sri-lanka).

Before you go

Hours: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Entry fee: Free (Donations Appreciated). Many visitors donate or buy prasadam offerings.

Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the main shrine area.

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Traveler FAQ for Seetha Amman Temple

When are the pujas held?

Main pujas are usually held in the morning around 8:00 AM and in the early evening around 5:30 PM.

Is there an entrance fee?

Entry is free, though many visitors make a donation or buy 'Prasadam' (offerings).

What is the dress code?

Dress modestly. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the main shrine area.

Can I see Hanuman's footprints here?

Yes. Circular depressions in the rocks of the stream bed next to the temple are worshipped as Hanuman's footprints.

Are there festivals at this temple?

The temple is very active during major Hindu festivals such as Maha Shivratri and Thai Pongal.

Is the temple near Hakgala Botanical Garden?

Both are on the Nuwara Eliya-Badulla road, so the two are easy to combine in one trip.

Plan your trip to Seetha Amman Temple

Reach Seetha Amman Temple in your own car or with an English-speaking driver from H.B.S. Rent a Car Sri Lanka.

Seetha Amman Temple