Sanjeevani Mountain in Sri Lanka is a beautiful, majestic mountain range rich in biodiversity. These mountain ranges are not just a mythological spot; they are home to natural beauty and varied species of exotic flora and fauna, particularly exhibiting medicinal properties.
These lush green Sanjeevani mountains possessed a highly sacred medicinal herb called Sanjeevani, a life-saving medicine. It has magical powers to cure any kind of chronic disease. Also, it has a special power to bring back even a dead person to life.
To save the life of Lakshmana, brother of Lord Sri Ramachandra, Hanuman travelled miles apart with thunderous speed, looking for Sanjeevani in the Himalayan regions. Unable to detect the herb amidst the thick Himalayan Forest, he lifted the entire Dronagiri hill and started flying. During the journey, a few pieces of the Sanjeevani Mountain broke and fell in different locations in Sri Lanka. These are located in regions such as Kachchativu Island, Thalladi (near Mannar), Ritigala, Dolukanda, and Rumassala.
Listed below are the locations in Sri Lanka believed to be fragments of the Sanjeevani Mountains.
- Kachchativu Island in Jaffna
- Thalladi is situated near Mannar, Northern Province of Sri Lanka
- Ritigala between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
- Dolukanda near Arankale ancient monastery hospital
- Rumassala in Unawatuna near Galle
Kachchativa Island
Kachchativu, also called Kachchatheevu, is a tiny, uninhabited island situated in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, under the administrative jurisdiction of the Jaffna District. It shares the border with India, located about 15 miles from Rameshwaram town in the north-east direction. It is located approximately 14 miles southwest of the Delft islands. It is one of the Sri Lankan Ramayan Tour sites, where a piece of the Sanjeevani Mountain fell.
Thalladi Sanjeevani Mountain
It is one of the beautiful small towns located in the northern province of Sri Lanka, in the lush green Mannar district. It ranks among the most frequented pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. Located close to the land of India, situated near the eastern end of Rama Setu. The area is characterized by coastal marshlands and abundant bird life, underscoring its ecological value beyond mythological importance.
Ritigala
Ritigala, situated between Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa regions, is believed to be a fragment of the legendary Sanjeevani Mountain. This has been designated as a nature reserve due to its diverse flora and fauna. It is a natural habitat for many endemic bird species like the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Malabar Pied-Hornbill, Blue-faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Brown-headed Barbet, and more.
Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka Green-Pigeon, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Sri Lanka Barbet, Rufous Woodpecker, Red-backed Flameback, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Black-capped Bulbul, Sri Lanka Scimitar-Babbler, Sri Lanka Myna, and Spot-winged Thrush are the other bird species that can be found in this mountain range.
Dolukanda
Dolukanda is a mountain range located in the serene Hiripitiya village, Kurunegala District, in Sri Lanka. This mountain region possessed a medicinal herb that had miraculous powers to cure any kind of chronic ailment. In Sri Lankan history, Dolukanda is notable for its association with King Walagamba.
Rumassala
Rumassala in Galle town is a nature’s paradise, a diverse ecosystem, situated close to the southern shoreline gem of Unawatuna.
The word “Rumassala” has its origin in the Sanskrit root. Originally, it was called ‘Ramasala,’ which can be translated to ‘Rama’s hill.’
This hill offers delightful, enthralling views of the coastal regions of the Indian Ocean.
In addition to a large number of rare medicinal plants, Rumassala is a nestling ground for varied exotic bird species like the Black-crested Bulbul, the Ceylon Spurfowl, the Green-billed Coucal, and the Serendib Scops-owl.
It is a great spot for butterfly enthusiasts; one can experience the cheerful sight of colorful butterflies gracefully flitting in the air. Around 245 butterfly species inhabit Sri Lanka, with 26 found nowhere else in the world.
Chamaeleo Zeylanicus (Sri Lankan Chameleon), Checkered Keelback, Common Wolf Snake, Russell’s Viper, Mugger Crocodiles, and Painted-lip Lizard are the famous varieties of reptiles found here.
It presents a breathtaking view of aqua-blue waters at the foothills of the Rumassala, brimming with colorful underwater fauna, making it a treasured oasis within Sri Lanka’s paradise.
Best Time to Visit Sanjeevani Mountain
Sanjeevani Mountain can be visited during May to June (Summer season) and September to October (pre-autumn).
Nearby Places to Visit
Seetha Amman Temple: This is a beautiful temple located in the village of Nuwara Eliya District, Central Sri Lanka. This is the place where Sita Devi was captivated by Lankasura Ravana. The temple is alternatively called Seetha Eliya Seethai Amman Thirukkovil and is also referred to as the Ashok Vatika Sita Temple.
Hakgala Botanical Garden: It is one of the most captivating botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. It is a must must-visit place for plant lovers, consisting of 1,000 varieties of flora, including a stunning collection of orchids, roses, and camellias. It is the place of Ashoka Vatika mentioned in the epic Ramayana.
Munneswaram Temple: It is the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Chilaw district, Sri Lanka. It is the place where Lord Rama offered His prayers after defeating Ravana.
Ramboda Hanuman Temple: It is one of the important Hanuman temples located in the hills of Ramboda. Nestled near Ramboda in Sri Lanka, this temple is home to the nation’s tallest Hanuman statue carved from granite. Local legends hold that Lord Hanuman first touched down on this very hill.
Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya: This temple is dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama deviyo and the Hindu God Murugan.
How to Reach Sanjeevani Mountain?
If you want to visit Sanjeevani Mountain and the nearby places. Then take Tirtha Yatra’s world-famous Sri Lanka Ramayana tour. All your arrangements are well taken care of while you focus on spectacular scenery and biodiversity, making it a top choice for yatris seeking unique experiences.
By Air: Take a flight to Bandaranaike International Airport, which is located in Colombo. From here, you can either take a domestic flight or prefer road or rail transport.
By Railway: Kurunegala Railway Station is the nearest and major railway station. From here, you can hire a taxi or travel by bus to reach the Sanjeevani Mountain.
By Road: From the major cities, you can travel by bus or taxi. These places are well connected by the road network.
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