The chariot path is the route which Ravana transported Sita Devi on his chariot from Sita Kotuwa to Ashoka Vatika also known as Ravana grass pathway which is located jungle on the top of Ramboda Hills on the Kandy – Nuwara Eliya main road. This is one of the iconic Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka. Till date no vegetation grows on this barren land except grass. King Ravana is believed to have used this passage on top of these hills to show Sitadevi, the beauty of his kingdom as stated in the great epic of Ramayana. Chariot path and Sita tear pond are important Ramayana Sites in Sri Lanka.
Sita Tear Pond
The Sita tear pond is a small pond that can be found en-route by the chariot path. A pond located on this Chariot Path is believed to have been formed here by the tears of Sita Devi and has not dried up so far even during severe droughts when the adjoining rivers do. It is located on top of a mountain range in the central highlands of Sri lanka which has spectacular views from an angle of 360 degrees around. Sita tear pond also one of the very important sites of the Ramayana tour of Sri Lanka.
Vegetation of Chariot Path area
Only grass can be observed throughout the pathway giving proof to the great story of Ramayana. In this area there are many large trees with bright red blooms which adds a bright colour to the scenery. These flowers are being called by the name of Sita flowers by the local villagers. The peculiarity of these flowers is the configuration of the petal, stamen and pistil, which resemble a human figure carrying a bow, and is said to represent Rama. It is also believed that These flowers are unique only to this area in the whole of Sri Lanka.
Way to access Chariot Path & Sita Tear Pond
This route is quite bad and accessible only through a 4WD vehicle or estate tractor. Drive time is about 2 hours to Frotoft tea estate from Labookelle. The trek to the summit is extremely challenging and may not be suitable children, elderly and physically infirm.
There are two accesses to this place.
Via pussellawa : this is the better route. Turn off left 2km from Pussellawa town on Peradeniya – Nuwara Eliya road. Then it is further 17km uphill.
To Frotoft ( via Labookelle) . This is accessible only through off road vehicles. From Frotoft to the site the trek along estate road and jungle.
Time need to visit Chariot Path
To reach the site it needs to drive to Frotoft aprox 2 hours. Trek from Frotoft t the site it takes 3 hours ( 2 hours to top and 1 hour to down)
It needs minimum half a day to spend there in this wonderful Ramayana site.
It is not possible to reach this place easily and not possible place for senior citizens and people who are suffering with a heart problem or respiratory illnesses.
