Chariot Path of King Rawana is a Grass Land (Plain) on a top of a mountain range that is surrounded by a pigmy forest, which looks like a pathway. It is a remarkably beautiful place, which has breathtaking views and unspoiled extraordinary environment. This is located near Frotoft Tea Estate in Kandy district in the Central province of Sri Lanka.
Introduction
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 Sita Devi, the beauty of his kingdom as stated in the great epic of Ramayana.
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.
Chariot path and Sita tear pond are important Ramayana Sites in Sri Lanka.
Chariot Path Distance
From Colombo it is a 5 hrs drive (161.3 km) via Kandy Rd, Kandy – Colombo Rd/A1
How to get to Chariot Path
A person who start his journey from Colombo should reach Gampola first. After arriving at Gampola, take a bus to Pussallawa village. From there, you’ll need to hire a car to get to the Frotoft estate. The roads are in poor condition, so make sure you rent a car that can handle a rough ride. You may also take the bus, however, the trips to Frotoft State/ Perettasi village are inconsistent and infrequent. Hiring a car is therefore considerably simpler. It take 1.30hr -2hrs to reach Perettasi village/Frotoft estate. You must first locate the Frotoft state’s/Perettasi village old hospital facility and the trailhead start there.
Journey through the tea estate was not a difficult task. But when start to climb, it is a footpath that laid along the whole journey towards the slope. So, be careful. It will take 2-3 hrs to the top of the mountain range. Chariot path is surrounded by Kotmale reservoir, Pidurangala, Hanguranketha, Sri Padaya and Hewaheta which gives you eye catching surrounding throughout the journey. It needs minimum half a day to spend there in this wonderful Ramayana site.
Be ready for the chilly weather. In addition, there are wind conditions at night. Also, bring a sweater or hat to protect yourself from the sun. Wear a long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt as well. Because you will be passing through grasslands, wearing long sleeves will protect you from cuts and scratches caused by the spiky grass.
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.
Chariot Path Weather
Most of the year, the Chariot Path receives rainfall. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 24°C. Between October and January, heavy monsoon rains fall. The months of February through April are ideal for visiting the Chariot Path. Between these months, the majority of the days are bright, with the least amount of rain.
