SriLankan Airlines’ “Ramayana Trail” Ad Sparks Interest in Spiritual Tourism
By: Staff Writer
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan Airlines has received widespread praise for its powerful advertisement promoting the “Ramayana Trail,” a journey through the island’s landmarks linked to the ancient Hindu epic.
The five-minute commercial tells the story of the Ramayana through the eyes of a grandmother narrating to her grandson from a children’s book.
As the story unfolds, the young boy asks about the island where the demon king Ravana kidnapped Sita. The grandmother explains that the kingdom of Ravana was located in what is now Sri Lanka.
The ad highlights several significant locations tied to the Ramayana, such as Ravana’s Cave near Ella, where Sita is believed to have been held captive, and the Seetha Amman Temple, also known as the Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, which is maintained by the Indian Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
The commercial also references the famous Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge), a chain of natural limestone shoals connecting India and Sri Lanka. When the grandson inquires whether the bridge is still visible, the grandmother affirms that it can still be seen today.
Additionally, the ad touches on the legend of Hanuman’s journey to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshman. It highlights Rumassala Hill, believed to be a fragment of the mountain that Hanuman dropped along his way, as a site of special significance.
The area is known for its unique medicinal herbs, believed to have been carried by the monkey god himself.
The advertisement has resonated deeply with viewers on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users praised the airline’s effort to promote Sri Lanka as a destination for spiritual and historical tourism. “What an outstanding advertisement.
It will really appeal to many people to visit Sri Lanka,” commented one user. Another expressed, “Such a spectacular ad. Got goosebumps watching it. Our tourism sector needs to learn from this.”
Many viewers also expressed excitement about visiting Sri Lanka, with one person saying, “Sri Lanka will be my next big trip. When I went to Bali, I was mesmerized by its hospitality, beauty, and heritage.”In an era where tourism campaigns are vying for attention, Sri Lankan Airlines’ innovative and culturally rich advertisement offers an engaging way to connect the country’s ancient past with modern-day travel experiences, potentially boosting interest in the region’s historical and spiritual sites.
