Dunkeld Bungalow Trail | Ravana's Airport | 4 to 5 hours (there and back) | GUIDED

CONTACT TEA TRAILS NATURALIST / GUIDES FOR MORE INFORMATION OR IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: +94718395224

TRAIL DESCRIPTION: King Ravana is a central figure in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. He is portrayed as a formidable demon king of Lanka who abducted Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Ravana was a highly intelligent and powerful ruler with ten heads, symbolizing his immense knowledge. Despite his villainous role in the epic, Ravana is also acknowledged for his devotion to Lord Shiva and his unparalleled musical talent. The story of Ravana serves as a timeless narrative exploring the triumph of good over evil.

According to legend, King Ravana had six "airports" to land his flying machine, Dandu Monara (Peacock Flying Machine) in Sri Lanka. Today we hike to one of these locations, a giant slab of flat rock on the ridge-crest between the Maskeliya and the Bogawantalawa Valley. First we zig zag up the mountain to the ridge passing a small community of estate workers. We then saddle onto the other side of the valley which offers beautiful views of the Maskeliya Reservoir and Adam's Peak. Ravana's Airport is a place of contemplation and reverence stepped in mythology best visited in the early morning.


HIKING TIPS:
- Wear comfortable and light-weight clothes.
- The hotel can provide umbrellas if needed.
- The terrain can be unsteady sometimes, hence it is advisable to wear walking shoes.
- Drink plenty of water. We can provide refreshments if required.
- Make sure you protect your head and skin from the sun.
- We have leech socks that you are welcome to borrow.

YOUR SAFETY: Ceylon Tea Trails offers the services of professional naturalist guides who are highly recommended. If you choose to self guide remember to consider all the information available and to heed local advice when necessary. Trail users are responsible for all decisions pertaining to the trail routes, trail conditions, weather, and safety. In addition to the hazards posed by steep terrain and mountain weather, trail users should be prepared for challenging route-finding and sometimes challenging trail conditions, dogs, leeches, heavy rain, intermittent thunderstorms, and plenty of sun. It is recommended to drink at least ½ litre of water per hour when hiking. Access to emergency medical care and rescue may not always immediately available.

RESPONSIBLE HIKING:
- Leave no trace: Leave the environment as you found it.
- Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing them.
- Please ask permission before you take pictures of people.
- Dress respectfully. Please refrain from hiking shirtless.
- Dress modestly at religious sites.
- Please avoid giving money directly to people who ask.