Countless sites across India echo the tales of Ramayana's Lord Ram and Sita and various episodes narrating their lives. Kerala's Wayanad also has its own treasure trove of Ramayana legends and many places connected to Ram and Sita.
The Wayanad Tourism Organization's (WTO) new tourism circuit named 'Sitayanam' connects seven spots across the district and lets tourists experience Ramayana stories alongside enjoying the beauty of Kerala's scenic landscapes. Officials said the programme is expected to launch around April. The circuit, which may launch as a three-night – four-day package, will also have special light and sound shows and customisable options.

KR Vancheeswaran, the President of WTO, says, “Uttar Pradesh, Sri Lanka, Bali and more have their versions of Ramayana. Wayanad has its own set of epic tales, which are primarily connected to Sita's life. The stories are believed to have lived on through the word of mouth of local tribes. The people here do not refer to her as Sita, but respectfully refer to her as amma.”

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WTO plans to upload all stories related to these spots on its website in an audible storytelling format. “Anybody doing a walking or cycling tour or travelling by car to these spots can download and listen to it. We are also thinking of hiring people related to the local temples and communities as guides," says Vancheeswaran. 

Various temples and spots covered in 'Sitayanam'
1) The first spot will be the Ram – Sita Temple at Ponkuzhy.
2) Sitha Temple at Ponkuzhy (On the other side of the road from the above temple)
3) Lake Seetharkundu. It is believed that sage Valmiki found Sita here after tribal people told him that they found a crying, pregnant woman. Local people say the lake was formed from Sita's tears and still believe that if the lake dries up, Wayanad will be pushed into drought.
4) Ashramam Kolly. It is believed that here's where sage Valmiki sheltered Sita and she spent the rest of her life. Devotees believe that Sita still lives here. Every day, two mandaram flowers bloom here and locals symbolise them as Luv and Kush, Ram – Sita's children.
5) Erumakolli. According to legend, Sita asked for milk for her children at a house here. However, as the residents did not have milk, they gave her water, instead. A happy Sita blessed the house and the next day morning, the residents found their stable full of buffalos. There is still a 'tharavadu' or traditional Kerala home here, which is believed to have given water to Sita.
6) Seetha Devi Lava Kusha Temple at Pulpally
7) Chedattinkavu or Jadayatta kavu temple, where it is believed that Sita went back to her mother Earth and Lord Ram caught her by her hair (jada), and she lost a few strands in his hands.

Road shows across the country
The new circuit is believed to help Wayanad Tourism to tide over the post-landslide slump in the tourism sector in Wayanad. A pioneering organization in the industry, WTO has been organizing roadshows in major metros in South India, including Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. Organised by India Tourism, a team of ten industry members are touring the cities. To alleviate the fears of tourists, they carry the message that 'Wayanad is Safe' and also introduce the new spiritual product. The WTO team had already completed the Hyderabad leg of the campaign, and on Thursday, they were in Chennai with the show.

After Chennai, the team would move to Bengaluru. According to Shylesh CP, secretary of WTO, it was the initiative of India Tourism that helped WTO to campaign for Wayanad in the major metros that provide a lion's share of tourists to the destination. "Our Sitayanam product also was well appreciated", he said. "We met industry players including travel agents, tour operators, travel writers, media personnel and vloggers seeking their help in spreading the message that 'Wayanad is Safe' and also invited them to experience the 'Sita spiritual trail', he added.
(With inputs from Deepa Soman)

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