'Gave goosebumps': Sri Lankan Airlines' 'Ramayana Trail' ad shows real locations, earns praise. Watch

Since its release, the advertisement has resonated deeply with viewers.

Sri Lankan Airlines recently launched an advertisement promoting its “Ramayana Trail,” an initiative designed to attract tourists to Sri Lanka by showcasing sites linked to the Ramayana, one of the most revered epics in Hindu mythology. The campaign targets spiritual tourists from India, where interest in the tale of Lord Rama and Ravana remains high. The advertisement highlights Sri Lanka’s historical and mythological locations, encouraging visitors to explore places mentioned in the Ramayana.

The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), begins with a grandmother reading the Ramayana to her grandson. As they tour the island’s landmarks, the grandson questions whether the places in the story are real, to which his grandmother responds affirmatively, confirming that what was once known as Lanka is present-day Sri Lanka. The scenes transition to the visually captivating depiction of Ravana’s legendary flight with Sita in his Pushpaka Vimana, juxtaposed with real-life visuals of Ravana’s Cave, a location where Sita was supposedly held captive.

The advertisement takes viewers through various other sites tied to the Ramayana. The grandmother recounts how Hanuman located Sita, prayed for her release, and ultimately exacted revenge on Ravana by setting the demon king’s palace ablaze with his burning tail. The story of Lord Rama’s bridge to Lanka, known as the Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge, also features prominently.

Responding to her grandson’s query about the bridge’s existence, the grandmother explains that it can still be seen today, physically connecting Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka’s coast.

Another legend highlighted in the ad involves the journey of Hanuman to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb to save Laxmana. In his haste, Hanuman supposedly dropped a fragment of the mountain, which locals now identify as Rumassala Hill, renowned for its medicinal herbs that don’t grow elsewhere in the area.

Relive the epic of The Ramayana TrailEmbark on a journey through Sri Lankas legendary landscapes with SriLankan Holidays, offering a fully customized experience tailored just for you. Every step of your adventure is designed to bring out the grandeur and glory in the ancient pic.twitter.com/jctUhc4JKn
SriLankan Airlines (@flysrilankan) November 8, 2024

Since its release, the advertisement has resonated deeply with viewers. The comment section filled quickly with appreciative messages from Indians expressing their admiration for the initiative. Many users praised the portrayal of the Ramayana’s locations in Sri Lanka and shared plans to visit.

One user remarked, “I was planning a trip to Tokyo, but this ad made me change my plans to Sri Lanka.” Another added, “Thank you, Sri Lanka, for preserving these historical places. It’s a beautiful tribute to the Ramayana.”

Some commenters praised the advert’s quality and its potential to enhance cross-cultural understanding. “This advertisement was something missing for so long,” wrote one user, adding that it rekindled their desire to explore Sri Lanka’s cultural sites. “What a brilliant concept,” said another, “Sri Lankan Airlines has created a truly engaging ad that showcases the spiritual bond between our countries.”

Many viewers applauded Sri Lankan Airlines for bridging cultural gaps through storytelling, with some expressing excitement about visiting the sites depicted. “This ad gave me goosebumps. Sri Lanka is now on my list,” commented one user. Another wrote, “Take a bow, SriLankan Airlines. This is the kind of tourism ad we needed.”