Plummeting over tiers of dark concave granite, Ravana Falls (or Ravana Ella) ranks among the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Situated along the misty mountain highway leading south from Ella, this spectacle feeds directly into the Kirindi Oya river basin.
Mythological Significance & Folklore
According to South Asian epics and local lore, King Ravana kidnapped Princess Seetha and hid her in the secluded cave systems behind and above these falls. Folklore recounts that Princess Seetha bathed in the natural mountain plunge pools fed by these cascading torrents during her stay in the Ella highlands.
Safety Advisory & Visitor Tips
- Do Not Climb the Wet Boulders: The algae-covered rocks are exceptionally slippery. Multiple tragic falls have occurred when tourists attempt to scale upper tiers.
- Best Photography Time: Early morning (8:00 AM to 10:30 AM) when morning sunlight illuminates the mist spray.
- Monsoon Flow: During the northeast monsoon (November to January), water volume swells dramatically into a deafening roar.
How to Visit from Ella
Ravana Falls is located approximately 6 kilometers south of Ella town along the A23 Ella-Wellawaya Road. You can reach the falls via a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride or by boarding any local public bus headed toward Wellawaya from Ella bus stand. A roadside bridge and viewing platform provide spectacular vantage points directly facing the lower cascade.
Nearby Attractions to Pair with Your Visit
Combine your stop at Ravana Falls with a visit to the nearby Ravana Cave, a hike up Little Adam's Peak, or an excursion toward the Nine Arches Demodara viaduct bridge.