Ravana Waterfalls: Ella Waterfalls, a must-see in Sri Lanka 🌊
The Ravana Waterfalls, located near the town of Ella, are a star attraction for travelers exploring central Sri Lanka. These impressive waterfalls, steeped in legend, offer a natural and refreshing stopover, especially during the rainy season.
🚍 How do I get to Ravana Falls?
To reach the waterfalls, you first need to get to Ella. The town can be reached by train via the famous Colombo-Kandy-Ella line, often considered one of the most beautiful rail routes in the world.
Once in Ella, there are several options for reaching the falls, located around 6 kilometers from the town center:
- By local bus:
- Price: 50 Sri Lankan rupees (approx. €0.35)
- Frequency: one bus every 30 minutes on average
- Duration: about 15 minutes
- Convenient for travelers on a tight budget, bus stops are located in the center of Ella.
- By tuk-tuk:
- Price: between 300 and 500 rupees (€2 to €3) for a single trip
- Duration: approx. 10 minutes
- Ideal for a quick, comfortable ride while enjoying the scenery.
- On foot or by bike:
- If you like walking or cycling, the journey can be an adventure in itself. Allow about an hour’s walk to reach the waterfalls.
🏞 A legendary waterfall
The 25-meter-high Ravana Falls are particularly spectacular during the rainy season, when the water torrents down the rock faces. They are a three-tiered cascade and offer natural terraces where the water collects before pouring further down.
They take their name from the legendary king Ravana, a mythical figure in the Ramayana, one of the great Hindu epics. According to legend, King Ravana kidnapped Princess Sita and hid her in a cave behind the waterfalls. This cave, known as Ravana’s Cave, is also a tourist attraction, often visited for its historical and cultural interest.
💧 What can you expect on site?
- First level: The first level is the most accessible, located just a minute’s walk from the main road. It’s also the most popular, due to its proximity and the views it offers.
- Safety precautions: Climbing higher than the first level is not recommended. The rocks can be slippery and dangerous. In 2016, a 19-year-old Canadian tourist tragically lost her life when she fell from a height of 22 metres.
Although swimming is technically forbidden, some travelers and locals do venture out. If you want to get your feet wet, be very careful, as the rocks are slippery.
✨ O ur personal experience
During our visit to Ravana Falls, we were captivated by the beauty of this waterfall, especially after a morning hike to Ella Rock. Although the first level is easily accessible, we noticed that the crowds can make the experience less peaceful. We found a quiet spot to enjoy the soothing sound of the water. Access to the water is an option, but the slippery rocks require great care.
To extend the experience, we also explored the surrounding area by tuk-tuk, taking in some magnificent views of the region. Although the Ravana Falls are not the most impressive in Sri Lanka, they are well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
📍 Practical information
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- Location: Located along the Ella – Kithalella road, about 6 km from the center of Ella.
- Ideal season: During the rainy season (May to September) for more impressive waterfalls.
- Cost: Free, but allow a small budget for transport.
- Recommended duration: 1 to 2 hours.
🌟 A stopover not to be missed on your itinerary
Although Ravana Falls are not Sri Lanka’s most imposing waterfalls, they offer a lovely stopover and a glimpse of the lush nature of the Ella region. Their accessibility and legend make them an interesting stopover on your exploration of central Sri Lanka.