Ravana Ella Waterfall and Miracles of Ravana History

Ravana Ella waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka and a tourist attraction. ravana ella waterfall is located at a distance of 5 kilometers in the Ella area of ​​Badulla district. Kiridi Oya is the water source and Ravana Falls is 25 meters (82 feet) high. From Bandarawela, several other small reservoirs join together and flow 117km (73 miles) into the Bundala Sea.

Ravana Waterfall and King Ravana

Ravana Falls is a place that inherits a great history of Sri Lanka because there is an old saying that King Ravana came to Sri Lanka with the SITHA princess and hid her in a cave.

In the past, during the reign of King Ravana, the buildings were built in an environmentally friendly manner. That’s why royal palaces, ponds, and even Supokabogi mansions have been created underground. Even today, those designs can be seen around Shakshi Ravana Falls. Ravana Cave, Nildiya Pond and more

Ravana Cave and Nildiya Pokuna

Two sites closely linked to the Ravana legend sit within easy reach of the falls and are worth visiting as part of the same trip.

Ravana Cave is carved into the rock face above the waterfall and is traditionally identified as the cave where Sita was held. A steep path leads up from the falls area to the cave entrance. The interior is dark and uneven, so a torch is advisable. Local guides are available near the falls and can explain the historical and mythological significance of the site — hiring one is recommended, as signage inside the cave is minimal.

Nildiya Pokuna (also called Nildiya Pond) is a natural rock pool in the surrounding jungle, associated with the ancient water systems said to date from the Ravana period. The path to reach it is less clearly marked than the cave trail, and a local guide is particularly useful here to avoid getting lost on unmarked forest tracks.

Both sites can be combined with a visit to the waterfall in a half-day excursion. Guide fees are typically negotiated on-site; confirm current rates directly with operators in Ella town before heading out.

Access roads to Ravana Ella Waterfall

Ravana Falls can be reached by two routes, one through the Ella and the other through Wellawaya.

NORMAL BUS ROUTE

On the road from Colombo to Badulla, after passing Bandarawela, Ella is about 6 km away when you reach the Kubalwela junction (Wellawaya – Ella – Kubalwela road). After going downhill from Ella town for about 5 km, Ravana Ella Falls is visible on the right side of the road.

HIGHWAY

When coming from Colombo via the Southern Expressway toward Matara or Galle, continue inland toward Wellawaya. Ravana Falls is about 300km from Colombo by this route — enter at the Kottawa interchange, exit at the Mattala interchange, and continue via Thanamalwila and Wellawaya. The falls are visible on the left side of the road approximately 21km before reaching Wellawaya town.

TRAIN

Apart from the expressway, you can also visit Ravana Falls by train. The train from Colombo Fort to Badulla can get off at Ella railway station and visit Ravana Water Falls by taxi or bus.

From Ella railway station, the falls are about 5km away. Tuk-tuks are the most convenient option and typically charge around 300–500 LKR for the short ride. Local buses running between Ella and Wellawaya also pass the falls and cost considerably less, though departure times can be irregular.

Safety and Swimming at Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls attracts large numbers of visitors, but the site has a serious safety record. The rocks around the base and along the cascade are permanently wet and extremely slippery, and a number of accidents — including fatalities — have occurred here over the years. Visitors should treat the area with caution regardless of how calm conditions appear.

• Do not climb the rocks. The surface around and behind the falls looks accessible but provides almost no grip when wet. Falls from the upper sections are frequently severe.
• Swimming carries real risk. The pool at the base can have strong undercurrents, and water levels rise quickly after rain in the hill country. Local authorities have periodically restricted swimming at the site following drowning incidents.
• Check current conditions before entering the water. Restrictions and warning signs are sometimes posted seasonally or after heavy rainfall — follow any posted notices and advice from on-site staff.
• Keep children close to the viewing area. The lower banks near the falls offer safe sightseeing without the need to approach the water directly.

The falls are most impressive during and just after the monsoon season, but water volume also makes the hazards significantly worse at that time. If you plan to visit between May and September, treat the site as a viewpoint rather than a swimming destination.

Google map of Ravana Ella Water Falls