Majestic Beauty of Ravana Ella â A Must-Visit Waterfall in Sri Lanka
Our visit to Ravana Ella Waterfall was truly one of the most memorable highlights of our trip to Ella. This iconic waterfall, rich in history and natural beauty, is not just a tourist attraction â it's a symbol of Sri Lankaâs deep-rooted legends, natural power, and breathtaking scenery.
Located just a short drive from Ella town, Ravana Ella is incredibly easy to access. As you approach, you can already hear the roar of the water cascading down the rocks. Standing at around 25 meters high, the waterfall gushes down a rock face in multiple layers, creating a dramatic and stunning visual. Itâs especially beautiful during the rainy season when the water is at its fullest and most powerful.
The surrounding environment is just as captivating. Nestled among lush green forests and rocky cliffs, the area feels like a scene from a jungle adventure movie. The waterfall is right by the roadside, so itâs a great stop even if youâre on a tight schedule â but I highly recommend spending a little extra time here to truly enjoy the natural wonder.
What makes Ravana Ella even more special is its connection to Sri Lankan folklore. According to the ancient Ramayana legend, itâs believed that King Ravana used a cave behind this waterfall to hide Princess Sita after abducting her. That historic cave, known as Ravana Cave, is located not far from the falls and adds a layer of mythical charm to the whole experience.
Many visitors take a refreshing dip in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall. The water is cool and invigorating, perfect for a hot day. However, itâs important to be careful when climbing on wet rocks â they can be slippery and dangerous. There are signs posted nearby to remind tourists to stay safe.
Street vendors near the falls sell fresh king coconut, local fruits, and spicy snacks, which adds to the cultural vibe of the location. You can enjoy a drink while listening to the sound of the water and soaking in the views.
Whether you're a local traveler or a foreign tourist, Ravana Ella is a must-visit destination that offers not just beauty, but also a deep connection to Sri Lankaâs history, culture, and nature. Itâs a place where you can feel the power of nature, breathe fresh air, and reflect on the legends that have shaped the identity of this island.
In short, Ravana Ella is not just a waterfall â itâs an experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Ella or passing through the Uva Province. Just remember to bring your camera, your sense of adventure, and most importantly, your...
   Read moreSo let's start with the fact that this location on the map is not bringing you to the waterfall exactly. If u grab a tuktuk there, you will still have to walk down to Kitha Ella train station. From there u can access the TOP of the waterfall, u walk down 50 meters on the railway, leave the road down on a narrow path, and through some local gardens, u can reach the top of the waterfall which is really nothing spectacular. How do you reach the bottom part of the waterfall? Absolutely no freacking clue, we never found it!!!! As previous reviews state, there was a local man standing there seemingly wanting to be helpful and show you the way to the "waterfall". He leads you to a completely different direction, up the mountain, steep jungle road, not stating or naming where he brings you exactly. In the end, he leads you to a spot called Besam Wala, which... is sort of ok, but for us, it was not especially inviting to swim in there, it is dirty, and some trash around the area let's say so. Maybe if you go down a bit more from the bridge, u might find a good part of it. The biggest problem is that this spot is basically 200m down the railway into the other direction from Kitha Ella, where u came from, so if u would have intended to see Besam Wala, u just could have been in 5min there m, but the guy instead led u through the mountain, brutal steep hike 35minutes, and of course as everywhere in Sri Lanka u are getting ripped off with money and he demands for the unwanted journey 2000-3000 Rupies. BE AWARE OF THIS SCAM AND DONT...
   Read moreI was really looking forward to visiting Kuda Ravana Ella waterfall based on the pictures and reviews online, but my experience was extremely disappointing. First, the directions to the waterfall were confusing and poorly marked, making it very hard to find. The path to the waterfall is not well-maintained â itâs muddy, slippery, and full of uneven rocks, which makes it unsafe, especially for families with kids or elderly visitors.
When we finally reached the waterfall, the area was overcrowded and lacked proper facilities. There were no clean restrooms, trash bins, or seating areas, and the surrounding area was littered with garbage, which ruined the natural beauty of the place. The waterfall itself is much smaller than expected, and the water flow was weak, making it far less impressive than the photos online suggested.
Additionally, there were no safety signs or staff around to guide visitors. At times, it felt dangerous walking near the slippery rocks and slippery edges. The lack of proper management and infrastructure made the visit stressful rather than enjoyable.
Overall, Kuda Ravana Ella is completely overrated. The poor maintenance, lack of facilities, misleading photos, and safety concerns make it a disappointing experience. I would not recommend it to anyone, especially if you are expecting a safe and...
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