There are two waterfalls in the Ella area. The most popular being the waterfall at the Bandarawela – Wellawaya Road. This is popularly known by the name of Ravana Ella by the tourists as well as the villagers around. There is another waterfall above this falls which is not visible to the main road which is also called Ravana Falls. This is generally considered the real Ravana Falls due the close proximity of the cave which is considered a place there Sita (in Ramayana) has hidden by the Lankan King Ravana for a while. The correct name of the waterfall by the road is said to be “Bambaragama Ella”.
The Ravana Ella or the Bamabaragama Falls is one of the most popular falls in the country. lying right on the middle of one of the most scenic and popular routes in the country this is one of the most visited waterfalls. ThisRavana Fall (Bamabaragama Falls) is 9 meters high and flows from the Bandarawela Hill Oya Reservoir. During the dry season this almost dries up but during the rains flows at full force. Therefore the best time to visit this falls is during the rainy season or just after.
Ravana Caves
Legend: These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. The tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret passage. They networked all the important cities, airports and dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made and not natural formations. Existing tunnel mouths are also situated at Ishtripura in Welimada, Senapitiya in Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola in Matale, and Seetha Kotuwa in Hasalaka and in many more places. The Ravana Ella has its roots connected to the times of the famous eastern epic, Ramayana and it has been named after the brawny daemon ruler of Lanka, Ravana. It is said that after kidnapping Sita, Ravana had hidden her at the caves behind this waterfall when Shri Rama was drawing close to Lanka with his army to rescue her.
The cave came to be known as Ravana Ella cave. The place was then a thick afforested region in the midst of wilderness. Rama’s queen is believed to have wandered around here while she was confined. She also bathed in a pool that accumulated its eddying water from these Ravana Falls.
It originates from the dense Wewatenna highland and amasses its water from a tributary of River Kirindi. Posited on the Ella-Wellawaya Road, the Ravana Ella falls is about 30 foot high and is perceptible from the main road. Its beauty lies in the fact that it is located in a strikingly beautiful backdrop of mountains and valleys and its water gushes down over many stairs. The place is a favoured stop to rest for pilgrims.
