Ravana waterfalls, better known as Ravana falls, are very popular waterfalls in Ella among locals and tourists. Mainly because of its proximity to the city and its gigantic dimensions. They are definitely a must stop, not only because they are nearby but also because they are just passing through when you are heading to Pallewela waterfalls or almost anywhere else.
How to reach Ravana Falls
There are two main options for heading to the waterfalls from Ella:
- Tuk Tuk Taxi: You can negotiate the price with a Tuk Tuk driver, you will find several on the main street of the city. The approximate price will be around 3000 LKR. You will have about 15 or 20 minutes of travel until you reach Ravana waterfall.
- Rent Tuk Tuk or Motorcycle: This is my favorite option and the one my friends and I opted for. There are several shops throughout the city where you can rent a motorbike for the whole day for around 5000 LKR. If you want a tuk tuk, things get complicated because there are not many tuk tuk rentals. I leave you here the number of my friend Shani (I think I remember that was his name), he is the owner of a hostel and rents tuk tuks. He gave us a free driving lesson because we had no idea how to drive the Tuk Tuk. Here is its location in case you decide to take the tuk tuk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3bY6TKy8LyveoctR8
In the following map you can see the location of the waterfalls:
What to See in Ravana Falls
As soon as you arrive you will park near the bridge from which you can see the waterfalls. Right around this same bridge you will find numerous food stalls selling elotes (roasted corn), ice cream, fruit, etc.
The bridge area is always full of people, it is a good area to take photos and see the waterfall from a good perspective. In any case, my personal recommendation is that you go inside to see how the local people wash clothes and the children play. At the base of the waterfall, there are several natural pools formed by the falling water.
Curiosities of Ravana Falls
Ravana Falls is named after Ravana, the demon king of Sri Lanka in the epic Hindu poem Ramayana. According to legend, Ravana is said to have kidnapped Sita, Rama's wife, and hid her in the caves behind this waterfall, giving this place a special mythological significance for some visitors.
Top 3 Accommodations in Ella
- Backpackers Hostel: As it could not be otherwise, my first recommendation goes to our friend Shani's hostel. If you are traveling alone backpacking, don't hesitate, it is a quiet hostel with good views where you can breathe good vibes in every corner.
- Rowinrich Cottages: The best accommodation if you are looking for comfort 7 minutes from the center. It is something more premium and I recommend it if you are traveling with someone and looking for peace of mind.
- Wild Bee Hostel: This hostel is the best in Ella, the facilities inside are incredible and all for an unbeatable price.
Is Ravana Falls worth visiting?
From my point of view it is not a mandatory stop, but at the same time I would tell you not to skip it. I tell you this because they are very close to Ella, and you can also take advantage of the journey to visit other waterfalls such as waterfall secret or the Pallawela waterfalls, one of my favorites. In addition, you will be able to see how the locals use these waterfalls in which they bathe but also wash clothes and have fun.
My experience at Ravana Falls
I visited the Ravana waterfall on two separate occasions. The first was in passing when I was on my way to Tissamaharama to do the Safari in the Yala National Park, this time I didn't have time to enjoy them.
On the second occasion I had just completed the Little Adams Peak route and we decided to visit Ravana Falls. This time we really enjoyed them, we bathed in the natural pools right on the bridge. At one point we decided to climb the waterfalls in search of a quieter place with another natural pool where we could sunbathe away from the hustle and bustle of people.
We were there for about an hour until the forest police saw us and told us that climbing the waterfall was prohibited, so we went down and left with them. We enjoyed them quite a bit, but in a way it's because we climbed to a quiet place. If we hadn't been able to climb, we probably would have left sooner.
