If you’re passing through Ella, then a quick trip to Ravana Falls is well worth it. This gigantic, multi-tiered waterfall is one of the most famous in Sri Lanka and located just a 10 minute drive from Ella town. Ravana Falls is a very popular roadside stop as travellers drive to their next destination out of Ella heading south.
As you arrive, you’ll see local stalls selling fresh corn, monkeys playing in the trees and tourists being sprayed by the falls mist in the iconic photo spot. If you’re looking for a risky adventure, then you can also climb to the lesser-known Upper Ravana Falls, a hidden gem that you have to visit in the right season to be safe.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Ravana Falls, including how to get there, when to visit, swimming spots, Ravana Cave and more. Whether you’re planning a DIY day trip or fitting it into a full Ella Itinerary, this guide will help you make the most of your stop at one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive waterfalls.
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Where Is Ravana Falls?
Located right beside the main A23 Ella-Wellawaya Road, Ravana Falls gives an amazing contrast showing the scale of nature so close to man-made structures. Being in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province means it’s in the heart of hill country, surrounded by never ending mountains and jungle. Google Maps Location
Ravana Falls is only a 6-7km drive (10 minutes) from Ella town, making it an easy roadside stop for anyone heading south towards Mirissa or Yala. You don’t need to hike to see the falls, it’s hard to miss from the road.
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How To Get To Ravana Falls Ella?
Getting to Ravana Falls is easy and only takes 10-15 minutes by tuktuk. Head south along the main road out of Ella (A23), and enjoy the views winding through the hills and tea plantations. The Falls is right on the roadside next to a small bridge, you can’t miss it, parking is just past the bridge.
Here are the best ways to get to Ravana Falls from Ella:
Tuktuk Taxi
The easiest option is a tuktuk taxi from Ella town, it should cost no more than 1,500-2,000 for a return trip. Make sure to agree on a price before setting off.
Scooter/Tuktuk Rental
We chose to drive ourselves to Ravana Falls in our tuktuk which we rented for a two month roadtrip. You can rent a scooter or tuktuk in Ella town for the same cost of a taxi but you’ll be flexible for the whole day. Just make sure you’re comfortable driving the chaotic roads of Asia.
Bus
Local buses heading towards Wellawaya pass by the falls. A budget backpacker’s best friend as the fare is only LKR 50.
Tour Guide
You can also get a guided tour that includes Ravana Falls which is ideal for families who don’t want the hassle of buses or driving a tuktuk! However you will most likely be herded around like sheep for the day, going from one stop to the next, so we recommend doing it yourself.
We wouldn’t recommend walking as there’s no footpaths and it’s all up/downhill. There’s a small parking area at the falls and from there you can explore.
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Ravana Falls Description
Ravana Falls is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in all of Sri Lanka, towering 25 meters high, the multi-tiered cascade crashes its way down the mountainside over sharp rocks into a shallow pool below before flowing under the road. During the wet season (October to December), it’s at its most powerful and dangerous, with water thundering down into the valley.
As you drive down the road towards Ravana, you can’t miss it, and you’ll most likely park up at the side of the road by the corn vendors. We visited twice and both times we saw monkeys swinging in the trees and darting between the food stalls looking for corn scraps.
We visited during November, during the shoulder season, and the power of the waterfall didn’t make us want to cross the barriers. However, in the dry season (January to March), the flow is much calmer and you can climb up to Upper Ravana Falls. The views from the top overlook Little Adam’s Peak and the jungle lined valley below with not many tourists making it up there.
Ravana Falls Swimming
The main pool at the base of Ravana Falls is shallow and mostly used for a quick dip rather than a full swim. There are loads of signs warning against swimming due to strong undercurrents and sharp rocks.
That said, during the dry season (January to March), the flow of water eases, and the pools become more accessible for swimming.
Ravana Cave
Just a short hike from Ravana Falls is the lesser known Ravana Cave, a small but historic site tied to one of Sri Lanka’s fairytales. According to folklore, this is where demon king Ravana hid Princess Sita after abducting her.
While you might not believe in demonic kings, the cave might still be worth a visit, located up a steep and old stone staircase that starts across the road from Ravana Falls. After 10-15 minutes of climbing uphill, you’ll reach the dark and narrow cave entrance with views over the valley below. Bring a torch, good shoes and some water.
Ravana Falls Common Questions
Best Time To Visit Ravana Falls, Ella Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Ravana Falls is during the wet season (October to January) when the waterfall is most impressive due to the heavy rainfall. During these months, most tourists just observe the falls from the viewing platform near the road. We saw it during November, the shoulder season and it was already starting to get immensely powerful due to recent rainfall.
During the drier months however the waterfall is much safer to go for a swim or hike to the Upper Ravana Falls, giving you a unique experience not all travellers get to see.
Best Places To Stay In Ella
$ Budget
Hangover Hostel
The best place to stay for backpackers being one of Ella’s most social options with a large communal lounge and great atmosphere, perfect for solo travellers looking to meet others. Hangover Hostel hosts regular events like movie nights, group dinners and has private rooms as well as dorms.
$ Budget
Tunnnel Gap Homestay
Perched on the top of a hill, our friends stayed in the Tunnel Gap Homestay when we visited and found it to have nice, large and clean rooms. You’ll be welcomed with open arms by the warm family who runs it and be within walking distance from all the best cafes, restaurants and hikes.
$$ Mid-Range
Winwood Ella
A boutique style retreat just 600m from Ella’s train station, Winwood Ella has spacious, spotless rooms and balconies overlooking the jungle. The home cooked dinners and fresh breakfasts cooked up by the warming hosts don’t go unnoticed. A nice and comfortable stay in the heart of Ella.
$$$ High-End
Zion View Retreat
Set just a short walk from the main town and Ella’s best restaurants, this is a family-friendly luxury retreat with incredible mountain views, a stunning infinity pool and spacious family rooms. Still a super luxury experience, just at a fraction of 98 Acres price located away from Little Adam’s Peak.
Spacing
Final Thoughts on Ravana Falls Ella
Ravana Falls is one of Ella’s best things to do and a must-visit spot even if you only have a 1 or 2 day Itinerary. The incredible contrast of mother nature’s power right next to man-made structures really allows you to appreciate the power. Whether you’re taking some quick photos amongst the Ravana Falls mist, admiring the monkeys causing trouble at the corn stalls, or climbing up to the Upper Ravana Falls or Cave, it’s worth visiting.
You can visit the falls as a quick DIY stop, or part of a guided tour, however either way it will most likely only be a 5 minute stop to admire the falls unless you’re in the dry season and can go for a swim, or hike to the top.
After Ravana Falls, we did the Little Adam’s Peak Hike and then drove straight to see the iconic trains at Nine Arch Bridge.
