Quick answer
Kital Ella falls is a small cascade near Kital Ella station, the next stop on the railway west of Ella towards Bandarawela. It is reached on foot, either along the railway from Ella or as a detour on the Ella Rock approach, roughly 45 minutes to an hour from town (hedged; check locally). It runs best during and after the October to December rains, is quiet at most hours, and is best treated as a stop on a longer walk.
Key takeaways
- Kital Ella falls lies near Kital Ella station, one stop west of Ella on the railway.
- The falls are reached on foot, along the railway or as a detour on the Ella Rock approach.
- Walking from Ella town takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the route (hedged).
- Kital Ella falls is small, and runs fullest during and after the October to December rains.
- Walking on the railway is risky and in places prohibited, so stay alert for trains.
What Kital Ella falls is
Kital Ella falls is a small waterfall near Kital Ella station, the next stop on the main hill country railway west of Ella, towards Bandarawela. The water drops over rocks in a wooded fold of the hills, with tea and eucalyptus above.
Kital Ella falls is modest in height and volume, and in dry months it can be a thin trickle. Its appeal is quiet: unlike Ravana Falls, it has no road, no stalls and few visitors, and the walk there is part of the pleasure.
The name Kital Ella, also spelled Kithal Ella, refers to the area around the station; "ella" in Sinhala means a waterfall or stream.
- →Location: near Kital Ella station, west of Ella.
- →Size: small, best after rain.
- →Appeal: quiet, reached only on foot.
How to reach Kital Ella falls
Kital Ella falls is reached on foot. The most common route follows the railway west from Ella station towards Kital Ella, roughly 45 minutes to an hour, then a short path to the falls. Some walkers combine it with the Ella Rock approach, which passes nearby (hedged; check locally).
Walking on the railway is risky and in places prohibited. Trains can appear suddenly in cuttings and on curves, so listen constantly, walk in daylight and step well clear at any horn. A local guide knows the safer paths alongside the line.
You can also take a train one stop to Kital Ella station and walk from there, though trains are infrequent and often late.
- →On foot from Ella along the railway: roughly 45 minutes to an hour.
- →Via the Ella Rock approach: a short detour.
- →By train to Kital Ella station: one stop, infrequent.
When Kital Ella falls runs best
Kital Ella falls runs best during and just after the October to December rains, and after heavy showers at other times. In dry spells, usually roughly February to April, it can be little more than a trickle.
Wet months also make the paths muddy and bring leeches, so the best compromise is often a clear morning a day or two after rain.
Early morning is pleasant at any time of year, with soft light and cool air.
Kital Ella falls in the middle of the year, roughly May to September, often depends on passing showers, because Ella sits on the drier eastern side of the hills then. A heavy shower the day before can bring it back to life for a morning.
Safety at Kital Ella falls
The rocks at Kital Ella falls are slippery with spray and algae, and the pool below is small and rocky. Paddling is possible in calm conditions, but swimming is not recommended.
The railway is the bigger risk on this walk. Keep off the line where a parallel path exists, and never walk the tracks at dusk. Leeches are common in wet weather; closed shoes and a quick check of ankles help.
Lankan Stays & Trails guides lead this walk using the quieter paths alongside the railway.
- →Keep off slippery rocks by the falls.
- →Do not swim in the small rocky pool.
- →Watch for trains and leeches.
Combining Kital Ella falls with other walks
Kital Ella falls combines naturally with Ella Rock, whose railway approach heads the same way. Some walkers visit the falls on the way up or down, adding roughly 20 to 30 minutes.
For a gentler half day, walk to the falls along the railway, then return by tuk-tuk from Kital Ella or by train. Combine it with a cafe in town afterwards.
- →With Ella Rock: add roughly 20 to 30 minutes.
- →As a half day: walk out, tuk-tuk back.
- →With a train ride: one stop to Kital Ella.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kital Ella falls?
Kital Ella falls is near Kital Ella station, the next stop on the hill country railway west of Ella, towards Bandarawela. It lies in a wooded fold of the hills below tea and eucalyptus, and is reached on foot from the railway or the Ella Rock approach.
How do you get to Kital Ella falls from Ella?
Most people reach Kital Ella falls on foot from Ella, following the railway west towards Kital Ella station, roughly 45 minutes to an hour, then a short path to the falls. Walking on the railway is risky and in places prohibited, so a guide using parallel paths is safer.
Is Kital Ella falls worth visiting?
Kital Ella falls is worth visiting as part of a longer walk, especially with Ella Rock, or for anyone who wants a quiet waterfall away from the crowds. It is small, and thin in dry months, so do not travel far for it alone.
Is Kital Ella falls on the way to Ella Rock?
Kital Ella falls lies near the railway approach to Ella Rock, so many walkers visit it as a short detour on the way up or down, adding roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Paths in this area are poorly signed, so a guide or offline map helps.
Can you swim at Kital Ella falls?
Swimming at Kital Ella falls is not recommended. The pool is small and rocky, and the rocks are slippery with spray and algae. Paddling at the edge in calm, dry conditions is possible, but take care and keep children close.
Is Kithal Ella the same as Kital Ella?
Yes. Kithal Ella and Kital Ella are different spellings of the same place name, the area around Kital Ella station west of Ella. You will see both on maps and signs, and occasionally Kithul Ella as well.