Quick answer
Ravana Falls is a waterfall roughly 6 km south of Ella beside the Ella-Wellawaya road, commonly given as roughly 25 metres high, falling over a broad, tiered rock face. It is reached in roughly 15 to 20 minutes by tuk-tuk and is visible from the road, so no walk is needed. The flow is strongest after rain, particularly from roughly October to January, and can thin to a trickle in long dry spells. Swimming is popular but conditions change sharply with rainfall, so take local advice.
Key takeaways
- Ravana Falls lies roughly 6 km south of Ella on the Ella-Wellawaya road, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by tuk-tuk.
- The falls are commonly given as roughly 25 metres high, dropping over a wide, tiered rock face.
- The flow is usually strongest after rain, particularly from roughly October to January, and thinner in long dry spells.
- The falls are linked in popular tradition to the Ramayana and the demon king Ravana.
- Early morning and late afternoon are quietest, because tour buses and day-trippers stop through the middle of the day.
What Ravana Falls is
Ravana Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in Sri Lanka, largely because it sits right beside a main road. The water drops over a broad, stepped rock face into a pool below, and the falls are commonly given as roughly 25 metres high, though they look taller from the base when the flow is strong.
The falls lie within the steep country of the Ella Gap, roughly 6 km south of Ella town on the A23 towards Wellawaya. The road passes a bridge just below them, with a viewing area, stalls and a place to pull in.
- →Location: roughly 6 km south of Ella on the Ella-Wellawaya road.
- →Height: commonly given as roughly 25 metres.
- →Access: visible from the road; no walk required.
- →Setting: the steep, forested slopes of the Ella Gap.
How to get to Ravana Falls from Ella
Ravana Falls is easiest to reach by tuk-tuk from Ella, roughly 15 to 20 minutes each way. Agree the fare before setting off, and ask the driver to wait if you plan to return straight away. Local buses towards Wellawaya also pass the falls and can drop you there.
Walking from Ella along the road is not recommended. The A23 is narrow, winding and busy with buses and lorries, with little room at the edge. Many travellers instead stop at the falls in a car on the way south from Ella to the safari parks or the coast.
- →Tuk-tuk: roughly 15 to 20 minutes each way; agree the fare first.
- →Bus: services towards Wellawaya pass the falls.
- →On the way south: an easy stop on the drive from Ella to Yala or the coast.
- →On foot: not recommended along the busy main road.
The best time to see Ravana Falls
Ravana Falls is most impressive after rain. Ella's wettest stretch is usually from roughly October to December, and the falls are often at their fullest then and into January. In long dry spells, particularly towards the middle of the year, the flow can thin to a few streams over the rock.
Time of day matters for crowds. Tour vehicles and day-trippers stop through the middle of the day, and the roadside viewing area can be busy. Early morning and late afternoon are noticeably quieter and often give softer light for photographs.
Swimming at Ravana Falls
Swimming at the base of Ravana Falls is popular, but it is not always safe. After heavy rain the water can be fast and the rocks slippery, and the pool's depth and currents change with the flow. Serious accidents have occurred at waterfalls in the area.
If you want to swim, ask locally about conditions on the day, stay in calm, shallow water away from the main fall, and never climb the wet rock face. When the falls are in full flow, the safest choice is to enjoy them from the viewing area.
- →Ask locally about conditions before entering the water.
- →Stay away from the main fall and out of fast water.
- →Do not climb the wet rock face.
- →Skip swimming entirely after heavy rain.
Ravana Falls and the Ramayana
Ravana Falls takes its name from Ravana, the demon king of the Ramayana. In popular tradition, the area around Ella is linked to the story of Sita's abduction, and the nearby Ravana Cave is said to be one of the places she was hidden.
These associations are part of a wider set of Ramayana sites across Sri Lanka, which attract many pilgrims and travellers, particularly from India. They are matters of tradition and belief rather than archaeology, and are best approached as part of the island's living storytelling.
Fitting Ravana Falls into your Ella stay
Ravana Falls rarely needs its own outing. The easiest approach is to stop there early on the morning you leave Ella heading south, or to combine it with Ravana Cave by tuk-tuk in a short afternoon. Allow roughly 20 to 30 minutes at the falls themselves.
Lankan Stays & Trails usually times the stop for the departure morning, before the day-trippers arrive, so the falls are seen at their quietest on the way to the safari parks or the coast.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ravana Falls from Ella?
Ravana Falls is roughly 6 km south of Ella town on the Ella-Wellawaya road, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by tuk-tuk. It is visible from the road, so there is no walk once you arrive. Walking there along the busy main road is not recommended.
Can you swim at Ravana Falls?
Many people do, but conditions change sharply with rainfall. After heavy rain the water can be fast and the rocks slippery. Ask locally on the day, stay in calm shallow water away from the main fall, and never climb the wet rock face.
How high is Ravana Falls?
Ravana Falls is commonly given as roughly 25 metres high, falling over a wide, tiered rock face. It looks larger when the flow is strong after rain, and much smaller in long dry spells when only a few streams run over the rock.
When is Ravana Falls at its best?
Ravana Falls is usually fullest after rain, particularly from roughly October to January. Early morning and late afternoon are the quietest times, because tour vehicles stop through the middle of the day. In long dry spells the flow can be disappointing.
Is Ravana Falls worth visiting?
Yes, as a short stop rather than a destination. It takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes and is easiest on the drive south from Ella. It is at its best after rain and early in the day, before the roadside area becomes busy.
Is there an entrance fee for Ravana Falls?
The falls are visible from the public road and viewing area. Arrangements for parking or access closer to the pool can change, so check locally on the day rather than relying on older information. Vendors at the stalls sell snacks and drinks.