Ahupini Ella (waterfall) also called ‘Ahupini Falls’ is a lovely waterfall that can be seen from the historic town of Aranayake. According to legend, it was named after the story about a King who had many wives, and on his way from war, he said he would give them a message from the hills about the result. He said if his soldiers waved a white flag over the hills, it would mean he was defeated, being killed in action and if he waved his own flag bearing his crest, then it would mean that he was successful. The cunning King decided to play a joke on his wives, who were waiting with their horses near the waterfall to see the visual message, by waving a white flag. His wives were so upset that they all committed suicide by jumping over the falls which today, is inspired by the name of Ahupini which is ‘Aswaya’ (Horse) and ‘Pini’ or ‘Panina’ (Jump) means ‘the horses jumped over the falls’! However, others have different stories about this fabled folklore.

In lieu of border demarcations, this fall was a boundary between the area of Sathara Korale and Paranakuru Korale. It is evident that this fall derives its name from a desperate suicide attempt, where a mounted monarch leapt from its upper reaches but there are fabled variations to it.

Villagers say the fall sometimes emits a fearsome roar that can last for 15 minutes, and that this signifies that it will claim a human sacrifice within a two-month’s period. According to renowned environmentalist, Dharman Wickremaratne, the 30m fall forms part of the Maha-Oya river that originates from both sides of the Raaksawa mountains, and is itself 570m above sea level.

The upper area of the fall winds through an area known as Uda Palatha, upstream of which is the Divisional Secretary’s Uduwella GS area, in the backdrop of Apalawatte Pallegama village.

The fall forms a plunge pool strewn with rocks where people are not encouraged to bathe due to the risk of drowning. Also at the base of the pool are crevasses known as Pinikandawela and Tissakumarawella that are said to house treasure by villagers.

The fall is 49km from Pussellawa and 44km from Kitulgala. The upper reach is about 5km from Dolosbage in the Kandy District, and can be accessed by passing Aranayake. The foot of the fall can be reached by travelling through Mawanella in the Kegalle District, across Aranayake. The falls can even be seen from Bathalegala (Bibile) Rock.