Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Olu Ella - Yatiyantota

The Olu Ella waterfall is the fifth highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, nicknamed "Sri Lankan Niagara" and it is said that it never runs dry even in the worst of droughts. Having its humble beginnings in Wewiyathalawa (Wewaltalawa) where the local TV station ITN has its tower, this is a picturesque waterfall that according to folklore has never run dry even in the most unforgiving droughts.

It is said that this waterfall derives its name from the resemblance it has to the white Olu flower. Its multiple falls look like the white petals of an Olu flower.

According to the villagers, the waterfall gets so engorged with water during the rainy season that they have to cross the bridge made of wooden beams with caution as the fine spray of the fall creates a total whiteout of the road ahead. According to villagers they get drenched if they try to cross the bridge on foot during the rainy season but yet do so when they have to.

Olu Ella is in Pelempitiya in Yatiyantota. As far as access by road is concerned , there are many routes.

Route 1: Colombo - (Hatton Road) -Avissawella -Karawanella -Yatiyantota - Pelempitiya Road - 16th milepost (65.2 km)

Route 2: Kandy -Kadugannawa - Ussapitiya -Hettimulla - Bulathkohupitiya - Karawanella - Yatiyantota - Pelampitiya Road and 16th milepost (82.3 km)

Public transport is sometimes available up to Yatiyantota.

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