Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

We continue the series on waterfalls. There are 313 waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Most of them are found upcountry. The cascading waters of these falls are a sight to behold.

Ravana Ella - Badulla district

The Ravana Ella or the Ravana falls is on of the widest falls in Sri Lanka and is one of the most popular attractions. It is connected to the Hindu epic, Ramayana, a historic tale that covers India and Sri Lanka.

The falls is said to have been named after the famous king, King Ravana.

The story goes that King Ravana kidnapped Princess Sita from India and hid her in the caves behind the waterfall. It is also said that Sita bathed in a pool of water that was collected with the water that fell from the fall.

The caves behind the fall are known as the Ravana Ella Caves.






 

The Ravana cave - Badulla district

These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. The tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret passage. They networked all the important cities, airports and dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made and not natural formations.

Existing tunnel mouths are also at Ishtripura in Welimada, Senapitiya in Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola in Matale and Seetha Kotuwa in Hasalaka and in many more places.

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