Ravana Falls
A 25m fan-shaped waterfall on the Badulla–Ella road, one of Sri Lanka's widest falls, associated with the Ramayana legend of King Ravana.
Duration
45 minutes
Entry Fee
Free
Difficulty
easy
Budget
free
About Ravana Falls
Ravana Falls, 6km from Ella on the Badulla road, is a broad 25-metre cascade that fans out across a wide rock face rather than dropping in a single stream, making it one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The falls are at their most powerful from May to November when monsoon rains feed the Balagas Oya above. A path leads to the base of the falls for close-up views and swimming in the pool during calmer months. Local tradition identifies the cave behind and beside the falls as the hiding place used by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, when pursued during the Ramayana epic — the nearby Rawana Ella Cave reinforces this mythological connection to the area. The falls are visible directly from the road and easily combined with a drive between Ella and Badulla.
Highlights
- 25m Fan-Shaped Waterfall
- One of Sri Lanka's Widest Falls
- Ramayana Mythology Connection
- Swimming Pool at Base
Practical Tips
Visit between May and November for maximum water volume
The falls are directly roadside — no hike required for the basic view
Combine with Rawana Ella Cave, which is 1km further along the same road
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Best time of day: May–November (monsoon-fed peak flow)
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Often busy
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- outdoor
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- free
- Photography
- ★★★★☆
Plan Your Visit
Want to include Ravana Falls in your Sri Lanka itinerary? Our team builds personalised plans: no booking fees, no online payment.
ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Nine Arch Bridge
A 91m colonial viaduct built in 1921 with nine arches, best photographed when a train crosses — departures from Ella at approximately 9:10am and 3:15pm daily.
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Rawana Ella Cave
A natural cave in the hillside near Ella said by local tradition to be where King Ravana hid Sita during the Ramayana epic, located close to Ravana Falls.
Explore →
Ella Rock
A 1,041m summit above Ella town reached by a 3-hour round-trip hike through tea estates and jungle, with panoramic views across the Ella Gap valley.
Explore →LET'S EXPLOR™ THE
Tour Packages
from $0Ramayana Trail
Sri Lanka's Ramayana Trail links the places where, according to tradition, Rama, Sita, Hanuman and Ravana crossed paths after Sita's abduction, from the Shiva lingam Rama is said to have installed at Manavari to the cave above Ravana Falls where legend holds Sita was kept. This 7-day circuit runs from the west-coast temple town of Chilaw through the tea hills of Nuwara Eliya to Ella and the south coast, visiting Munneswaram Temple, Seetha Amman Temple, Hakgala Botanical Garden (identified in local tradition with Ravana's Ashok Vatika), Divurumpola, Ravana Falls and Cave, and Rumassala hill above Unawatuna, where tradition places a fragment of the herb-mountain Hanuman carried from the Himalayas. A stop at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, home to a shrine for Vibhishana, bookends the trip near Colombo. The route is popular with Indian travellers combining pilgrimage with a hill-country and beach holiday, and vegetarian meals are confirmed at every hotel on request. Every site's Ramayana association is presented here as devotional tradition, not verified history, and your guide will frame it the same way. Book hill-country hotels early if you are travelling in the December-to-March high season.
7 Days / 6 Nights
from $1125Ceylon Grand Circle
Sri Lanka pulses with life, calling to your adventurous heart with a symphony of wild jungles, ancient cities, and vibrant shores. The Ceylon Grand Circle is a 15-day thrill-packed journey for active travelers and explorers who crave more than just a view. Hike misty trails, surf crashing waves, chase wildlife, and dive into the island’s rich heritage—this epic loop weaves action, beauty, and culture into one unforgettable adventure. Kick off in Colombo, where the city’s electric energy sets the stage. Surf and splash in Hikkaduwa’s lively beaches, then soak up Mirissa’s coastal charm with a chance to spot whales (seasonal). Feel the rush of a Yala safari, tracking leopards in the wild. Hike Ella’s rugged trails, where misty mountains steal your breath. Ride a scenic train to Nuwara Eliya, sipping tea amid rolling plantations. Dive into Kandy’s cultural heartbeat, explore Dambulla’s ancient caves, and conquer Sigiriya’s towering fortress. Wander the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, steeped in history. Unwind on Pasikuda’s quiet shores, snorkel Trincomalee’s crystal waters, and rest in Negombo’s coastal embrace before heading home. This journey is for those who live to move, explore, and feel the pulse of Sri Lanka’s wild and wondrous soul. Your Itinerary Day 1: Land in Colombo, diving into its vibrant city buzz. Day 2: Head to Hikkaduwa for beach vibes and water sports. Day 3: Chill in Mirissa, with optional whale watching (seasonal). Day 4: Embark on a heart-pounding safari in Yala National Park. Day 5: Hike and adventure through Ella’s misty mountains. Day 6: Journey to Nuwara Eliya, exploring its tea-scented highlands. Day 7: Discover Kandy’s temples, gardens, and cultural treasures. Day 8: Explore the ancient caves of Dambulla, rich with history. Day 9: Climb Sigiriya’s iconic Rock Fortress for epic views. Day 10: Tour Anuradhapura’s sacred city and ancient wonders. Day 11: Wander the historic ruins and temples of Polonnaruwa. Day 12: Relax on the serene beaches of Pasikuda. Day 13: Snorkel and explore Trincomalee’s vibrant marine life. Day 14: Rest in Negombo, savoring its coastal charm. Day 15: Depart with a heart full of Sri Lanka’s adventures.
15 days / 14 nights
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