Uva Province · Sri Lanka
Rawana Ella Cave
HeritageMythologyCultural HeritageAdventureFree entry
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.
Duration
1 hour
Entry Fee
Free
Difficulty
easy
Budget
free
About Rawana Ella Cave
Rawana Ella Cave is a natural rock cavern on the steep hillside above Ravana Falls, a short but steep climb from the main road between Ella and Badulla. Local tradition and Ramayana pilgrimage routes identify this as the hiding place where the demon king Ravana concealed Sita after abducting her from India, before she was ultimately rescued by Lord Rama and his ally Hanuman. A small shrine is maintained inside the cave. The site draws Indian tourists on Ramayana pilgrimages who visit multiple sites across Sri Lanka associated with the ancient epic. The cave itself is modest in scale, but the steep approach offers good views down the Ella valley, and the mythological atmosphere combined with the adjacent Ravana Falls makes for a natural pairing. Allow 30 minutes for the scramble up to the cave entrance.
Highlights
- Ramayana Legend Connection
- Natural Cliff Cave with Shrine
- Valley Views from Cave Entrance
- Adjacent to Ravana Falls
Practical Tips
Wear shoes with grip for the steep scramble up to the cave — it is not a maintained path
Combine with Ravana Falls immediately below for a 90-minute outing
Guides from Ella offer Ramayana-themed tours covering this cave, Ravana Falls, and Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best months Shoulder Avoid
Best time of day: Morning, before heat builds
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Usually quiet
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- mixed
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- free
- Photography
- ★★★☆☆
Plan Your Visit
Want to include Rawana Ella Cave in your Sri Lanka itinerary? Our team in Kandy builds personalised plans — no booking fees, no online payment.
ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Ella Gap Viewpoint
A natural break in the hill country escarpment above Ella town with a sweeping view down a 1,000m drop to the southern coastal plains on clear days.
Explore →
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.
Explore →
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.
Explore →PLAN YOUR VISIT
Ready to explore Rawana Ella Cave?
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and preferences. Our team in Kandy will build a personalised itinerary with accommodation, transport, and entry tickets — no booking fees, no online payment required.