Ravana Falls – The Waterfall connected to King Rawana & Sita of Ramayana fame
Just about 5 kms or less than 5 minutes drive from Ella on the Wellawaya Road is located one of Sri Lanka’s most visited waterfalls, called the Ravana Ella Falls, also called Bambaragama Ella Falls.
The waterfall is approximately 82 feet in height cascading from an oval-shaped rock. The Waterfall is full and beautiful during the wet season and water reduces to a tickle during the dry season.
The Waterfall is also said to be a slippery and dangerous spot and a sign board in Sinhala warned visitors to be careful and 34 lives have been lost here.
Legend says King Rawana connected to Indian epic Ramayana kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita and hid her in the caves behind this waterfall. The cave is called the Rawana Ella Cave and tough a very popular tourist attraction, very few had ventured into the cave.
The reason for this kidnapping is said to be as a revenge for slicing off of the nose of Rawana’s sister by Rama and his brother Laxmana.
There is another waterfall above the Rawana Ella Falls which is close proximity to the Ravana Ella Cave considred to be the place where Sita was hidden by Rawana.
Many visitors make it a point to bathe in the cool water while others prefer to admire the sheer beauty from across the bridge.
I noticed a big monkey population in the area, some daring to snatch away food items from your hands without fear. A number of wayside stalls are seen selling fresh mangoes, grams and other snacks, even the vendors are wary of the monkeys.