The awe-inspiring Ravana Falls in Ella, Sri Lanka is one of the most popular waterfalls in the region and not to be missed during your visit.
I have put together this complete guide to Ravana Falls Ella including how to get there, how much it costs and what to expect when you arrive.
RAVANA FALLS ELLA – OVERVIEW
Let’s start this guide with all the essentials you should know about the 25-meter-high Ravana Falls, from their location to getting there and more.
WHERE IS RAVANA FALLS?
A short 10-minute drive down the mountainside from the main street in Ella is where you will find Ravana Falls.
Click here to see the location on Google Maps.
HOW TO GET TO RAVANA FALLS?
The cheapest option to get from the center of Ella to Ravana Falls is to jump on the local bus from the Ella bus stop, which will cost you around 50 Rupees.
The other option is to jump in the back of a tuk-tuk in Ella and the price will be anywhere between 300-500 Rupees each way.
Alternatively, you can join an all-inclusive tour in Ella, which includes a stop not only at Ravana Falls but also other iconic locations in and around town.
BEST TOUR TO RAVANNA FALLS
The BEST way to visit is to join an All-Inclusive Ella 5 Icons Day Tour!
It includes transportation, all entrance fees, lunch and drinks, and a fun guide!
BEST TIME TO VISIT RAVANA FALLS
The best time to visit Ravana Falls in Sri Lanka is typically during the rainy season, which runs from October to January. During this period, the falls are at their most voluminous, as the rainfall increases the water flow.
However, it’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, and heavy rains can sometimes lead to floods.
From February to April, the weather is generally drier, and while the falls might not be as full, the surrounding scenery is still beautiful, and the reduced water flow can make it safer and more accessible.
RAVANA FALLS ENTRANCE FEE
There is no entrance fee to enjoy the Ravana waterfalls, which is an excellent bonus!
ARRIVING AT RAVANA FALLS ELLA
Hold on to your hats as you wind your way down through the verdant valley between Ella Rock & Little Adam’s Peak… the hairpin turns on the way to the falls will make your belly churn!
Don’t be afraid to look out the window though, because the spectacular views down the valley are absolutely phenomenal.
These falls feature a 3-tier cascading waterfall that gushes down a rock face, creating rock pools along its path.
The first set of falls is a short 1-minute walk from the jump-off point and this is the most popular spot where the majority of tourists and locals hang out.
At first sight, this set of falls didn’t look very striking in comparison to some of the waterfalls you can find in Bali and Lombok, however, I noticed two more sets of falls which are much higher up on the cliff face above, and of course, I had to go and check them out!
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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RAVANA FALLS
It’s not recommended by the locals to venture any higher than the first set of falls but there are no signs or barriers prohibiting this.
Regardless of this, my friend Samuel and I started climbing the rock face toward the 2nd tier.
You will, however, notice a warning sign in the parking lot with risks and hazards to be aware of, so please take care and only explore within your own limits when visiting Ravana Ella Falls.
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We started to scale the rock which wasn’t very steep and the surface was dry, which was reassuring.
We went as far as we could before the rock climbing became a bit gnarly and we traversed across to the bushes on the right-hand side.
Surprisingly, there was a muddy trail and signs of foot traffic before us, so we followed the trail to the top and we were stunned in awe at what we had just discovered.
The BEST Hotel in Ella
Need a place to stay? Nine Skies Hotel is conveniently located in Ella.
Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Nine Skies Hotel is a great choice.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT RAVANA WATERFALL ELLA
My initial opinion of the falls not being that spectacular changed instantly. The views overlooking the valley were breathtaking, and the trek up into the mountains to see the 2nd and 3rd tier waterfalls was nothing short of amazing.
I felt like I was in a fairytale of some sort, having just discovered a magical fountain!
We explored around the epic mountainside setting, swimming in rock pools and taking photos as the sun began to set over the clifftop above.
Just to be sure, I’d recommend bringing a dry bag to keep all your belongings and gadgets safe when going for a swim.
We got lucky with the timing and were able to get some good shots while the last bit of sunshine was beaming down through the cracks of the valley. I believe the time was around 4 pm.
We had come as far as the 2nd tier and couldn’t resist climbing to the highest point to reach the 3rd tier of the waterfall.
I found a dirt track through some bushland on the left-hand side that leads up and around the rock face and to a cascading pool beneath the highest falls.
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Do you ever have that feeling of achieving something worthwhile? Well, that’s the feeling I experienced as I reached the highest point possible at Ravana Waterfall.
We spent a good hour up here admiring mother nature at its finest!
The trek back down the mountainside was much easier than I imagined. We followed our same tracks down the dirt trails which lead us straight back to the entrance.
Back at the jump-off point, you can find some small roadside vendors that sell tasty snacks, vegetable kottu, and fresh coconuts to cleanse the pallet. Bring some extra cash if you wish to purchase something!
As I mentioned earlier, please take care during your visit and don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing. If you can make it to the top, you will never regret it!
WHERE TO STAY IN ELLA
Ella has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend before or after visiting Kuda Ravana Ella (waterfall):
Luxury: Nine Skies
Nine Skies is one of only a few 5-star properties on Ella, featuring a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, beautiful gardens, and a sun terrace.
The rooms are luxurious and spacious and come with free wifi, an en-suite bathroom, a terrace, and spectacular mountain views.
The perfect place to stay for couples or families.
Mid Range: Tea Cabins
Tea Cabins is one of the most relaxing places to stay in Ella and is centrally located in the town and close to all the tourist spots.
Features include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, free wifi, and mountain views in all directions, and you have the option of booking a One-Bedroom Chalet or a Villa with Private Pool.
Perfect for couples, small families, or friends visiting Ella.
Budget: Hangover Hostel Ella
Hangover Hostel Ella is a modern, comfortable, and safe place to stay in Ella on a budget.
Choose from a standard twin room with a private en-suite, or book a bed in a mixed dorm or female-only dorm.
There is free wifi for all guests, and the town center is just a few minutes walk from the hostel.
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN ELLA, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BEST TOURS IN SRI LANKA
WHAT TO PACK FOR ELLA
When visiting Ella, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
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Reusable Water Bottle
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Travel Backpack
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Quick-Dry Travel Towel
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Portable PowerBank
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FINAL THOUGHTS – RAVANA FALLS SRI LANKA
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about Rawana Waterfall, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations about Ravana Falls Ella Sri Lanka to our awesome community.
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THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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Many thanks!
This place are really amazing to view through your lens, i think your writing will help me a lot in my Srilankan trip.
Hope you had a nice experience in travelling there.
Glad you found this guide useful!
Awesome post…got me attempting to replicate the climb to the top. Unfortunately, the tourist police were there in force and one chased after me with large stick, slamming it against the ground as he screamed at me to go down (turns out there are new signs that say ‘no climbing’…I didn’t see them somehow). I played the dumb, apologetic tourist angle and got off ok. The Sri Lankan who was also up there taking photos didn’t fare so well – pretty certain he got fined.
haha oh crap! glad you got away with it. seems they are cracking down and not letting people up which is unfortunate as the best views are at the top!
yeeeeew!
yew!