Ravana Falls, Cascading waterfall in Ella, Sri Lanka

Ravana Falls is a cascade in Ella, Sri Lanka, where water tumbles down an oval concave rock face measuring 25 meters (82 feet) in height. Natural pools form at different levels, holding water briefly before it continues downward.

Archaeological digs in caves near the cascade uncovered signs of human settlement going back around 25,000 years. These finds show that people lived in this area for a very long time and used the caves as shelter.

The name comes from King Ravana in the Ramayana epic, who is said to have held Princess Sita in caves behind the cascade. Visitors today can look at the rock wall where water runs down and imagine the old stories tied to this spot.

The falls lie 6 km (3.7 mi) from Ella railway station, within the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary. The Ravana Ella Cave sits at 1,370 m above sea level on a cliff base, 11 km from Bandarawela. The flow drops sharply in the dry season, so the wet season gives the fuller cascade.

During rainy months, the flow pattern of water across the rock face creates a shape that looks like an areca palm flower. This happens only when the flow is strong and changes with the seasons.