Waterfalls in Sri Lanka-Kirindi Ela Falls

Kirindi Ela Falls

The source of this breath-taking, 116m-high fall is the Kirindi Ella (stream), which flows from its starting point 940m up the Kuttapitiya Mountain. The stream travels 13km before the cascading point in the Kaluwaramukalana Jungle. It then flows via the Denawaka River to the Kaluganga River, located in the Bambarakotuwa Jungle. Local villagers say that there is a picture of a tortoise etched into stone here.

At the base of the fall, the water plunges into a deep pool called Diyagathwala. It is said that a flight of stone steps leads down to the bottom, where a treasure trove is hidden. It is worth noting however, that the water completely dries up during times of drought and there have been no reports of found treasure. In the wooded area surrounding the fall, a multitude of plant species can be found, together with wildlife including wild boar, cobra, monkeys and reptiles. This area was previously known as Kustapitiya, meaning itch, as folklore has it that a king suffering from an itch had lived here.Local villagers also believe that during Halloween, human voices can be heard near the fall. Furthermore, it is said that fireballs can be seen in the skies above the fall at night.The nearest town to Kirindi Falls is Pelmadulla, Ratnapura District
(Pelmadulla Divisional Secretariat, Kuttapitiya GS area). Take the rathnapura-Pelmadulla highway and 600m before the Kuttapitiya junction, turn left down the Kuttapitiya road. Continue for 5km to find the fall.

Alternatively, if approaching from the city of Ratnapura, take the Balangoda road to Pelmadulla and join the Pelmadulla School road. Continue via Narangoda to Kiuriwandala and the fall can be seen from near the Kuttapitiya tea factory. A convenient place to stay is the Ratnapura rest-house 21km away.

Be aware that the Pelmadulla PS charges a fee is to see this fall.