Joanna James
Even though Kalutara’s main attraction is its golden beach there are quite a few waterfalls located near this beach town. Here are some of the waterfalls that you can visit near Kalutara.
The Thudugala Ella falls is located on the Thudugala Estate, an estate which was owned by a British Nationalist. While it is not one of the tallest waterfalls in Sri Lanka at a mere 8 meters, it is, however, one of the best places to have a bath in the Kalutara area and has been declared as one of the most popular waterfalls in Sri Lanka by the Lanka Council on Water Falls (CLWF).
Located around 65 kilometres from the Kalutara town in Thunmodara, Ranmudu Ella Falls is a waterfall 15 metres in height that supplies water to the Kelani river. Being one of the 4 main rivers that supply water to Colombo, Ranmudu Ella falls is a popular tourist attraction that is under threat due from large groups of visitors messing with its ecosystem. There are many other less popular waterfalls around Thunmodara like Dambora Ella, Uda Ella and Kumari Ella that are equally beautiful but less frequently visited.
Hidden in the Kalawella village and in close proximity to Bulathsinhala, the Ginigedara Ella Falls and its surrounds is one of the most beautiful places in Kalutara. The waterfall gets its name from an accident that occurred many years ago where a house caught fire and killed everyone living inside. The waterfall’s drop, which spans 14 meters and cascades between 2 large rock boulders before it reaches the stunning water pool at the bottom. Even though there aren’t many hotels and resorts nearby as Kalutara's main attraction is the beach, travel companies similar to Travel Kalutara organize excursions that tourist can take part in and explore the many wonders and sights to see around Kalutara. The hike to the top of the waterfall is quite challenging and is a great place to spend the day if you’re an avid hiker.
When translated to English the name of this waterfall translates to “wick”; the types used in temples and lamps to ignite the fire. Situated in the Ratnapura district and around 68 kilometres from Kalutara, the base of this waterfall is shaped liked the wick that is used in oil lamps made out of clay, hence how it got its name. The waterfall is only 5 metres in height and is located on the borders of Horton Plains.
At a height of 23 metres and situated around 54 kilometres from the Kalutara town, Makeli Ella falls is one Sri Lanka’s most scenic waterfalls. The shape of the waterfall resembles a veil worn by a bride when viewed from far, hence is also known by the name “bride’s veil”. There is a huge natural pool prior to the point where the Makeli Ella cascades down. The streams of the Makeli Ella merge together and travel via the Kaluganga River to Kuda River before finally reaching the sea. The area used to be a great place for bathing before to the Kukuleganga Project, after which bathing in this waterfall was made illegal. Visitors have been however been provided with a viewing platform where they can marvel at this magnificent waterfall’s beauty.
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