Kirindi Ella Falls
Sabaragamuwa Province
Photo by WMKKalhara via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
About Kirindi Ella Falls
Kirindi Ella ranks in Sri Lanka's top ten waterfalls by height - 116 metres of freefall off a jungle scarp near Pelmadulla in the rain-soaked gem country of Ratnapura district - yet it remains largely a local treasure. The Kirindi Oya gathers on the plateau above and simply steps off the edge, the single plume feathering to mist before it strikes the boulder pool; in the drier months bathers use the gentler pools downstream, and after monsoon bursts the fall's thunder carries to the main road. A stepped path with rest huts climbs from the village to viewing platforms at mid-height and near the base. Being twenty minutes from Ratnapura, it slots perfectly into a gem-city itinerary alongside Bopath Ella - the shapely leaf-fall to the north - and the Saman Devale, letting waterfall collectors bag two of the province's icons in a day.
Top Activities
- ✓Viewing platforms at mid-height and base
- ✓Downstream pool bathing (low flow)
- ✓Gem-country drives
- ✓Combine with Bopath Ella and Ratnapura
- ✓Rainforest birdwatching on the path
Nearby Attractions
Closest Places in This Guide
Straight-line distances; allow considerably longer by road, especially in the hills.
Travel Tips
The stepped path is sweaty - carry water and take the rest huts.
Combine with Bopath Ella for a two-falls Ratnapura day.
Leeches after rain; socks and repellent help.
Quick Info
Best Time
Year-round; fullest May–September
Weather
One of the wettest districts - expect showers any month.
Estimated Daily Budget
6.5786°N, 80.4736°E
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