Surathali Ella
Sabaragamuwa Province
About Surathali Ella
Surathali Ella earned its name from the movies - the fall starred in the Sinhala film 'Surathali', and the title stuck to the waterfall that stole the picture. It remains a natural performer: some sixty metres of white water sliding down a dark rock face in a forest amphitheatre just off the A4 highway near Belihuloya, reached by a ten-minute path through pepper vines and kitul palms that makes it one of the easiest 'real' waterfalls on the island. The base pool is broad and shallow-edged - paddling rather than swimming water, with the usual respect for rain-swollen moods - and the surrounding forest keeps the amphitheatre cool even at noon. With Pahanthudawa's pool, Belihuloya's rest-house river, and the Bambarakanda–Wangedigala country all within half an hour, Surathali slots into the hill country's best water-themed day - the cinematic opener before the bigger drama upstream.
Top Activities
- ✓The short forest walk to the falls
- ✓Paddling at the base pool
- ✓Waterfall photography
- ✓Combine with Pahanthudawa and Belihuloya
- ✓A4 highway scenic drives
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
It's right off the A4 - the easiest waterfall stop on the Ratnapura–Haputale run.
Morning visits get the amphitheatre's best light.
Combine three falls (Surathali, Pahanthudawa, Bambarakanda) in one day.
Quick Info
Best Time
December to April; fullest after rains
Weather
Warm; the forest amphitheatre stays pleasantly cool.
Estimated Daily Budget
6.7000°N, 80.7500°E
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