Olu Ella Fall: Sri Lanka’s Hidden Gem Waterfall in Kegalle

Looking for a Sri Lanka Tour Package? Visit Olu Ella Fall in Kegalle, which is a hidden treasure in Sri Lanka’s Kegalle district. It is the 6th highest waterfall in the country and the tallest in the Kegalle area. This impressive waterfall is 127 metres tall and 18 metres wide, dropping in four steps. The water comes from the Wee Oya stream, which starts on Baranawa Mountain. 

What makes Olu Ella Fall Sri Lanka special is its location – it is not well-known, so it’s still clean and unspoiled. An old wooden bridge, built during British rule, cuts through the middle of the waterfall. This bridge is believed to be the oldest wooden bridge still in use in Sri Lanka. 

The area around Olu Ella is full of natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Despite its height and beauty, Olu Ella remains a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered by those who want to explore the off-beaten path.

Olu Ella is a very tall waterfall. It’s the 6th highest in all of Sri Lanka and the tallest in the Kegalle area. It is also the highest waterfall that flows into the Kelani River.

The water for Olu Ella comes from a stream called Wee Oya. This stream starts on Baranawa Mountain, which is 1200 meters high. The stream joins another called Welihel Oya, and then they both flow into the big Kelani River near a place called Yatiyanthota.

Olu Ella waterfall is big – 18 meters wide and 127 metres tall. It drops in four steps. If you count the part below the bridge, it’s even taller, about 200 meters high. 

But because it’s in a far-off place, not many people know about it. This is good news! It means the waterfall area is still clean and not full of trash from lots of visitors.

The road to Seepoth cuts through the middle of Olu Ella waterfall. There’s an old wooden bridge that goes over Wee Oya, the stream that makes the waterfall. 

This bridge is really old. It was built when the British ruled Sri Lanka. They used it to carry tea leaves. People say it is the oldest wooden bridge in Sri Lanka that is still being used today. Enjoying nature here is one of the best things to do at Olu Ella Fall. 

Suggested Read: Top Things To Do At Dotulu Ella Falls In Sri Lanka

Other Waterfalls Nearby Olu Ella Fall

1. Wee Oya Ella Falls

On the road from Yatiyanthota to Nawalapitiya, through a place called Seepoth, you can see many small and medium-sized waterfalls. Two of these are called the Wee Oya Ella waterfalls – One of the best places to visit near Olu Ella Fall.

They are in the Bombepola Forest, just north of Weeoya Estate. You can spot these waterfalls from the road from Yatiyanthota to Lower Palanpitiya. They’re hidden in the thick forest. 

Both waterfalls are about 20 meters high. The water from these falls joins a stream called Wee Oya, which later flows into the bigger Kelani River.

2. Malalpola Ella Falls 

Malapola Ella is a small but pretty waterfall near Yatiyanthota. It’s only 4 metres high. But easy to visit. To see it, drive on the Yatiyanthota-Seepoth road for about 12 kilometres. 

Just before you reach Malalpola Junction, you’ll spot the waterfall right next to the road. It’s a nice, quick stop for travellers in the area who want to see a waterfall without any hiking.

3. Kitul Ella Falls 

Kithul Ella is a pretty waterfall in the Wee Oya Valley. It’s 13 metres high and flows between two mountains. The area around it has lots of Palmyra trees, which is why it’s called Kithul Falls (Kithul is another name for Palmyra). 

You can find this waterfall in the Kegalle area, about 15 kilometres from Yatiyantota, near a place called Mellapola. It’s easy to get to. 

You can use any type of transport. If you want to stay nearby, there’s a rest house in Kitulgala, which is 33 kilometres away.

4. Gorok Ella Falls

Gorok Ella is a tall waterfall near Yatiyantota in the Kegalle area. It’s 23 metres high, which is pretty impressive. The water from this fall eventually joins a stream called Wee Oya. 

To see Gorok Ella, you need to take the road from Yatiyantota to Pahala Palampitiya. The trip takes you through a thick jungle, which makes for a scenic drive. It’s a nice waterfall to visit if you’re exploring the waterfalls around Yatiyantota.

5. Katuwel Ella Falls 

To find Katuwel Ella waterfall, start at Dombepola junction, which is a small area with a shop and bus stop near Olu Ella Falls bridge. Look for a sign pointing to Dombepola Kanishta Vidyalaya and follow that slippery, rocky path to Wee Oya River.

Cross the narrow footbridge over the river. On the other side, you’ll see a pink house and a tea field to the left. Walk along the tea field towards Yatiyanthota for about 100 metres, listening to the sound of falling water. 

To reach the base of the falls, you’ll need to carefully navigate through some thorny bushes. It’s a bit of an adventure, but the waterfall is worth the effort.

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How To Get To Olu Ella Fall?

To see Olu Ella waterfall, start your trip in Kandy. Drive on the main road towards Colombo, passing through several small towns. When you reach Yatiyanthota, look for Pelampitiya Road. Follow this road until you come to a wooden bridge. 

Stop here, and you’ll have a great view of Olu Ella waterfall. It is a scenic drive that takes you through the Sri Lankan countryside before revealing the beautiful waterfall.

Best Time To Visit Olu Ella Fall

Olu Ella looks its best when there’s lots of water flowing, which happens during the rainy months from May to September. This is when the waterfall is really big and beautiful. But remember that the path to the waterfall can get slippery and muddy when it rains a lot. So wear good shoes and be careful if you go during this time. 

Stays Near Olu Ella Fall 

1. Kandy Mountain Cottage 

Kandy Mountain Cottage is a great place to stay and relax. The rooms are comfortable and have air conditioning and you can use free Wi-Fi. 

The inn has helpful staff at the front desk all day and night, and they can store your bags for you. There’s also a restaurant right at the inn if you don’t want to go out to eat. 

If you’re driving, you can park your car for free. It’s a nice, convenient place that makes it easy to enjoy your time in Kandy.

2. Kandyan View Holiday Bungalow

The Kandyan View Holiday Bungalow is a hotel that offers amazing views of Kandy City and its surroundings. It has modern comforts but also gives you a taste of traditional Kandyan hospitality. 

Whether you’re staying for a short time, a long trip, or planning a family gathering or party, this place is perfect. It’s a great spot to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country. 

The area around it used to be known as “the five counties on the hill”, which adds to its charm and history.

3. Sunrich Hotel 

Sunrich is a hotel near Kandy City – you can get there in about 20 minutes by car. They have different types of rooms for couples, small groups, and families. All rooms have air conditioning, TVs, and free internet. 

You also get a small fridge, hot water, and a balcony in your room. The hotel has some nice extra amenities like a swimming pool outside, big rooms for events, and an elevator to make moving around easier. 

There’s also a restaurant and bar where you can eat and drink. It’s a comfortable place with lots of conveniences for visitors to Kandy.

4. Saninro Hotel Ragama 

Saninro is a place to stay right in the middle of Ragama town. It’s very close to important hospitals in Ragama and the train station. This train station is special because it connects to many parts of Sri Lanka. 

If you stay at Saninro, you can easily take trains to travel all over the country. There’s also a big church nearby called Tewatte Basilica. So, Saninro is in a good spot for people who need to be near hospitals, want to travel by train, or like to visit churches.

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5. Colombo Tree House

The Colombo Tree House Villa is a special house on a hill in Nugegoda, a town near Colombo. It has beautiful views of nature and lots of trees around it. What makes this house unique is that it was built around two Beli fruit trees.

Two famous architects from Sri Lanka designed and built this house for themselves. The villa has some nice features like an indoor swimming pool and wooden floors.

It has three bedrooms, and each bedroom has its own bathroom. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy lovely green scenery all around.

Conclusion 

Olu Ella Fall offers a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors to Sri Lanka. Its impressive height, unspoiled surroundings, and historical wooden bridge make it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts. 

The best time to visit is during the rainy season from May to September when the waterfall is at its most spectacular. However, visitors should be cautious of slippery paths during this time. The area around Olu Ella is rich with other natural attractions, including several nearby waterfalls and lush forests. 

There are several comfortable stays in nearby towns like Kandy and Colombo. As you plan your visit to Olu Ella Fall, remember to respect the natural environment to help preserve this hidden gem for future generations to enjoy.