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There are two waterfalls in the Ella area. The most popular being the waterfall at the Bandarawela - Wellawaya Road. This is popularly known by the name of “Ravana Ella” by the tourists as well as the villagers around. There is another waterfall above this falls which is not visible to the main road which is also called Ravana Falls. This is generally considered the real Ravana Falls due to legendary Hindu character Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. At the time, the cave was surrounded with thick forests in the midst of wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall.
The correct name of the waterfall by the road is said to be "Bambaragala Ella". Ella means waterfall.
The Ravana Ella II or the Bambaragala Falls is one of the most popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. Lying right on the middle of one of the most scenic and popular routes in the country this is one of the most visited waterfalls. This Ravana Fall II (Bambaragala Falls) is 9 meters high and flows from the Bandarawela Hill Oya Reservoir. During the dry season this almost dries up but during the rains flows at full force. Therefore the best time to visit this falls is during the rainy season or just after.
Ravana Ella currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in high and cascade from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an “areca” flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and is located 2 km (1 mi) away from the local railway station.
The famous Ravana Ella Cave lies 1,370 m (4,490 ft) above sea level on the foundation of a cliff. The cave is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, located 11 km (7 mi) away from Bandarawela.
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