Ella-Full Package

Year and Month	1st visit-2011 August 30th and September 01st 2nd visit-2016 July 17th Kurulangala hike- 2016 July 24th Bambaragala Pathana (latest visit) -2018 May 31st
Number of Days	Separate Days
Crew	1st visit-Ravinu and My self 2nd visit-Siraj and My self Kurullangala hike- Prabath, Nalinda, Keshan, Kaweesha, Nuwan, Myself with guide-Meththananda Bambaragala Pathana (latest)-Nirosh and Myself
Accommodation	Not Applicable
Transport	Train, bus, walking and hiking
Activities	Sightseeing, Hiking and Photography
Weather	Excellent
Route	Colombo->Kithal Ella-කිතල් ඇල්ල (By train)->Ella Rock->Rawana Cave (රාවණා ගුහාව) and Rawana Temple-> Bambaragama Falls (බඹරගම ඇල්ල)->Ella->Little Adam’s peak->Bridge of Nine arch-> Ella->Colombo
Tips, Notes and Special remark	Rawana cave and Temple 1. Direct pathway to reach Rawana cave and temple is the road situated after 1km from Ella town towards Wellawaya. There is a foot path with steps to Rawana cave. But we followed the foot pathway from Ella rock to reach this road. Bridge of Nine Arch 1. There is a shop situated closer to the bridge where you can buy snacks and cool drinks. 2. Time table of trains which reach Ella station from Colombo side: 6.06am, 1.30am, 3.15pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm 3. Time table of trains which reach Ella from Badulla side: 6.39am, 9.23am, 12.04pm 4. Ella station is a nice place with quality wash room facilities, might be due to arrival of large number of tourists. Kurullangala (කුරුල්ලන්ගල) Hike 1. Tough hike and better have a guide or known person. 2. Have to bring drinking water. No water sources found. Need 1 l per person. 3. It needs a rope in hiking of Kurullangala. 4. It’s better talk with Buddhist priest at Rakkithakanda cave temple (රක්ඛිතාකන්ද ලෙන් විහාරය) before you go to Kurullangala. Bambaragala Pathana (බඹරගල පතන) 1. Can reach the place by a vehicle, better have a four wheel or three wheel. 2. Be careful in walking around Pathana as foot path lies at the edge. 3. Can camp there but need to carry water. 4. It is about 2km from club junction and you can get a three wheel from club junction. 5. Ella-Passara road is fairly good in condition now.
Related Resources	1.Trip reports on Ella 2. Mysterious cave paintings at Ella, Kurullangala 3. Trip reports on Bambaragala Pathana 4. Mihithuru Magazine 2014-September
Author	Niroshan
Comments	Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread Ella-Full package

Ella (ඇල්ල) is one of the best tourist destinations of Sri Lanka. It is attracted by more foreigners than local travelers. Ella is a transient place of foreigners who travel from down south to central hills. Therefore it has been developed as a tourist city where number of hotels, restaurant are situated. And it’s not surprise to see more tourists than locals at Ella town. The Name Ella is might be due to the acute angle from central hills to southern slope at this area. (Elaya (ඇලය)->Ella)
Ella has few places where everyone visits:

1. Ella Rock / Ellagala (ඇල්ලගල)
2. Little Adam’s peak (පුoචි ශ්‍රිපාදය)
3. Rawana Cave (රාවණා ගුහාව)
4. Rawana Temple
5. Bambaragama Falls-බඹරගම ඇල්ල (Famous Rawana Falls)
6. Rawana Falls-රාවණා ඇල්ල / Kithal Ella Falls
7. Bridge of Nine arch

Distant tourist attractions are
1. Kurullangala (කුරුල්ලන්ගල) and Rakkithakanda Temple (රක්ඛිතාකන්ද ලෙන් විහාරය)
2. Nil Diya Pokuna
3. Bambaragala Pathana (බඹරගල පතන)
4. Namunukula

I have been at Ella twice in 2013 and 2016.Good manageable one day is enough to cover main tourist attractions around Ella. This report is to share my experience around Ella in 2016.

Ella Rock / Ellagala
Siraj and myself got night mail train from Pettah and reached Kithal Ella station early morning. As it was a poya day small boutiques situated at Kithal Ella station were closed. We had our quick breakfast there and walked towards Ella along the rail track. The foot pathway towards Ella rock starts near Bo tree closer to railway track. We crossed Rawana Falls (not famous one) and followed right hand side foot pathway to reach Ella Rock. Left hand side foot pathway directs towards Rawana cave. There were number of branches and luckily we met a local guide who accompanied three tourists. We came to first view point which was situated lower to the top of Ella rock. It provided the view towards little Adam’s peak. After passing Pines forest we reached the top of Ella Rock where previous groups had rest. Then we moved further to reach view point-2 where a small Buddha statue was placed. Ella rock is a nice view point where you can see Banadarawela side, Punagala Hills, Wellawaya side, Namunukula and Little Adam’s peak, Ella gap, Ella-Wellawaya road etc.

View of Ella Rock from Little Adam’s peak

Posing at Kithal Ella station with kids

Getting down from rail track to the foot pathway. There are some local guides waiting for tourists. It’s better have policemen here.

Passing the top of Rawana Falls (Not the famous one)

Siraj is showing the direction once you cross the Rawana Falls. Other pathway brings you to Rawana cave. We joined with this foot pathway later.

Through Mana bushes

Get into the track. There are branches of foot pathways. But you can easily trace them as local guides and foreigners are there

Boutique we came across on our way

Framed view

Climbing up…

Reaching the first view point where you can see little Adam’s peak with back drop of Namunukula

Little Adam’s peak-Zoomed

Last bit of hike through Pines forest

Reaching the top of Ella Rock

The top is full of foreigners

Sleeping calm without disturbances

Mobile tea shop situated at Ella rock. Quite expensive.

Top of Ella rock with pines trees

Winding Ella-Wellawaya road

A bend of the road

Rawana Falls we passed.

Ella gap-Right hand side is Ella rock and left hand side is little Adam’s peak. Namunukula range is behind all.

Buddha statue and cave at view point-2.

Banadarawela side and Punagala Hills in right hand side. Wadina Hela peak at Wellawaya is faintly seen.

Ella town with hotels and Narangala (Second highest peak of Uva province)

Ella town

Ella-Wellawaya road

Zoomed Little Adam’s peak

After enjoying the view we returned along the same pathway up to the boutique and followed another foot pathway to join with the road to Rawana Cave. That foot pathway was scenic and again we met few foreigners with local guides. On our way down we have noticed famous Rawana Falls (Bambaragama Ella) with low water level. At the end we entered the road to Rawana cave.

Back to route

Getting down

Peak of Ella Rock is zoomed

First Peak of Ella rock is zoomed

Get the foot pathway from here to reach Rawana Cave

Meeting of foreigners

Sceneries captured on our way back….

Dried Bambaragala Falls (Famous Rawana Falls)

The train crossing the bridge

An estate manager during colonial era was used to sit on this rock and observe tea estate.

Nicely made hut

Finally we met the steps to reach Rawana Cave

Rawana Cave and Rawana Temple
Rawana Temple/ Rawana Ella RMW is also called Meda Maha Viharaya (මැද මහා විහාරය) as it is situated in between Dowa cave temple and Rakkithakanda temple. Rawana Ella Temple was built in King Walagamba period and renovated by King Wimaladarmasooriya 1 during Kandyan era. Nowadays you can see the cave temple with old Bo tree.

Rawana Cave
This cave which is situated closer to Rawana Temple has some evidences of pre historical human. Dr. Deraniyagala has done excavation related to this cave in 1940-1950 found traces of Sri Lankan pre historical human. This cave is situated at 4000ft height. It has a huge opening but suddenly ends up as a narrow tunnel.
According to Rama-Rawana story, King Rawana has used this cave to hide Seetha.

Entrance to Rawana Cave-They will charge from foreigners

The way to Rawana Cave

Scenic Foot pathway to Rawana Cave

Footsteps to Rawana Cave

Rawana Cave

Rawana Cave with modern day letters

Rawana Temple

Sleeping Buddha statue

Seating Buddha Statue

Ancient Buddha Statues

Ceiling of the temple

We have reached Ella-Wellawaya road then and enjoyed the view of Bambaragama Falls (famous Rawana Falls).

Bambaragama Falls (Famous Rawana Falls)
Though it is mentioned as Rawana Falls correct term is Bambaragama Falls. A branch of Kirindi Oya forms this beautiful road side waterfalls with seven steps, collectively has a height of 40m. Bambaragama falls can be seen from Wellawaya-Ella road one kilometer before Ella town.
The water springs origin from Bambaragama Ambadandegama area at Punagala hills.
This waterfalls is mentioned in famous Rama-Rawana story, a place to hide Princes Seetha. Seetha has come through a tunnel to bath at Bambaragama Falls / Rawana Falls and Rawana’s areoplane has parked on a hill closer to the falls.
The area has been declared as Rawana Ella forest reserve (රාවණා ඇල්ල රක්ශිතය) by the government.

First glimpse of Bambaragama Falls

Bambaragama Falls-Full view

Bambaragama Falls

Our next place of visit was Little Adam’s peak situated at Ella-Passara road.

Little Adam’s Peak / Punchi Siri Pade
One border of Ella gap is formed by the mountain range called Little’s Adam’s peak. By road to Little Adam’s peak is situated at Ella-Passara road in 1 kilometer. From there it is a scenic walk through tea estates to reach the first peak of Little Adam’s peak where old summer hut was placed. From there you can move from one peak to other till end of the range.This mountain range provides a bird’s eye view towards southern and eastern plains. It is nice to walk over hills of Little Adam’s peak

Scenic path to Little Adam’s peak

View of Ella rock and Banadarawela Hills on our way to Little Adam’s Peak

Cabanas of 98 Arches Hotel

Scenic pathway to Little Adam’s Peak

Surrounding view

Ella tea factory

Heli Pad of 98 Arches Hotel

Reaching the first peak of Little Adam’s Peak

Flag point /First peak

Remaining of old summer hut at first peak

View of second peak from first peak

Towards Wellawaya and Wadina Hela

The drop. Sometimes it is called as Mini World’s end as well.

Heading to second peak

Zoomed view of them

Third peak

Sun rays over Ella Rock

There are some more peaks to go

Unusual placement of rocks

Partner of this journey

Ella-Wellawaya road

Zoomed view of hotel at the edge

Three peaks of Little Adam’s peak

Coming back…..

Our last place of visit is famous Bridge of Nine arch from Ella-Passara road.

Bridge of Nine Arch

This was the last place of our visit at Ella in 2016 visit. This famous bridge (viaduct) is situated in between Ella and Demodara station closer to Ella station (About 3km along railway track). There are few ways to approach:

Along the rail track from Ella station or Demodara station (Little bit far)
Mortable road from Ella town (You can hire a three wheel)
Foot pathway from Ella
Foot pathway from Ella-Passara road

Road and foot pathway to reach Nine Arch Bridge from Ella-Passara road.

Last option was more convenient for us as we were at Ella-Passara road after getting down from Little Adam’s peak.
History of this bridge goes back to British colonial period. Due to the First World War British couldn’t import steel to construct the railway bridge between Ella and Demodara. Mr. P.K. Appuhamy solved this problem by constructing the bridge in shape of nine arch using bricks. One arch is 97feet tall and 24.5feet wide. Most fascinating thing is capturing a train which crosses the bridge. We waited for about 1hour for a train but it was delay.

Then we crossed the bridge and walked to Ella station after passing No 40 tunnel.

Bridge of Nine arch at Ella

It’s their fun

Closer view

From other side

Ella station-At the end of the journey

Rawana Falls-proper (not famous) is also a place for visit in Ella journey.

Rawana Falls-proper
23m tall this waterfall is also situated at Ella forest reserve closer to Kithal Ella. It is also formed by a branch of Kirindi Oya. Rawana Falls-proper can be watched by walking along rail track from Ella to Kithal Ella (or other way round). As this falls is more closer to Rawana cave, it is called Rawana falls.
We drove along Ella-Kithal Ella road and parked our vehicle closer to Kithal Ella station. It is bit difficult to go by a low ground clearance vehicle in this road. Then walked along the rail trek and found a place to get down to the base of the fall (After the railway bridge). But there was one guy mentioning as it is a private land they charge Rs200 for person to watch the fall from there. We refused it and go further along the rail trek to watch the fall.
One can go top of the fall when trek to Ella rock from Kithal Ella.

Rawana Falls-Proper

Rawana Falls proper

On top of Kithal Rawana Falls-proper. Can be easily reached on the way to Ella rock

Let’s move for some distance attractions around Ella town.

Kurullangala Expedition
This is a separate one day journey we all get together at Kumbalwela junction as we came from different direction. Then we drove along Ella-Wellawaya road and passed Ella town. Direction to the trail head is easy as there is a clear board mentioning Rakkithakanda RMW in right hand side after about 11 kilometers from Ella junction. (This junction is called Karandagolla). It is not necessary to go to the temple but we had to park our vehicles at safe premise. The priest at Rakkithakanda temple was very kind and we met our guide (well known Meththananda) there. Meththananda has become a famous character due to the programme of awakening King Rawana!
The foot pathway starts closer to the metal quarry.
Kurullangala hike is a tough hike over boulders and rocks. There are few difficult sections where you need a rope to get up with the aid of the guide. After spending about 2 hours we were able to reach the top of Kurullangala where pre-historical paintings situated. Though this hike is tough, it is almost under the forest cover except last few meters of the journey. I have to appreciate the work of Meththananda who is an experience guide of this trail to accompany people.
Kurullangala is a nice place to enjoy the view towards Wellawaya and Ella as well.

Turn to Rakkithakanda temple from Ella-Wellawaya road

Kurullangala where pre historical paintings situated. Exact place is shown by the arrow.

Meththananda is awaiting for us. Foot pathway is situated closer to metal quarry

Journey started. Met some villagers

Small break

Hike to Kurullangala

Met on our way up…

The path we passed

Time for a pose

Difficult path. Seems like a dry stream.

Climbing up….

Close to the rock

As there is no proper foot path it is a hard trek.

The rock…

With aid of creepers

Surrounding view…

Towards Uma Oya project

Uma Oya construction site…

Narrow escape

Rope is needed at some point

Prabath is awaiting for Keshan

Last bit of hike

Towards Moneragala

Sharp face of the rock

Kurullangala has drawings of 5000 years old might be belong to pre historical era. All these are linear paintings and red in color. Sometimes they have kept their hand marks on the surface. Different birds including peacocks and some animal paintings are there.

Kurullangala paintings

View from Kurullangala

View from Kurullangala-Uma Oya construction site

View from Kurullangala-Ella-Wellawaya road

The team with guide.

The team.

End of the journey.

Rakkithakanda cave temple
This is situated closer to the trail head of Kurulangala. After driving about 11km from Ella town along Ella-Wellawaya road, the name board to Rakkithakanda temple can be seen.
History goes back to King Walagamba period. This cave temple was built and offered to Rakkitha Arahath Thero who lived in King Walagamba period. In 1886, one of a regional king has renovated the paintings according to Kandyan tradition.
Nowadays you can watch the shrine house in the cave decorated with paintings. It says there is a tunnel connecting Rakkithakanda temple with Dowa temple in Bandarawela.
There are few caves used by Buddhist priest for meditation.

Rakkithakanda cave temple

Towards shrine house

Stupa at cave

Entrance of shrine house. Note Queens mark just above the door.

Paintings of Kandyan era

Sleeping Buddha statue

Inside shrine house

Stupa under the cave

View towards Wellawaya

View of Kurullangala from temple

Pussy cat

Bambaragala Pathana / Bibilekanda-බිබිලේ කන්ද (4335.9ft)
Bambaragala Pathana is a nice view point situated at Namunukula area. You have to drive along Ella-Passara road till club junction (after 1km of Namunukula junction) and then take right hand side road till find a temple at Y junction. From this Y junction get the road going downhill and will pass Wewekele (වැවේකැලේ) Grama Niladhari board. Then road becomes gravel till you reach the forest patch of Bambaragala Pathana.
Bambaragala Pathana has a historical value and it goes back to Rawana legend. A fire ball has fallen from historical war between Rama-Rawana resulting no vegetation over Pathana. There is clear area on Pathana like a playground might be the evidence for this. Forest department has planted some trees called “Gas Kadju” at some section of Bambaragala Pathana.
English has placed some artillery aiming Sinhalese at Bibilegama village in Uva-Wellassa rebellion.
Bambaragala Pathana provides a circular view point towards Namunukula, Buttala, Wellawaya, Bibilegama and Wewekele. There is a foot pathway around the hill enjoy the surrounding view. There are evidences of camping on top of Bambaragala Pathana.

Entering to Bambaragala Pathana

Entering to Bambaragala Pathana. Gravel path can be overcome by four wheel or three-wheel.

Bambaragala Pathana. Note this is not natural vegetation. Planted trees.

Bambaragala Pathana and planted trees.

Bambaragala Pathana

View of Namunukula

Bambaragala Pathana

View point of Bambaragala Pathana

Towards Wellassa and Wellawaya

View from Bambaragala Pathana. Paddies at Bibilegama area.

View from Bambaragala Pathana. Towards Wewekele area. We descend from Bambaragala Pathana to Wewekele area.

View from Bambaragala Pathana-Maragala range is seen far away.

Paddies seen at Bibilegama.

View point of Bambaragala Pathana

Perfect weather

View point of Bambaragala Pathana

View from Bambaragala Pathana

Giant of Uva-Namunukula

Nearby towers placed hill.

Bambaragala Pathana. Circular view point.

Around Bambaragala Pathana

Planted trees.

Bambaragala Pathana

Leaving from Bambaragala Pathana

Trekking from Bambaragala Pathana to Bibilegama
Actually I wanted to find water springs give the birth to Menik Ganga at Ethupattiya (ඇතුපට්ටිය). Therefore we descend from Bambaragala Pathana to Bibilegama along scenic foot pathway through Wewekele tea estate. All the way the foot path goes downhill but was rich in beauty. Bambaragala Pathana was standing behind us like a giant. At the end we came to a tarred road at Bibilegama to get the bus to Badulla.