(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
Loading...
| Height : | ~20 |
| District : | Ratnapura District |
The 20-meter-high Ritigas Ella is a charming waterfall cascading along the Heen Ganga River, located upstream of the better-known Minee Ella. Tucked away in the Gangodakanda GS Division of the Ayagama Divisional Secretariat in the Ratnapura District, this hidden gem has remained largely unknown to the public. As a result, it still retains its pristine beauty—untouched by man-made structures and free from the litter often left behind by visitors.
Unlike a single straight drop, Ritigas Ella flows down a series of heavily slanted rocks before continuing over massive boulders, creating multiple natural ponds along the way. This unique formation makes the fall appear both graceful and rugged at the same time.
In recent years, a mini hydro-power plant has been constructed using its waters, reducing the natural flow significantly. For the best experience, it is recommended to visit after light or moderate rains, when the water runs strongly enough to highlight its beauty. However, avoid visiting during heavy rainfall, as the torrents obscure the fall’s elegant cascades.
The name Ritigas Ella is said to come from the fall’s narrow, elongated stream of water, which resembles the long trunk of a ritigas tree. This unique shape, coupled with its serene forest surroundings, makes the waterfall a quiet retreat for those seeking unspoiled natural scenery.
On-Site Safety and Etiquette
- Stay on marked paths: Straying from designated trails can be dangerous due to unstable ground, slippery rocks, and hidden hazards, and it helps protect the local ecosystem.
- Be conscious of the weather when bathing: Sudden flash floods can occur from rain upstream, so always monitor water levels.
- Check depth and currents before entering the water: If the site is empty, consult a local villager about safe bathing areas.
- Follow “Leave No Trace” principles: Take all your litter with you, including biodegradable waste such as fruit peels, which can harm wildlife.
- Respect local culture: When passing through villages, dress modestly and be mindful of customs.
- Be cautious with photography: Exercise care near cliffs and slippery rocks.
Also See
- Waterfalls of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Ayagama Ritigas Ella Waterfall
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
Travel Directions to Ayagama Ritigas Ella Waterfall
| Route from Horana to Ayagama Ritigas Ella Waterfall |
| Through : Horana – Dumbara Distance : 28 km Travel time : 1.30 hours Driving directions : see on Google map |
0-09 m (89) 10-19 m (77) 20-29 m (47) 30-39 m (50) 40-49 m (25) 50-99 m (50) Ambalama (176) Ancient Anicuts (35) Articles (0) Asanaghara (8) Ashtapala Bodhi (5) Attraction Articles (3) Attractions (266) Beaches (10) Biosphere Reserves (3) Botanical Gardens (5) Bridges (35) Cave Art (12) Caving (7) Churches (30) Cities (9) Destinations (18) Dethis Pala Bodhi (27) Devalaya (51) Events (3) Flora and Fauna (82) Forts (52) Heritage (1916) Heritage Articles (27) Historic Events (7) History (7) Hot Springs (9) Hydro Heritage (104) Irrigation Articles (4) Islands (15) Kings of Sri Lanka (188) Kovils (29) Kuludage (11) Lighthouses (29) Memorials (57) Mile Posts (6) Misc (1) Mosques (4) Museums (15) National Parks (24) over 100 m (20) Pabbatha Vihara (13) Padhanagara (27) Personalities (211) Pillar/Slab Inscriptions (48) Popular Tourist Attractions (231) Pre Historic Burial Sites (22) Prehistory (42) Prehistory Articles (2) RAMSAR sites (6) Ravana (16) Reservoirs (72) Rock Inscriptions (36) Ruins in Wilpattu (11) Ruins in Yala (25) Santuaries (7) Sluice Gates (17) Stone Bridges (18) Strict Nature Reserves (3) Sumaithangi (3) Survey Towers (18) Tampita Vihara (242) Travel (5) View Points (24) Walawwa (13) War Memorials (26) Waterfalls (380) Wildlife Articles (28) Yathuru Pokuna (4)
Abhayagiri Monastery (20) Ampara District (196) Anuradhapura District (240) Badulla District (123) Batticaloa District (84) Colombo District (123) Galle District (76) Gampaha District (63) Hambantota District (124) Jaffna District (77) Kalutara District (53) Kandy District (217) Kegalle District (165) Kilinochchi District (13) Kingdom of Anuradhapura (88) Kingdom of Kandy (19) Kingdom of Kotte (9) Kingdom of Polonnaruwa (58) Kurunegala District (183) Maha Vihara (18) Mannar District (47) Mannar Island (10) Matale District (94) Matara District (53) Mihintale (22) Monaragala District (113) Mullaitivu District (39) Negombo (5) Nuwara Eliya District (126) Polonnaruwa District (138) Puttalam District (43) Ratnapura District (177) Trincomalee District (80) Vavuniya District (34) waterfalls in Sinharaja (3) z Delft 1 (5) z Jaffna 1 (20) z Jaffna 2 (26) z Jaffna 3 (14)