Neluwa Dowili Ella Falls (නෙළුව දූවිලි ඇල්ල)

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Height :	17 meters
District :	Galle

Other Names : : doovili falls, doowili falls , duvili falls, duwili falls, doovili Ella, doowili Ella , duvili Ella, duwili Ella

Sinharaja Rain Forest hosts 19 waterfalls, with 11 located in the Galle District. The most famous is Neluwa Dowili Falls, a 17-meter cascade known for its “dust-like” mist. The site features three viewpoints, landscaped bathing pools, and visitor facilities.

Sinharaja Rain Forest is home to 19 waterfalls, of which 11 are located within the Galle District. These include Pathanoya Falls, Suduwalikotha Falls, Brahmana Falls, Hathbinna Falls, Malmora Falls, Neluwa Dowili Falls, Wathugala Falls, Lankagama Kekuna Falls, Nellugolla Falls, and Beraliya Dola Falls.

Neluwa Dowili Falls

Among the most popular waterfalls in this region is Neluwa Dowili Falls, situated approximately 8 km (5 miles) from Neluwa town. The waterfall measures about 17 m (55.8 ft) in height and 1 m (3.3 ft) in width.

The term Dowili, meaning “dust,” is commonly used to describe waterfalls that generate a fine mist resembling a cloud of dust at their base. As a result, such waterfalls are typically distinguished by appending the name of their locality. Hence, this waterfall is identified as Neluwa Dowili Falls.

Located in the Kosmulla area along the route to Lankagama, the site has become a well-frequented destination for both local and international visitors. The surrounding area is well maintained, with constructed քայլեր providing access to different sections of the waterfall. Three designated viewpoints are available: one leading to the lower cascade, another to the base of the upper section, and a path that continues to the top of the falls.

Visitor Facilities

At the base of the waterfall, two large bathing pools have been created by diverting water from the stream. The first pool is shallow and suitable for children, while the second is slightly deeper yet remains safe for bathing. The area is landscaped and includes changing room facilities.

Access to the bathing area is regulated by a fence, and an entrance fee of Rs 30 per person is charged. The site is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Neluwa Dowili Ella Falls - Upper and Lower falls together

Neluwa Dowili Ella Falls - Upper Segment of the Fall

Also See

Waterfalls of Sri Lanka
Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of Neluwa Dowili Ella Falls

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Travel Directions to Neluwa Dowili Ella Falls

Neluwa can be reached from Colombo through 3 routes.

Route 1 from Colombo to Neluwa	Route 2 from Colombo to Neluwa
Though : Southern Expressway – Kurundugahahetekma – Elpitiya – Pitigala – Thanwalama Distance : 134 km Travel time : 3 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Though : Kalutara – Mathugama Distance : 116 km Travel time : 3 hours Driving directions : see on google map
Route 3 from Colombo to Neluwa
Though : Southern Expressway – Pinnaduwa (Galle) – Akmemana – Kottawa – Nakiyadeniya distance : 185 km Travel time : 3 hours Driving directions : see on google mapLonger route but best road at the moment

The turn-off to Dowili Ella is on Pelawatta Road about 500 meters from the junction. This road is called Kosmulla – Lankagama Road

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