The Thotas Ella Waterfall in Kalutara lies in the eastern border of the Paniyawela Mukalana in the Yagirala Forest in Walallawita DS division. The fall is fed by a stream flowing through the virgin forest of Yagirala with crystal clear water creating a number of pools.
Kekunadola Rajamaha Viharaya (Prathiraja Pirivena) is said to built during the reign of king Parakramabahu VI (1411-1463) by a minister called Sri Wardhana Prathiraja. The current stupa and the Tampita Viharaya is believed to be the structures built by him.
The Kosgulana Sangili Palama lies about 750 feet above the Kukule Ganga and is laid with about 400 Kitul planks at the bottom. The bridge is 3 feet wide and it was reported that it was in a dilapidated state in 2016 even though hundreds cross this bridge every day.
Ruins discovered at the Ganeuda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya is believed to be the ruins of a palace and a Dalada house of the sub kingdom of Warakagoda which can be traced to the Polonnaruwa kingdom.
Ammunition Store at Palathota has been built during the Dutch Period to store ammunition and to preserve it from fire. The roof of the building is made of concrete and bricks. The setting of walls and windows are significant since they allow for inside wind circulation.
Uduwara Shailatharama Maha Viharayaya has been established in 2434 BE (1890 CE). The building, which houses the Buddha image had been built in 1901, The temple had been known as the “Punch Kelaniya” in the past and had been popular pilgrim destination in the past.
Diyagama “Palunu Gala” Inscription lies on a rock by the Kalu Ganga in Diyagama which mentions of a ferry port and donations of paddy form the fields by an individual.
Nestled along the Horana–Panadura road near Bandaragama, Rambukkana Rajamaha Viharaya holds a priceless piece of history. A 1st century BC–1st century AD slab inscription found here in 1997 reveals links to the ancient Sanyuktha Bhanaka monks—guardians of oral Buddhist scripture before it was ever written down.
Gelanigama Ambalama is an ancient brick and mortar wayside rest close to the Southern Expressway entrance at Gelanigama. This is a small building with a half height wall built around it.
Cascading 14m down two protruding rock formations, the fall plunges into a dark cave – a feature that sets it apart from others. It was an unfortunate incident 50 years ago that gave the fall its name.
Paravithota is a bathing place in Ingiriya bordering Medakanda Forest. Due to its proximity to Colombo, this has become a very popular destination for one day outings which has become a burden to the environment.
This 7 meter tall Raja Maruna Ella (Rajameruna Ella) Waterfall lies deep in side Kalutara District off Baduruliya. This is rather an unknown waterfall with no proper access.
Thudugala Ella is a two-tiered, 14-meter waterfall set within a historic 400-hectare estate in Kalutara. Famous for its natural swimming pools, giant pus creepers, and rare endemic biodiversity, it features a unique tunnel path. Despite nearby oil palm cultivation, it remains a serene sanctuary for nature lovers and bathers alike.
Beruwala Sapugoda Viharaya is an ancient temple built during the Kandyan Era. The temple was built with the patronage of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe of Kandy.
Masjidul Abrar Jumma Mosque of Beruwala is considered the oldest mosque in Sri Lanka believed to be built around 920 by first Arabic Traders. The Muslims who originally settled in the coastal areas of Beruwela are believed to have extended further inland to the village areas due to the hospitality by the Sinhala community.
Bodhinagala is one of the most sacred and serene Buddhist hermitages in the Kalutara district. A neat pathway led me on a steady climb through the forest.
This massive “Dun” tree supposed to be the largest tree in the low country, is more than 150 feet in height and 28 feet in circumference.
Local villagers assert that this 3m-high Thambadola Ella fall in the Kalutara District is under threat and already its aquifers have been depleted as a direct result of logging.
The Pilituda Ella Falls is shrouded in fables about fairies. Legend says that a woman who was going to bathe in the waterfall startled some fairies who were at the fall before the woman. The fairies fled dropping their jewellery. This jewellery is believed to be hidden somewhere near the falls. This event supposedly led to the falls’ original name, ‘Abarana’ (meaning ‘jewellery’) Ella. However, over time, the name was changed to ‘Pilituda Ella’, as recounted by the villagers of Sabaragamuwa.
The Maha Ella and Bala Ella are two small waterfalls lying to the more popular Mara Kapu Ella Fall close to Athweltota in Kalutara District.
