Waterfalls Near Sigiriya
Sigirya, or the Mount of Remembrance, is the best preserved city in Asia from the first millennium.
The rock fortress city “fuses symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning based on a precise square module,”.
The ancient city is also renowned for its frescoes and gardens and is a popular tourist destination. It is one of the World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka and is located near numerous waterfalls.
Ravana Ella — Ravana Falls
The Ravana Ella, Ravana Falls, is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Sri Lanka. The falls are about 30 feet high, can be seen from the main road and are set against a backdrop of mountains and valleys.
It is located seven miles away from Bandarawela in Sri Lanka.The water is believed to originate from the Wewatenna highland and eventually spills into a stream.
The Ravana Ella Cave is located behind the waterfall and lies 4,500 feet above sea level on the foundation of a cliff in Uva.
The name of the waterfall is based on the legend of Ravana, a demon king of Sri Lanka who kidnapped an Indian princess and hid her in the waterfall’s cave.
Diyaluma Falls
Diyaluma Falls — skein of water — is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous waterfalls and is its second highest. It is also the sixth-tallest waterfall in the world.
The Diyaluma collects its water from the Poonagala Oya tributary and is six miles from Koslanda and 13 miles from Wellawaya. The waters originate from the Mahakande Pass in Koslanda.
Area wildlife includes lizards. This waterfall is also steeped in legend. It is said that the gods took pity on a prince who had fallen in love with a woman from a lower caste.
The pair ran off together; however, the story ends in tragedy when the prince tried unsuccessfully to carry his love over the Diyaluma precipice. The gods then created this waterfall to weep forever in the wilderness.
Bopath Ella — Bo Leaf Falls
The Bopath Ella, Bo Leaf Falls, is located within driving distance from Columbo in Sri Lanka and cascades in the shape of a bo tree, thus giving the waterfall its name. It is also the most studied waterfall in Sri Lanka.
The waterfall’s source is at the Kurugana River that later joins the Kaluganga River at Kurugaomaodara. The water from the falls irrigates the paddy fields in the Udakada and Kuruwita areas.
Animal species around the area include wild boar, Meemina deer and reptiles. The water is home to fish species bulathhapaya, lellu, magura, korali, sonnu and eel.
A local legend that surrounds the falls is that of a young man from Columbo making a pilgrimage to the falls, but he lost his way. He found help from a local girl who became pregnant with his child before he left.
He promised to return but never did and the girl threw herself into the falls. Villagers say her ghost still haunts the area.
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