Ravana Falls (popularly known as Ravana Alla, (රාවණා ඇල්ල) in Sinhala) is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country.

Description

This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop.

Seasonal Changes:

During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. In contrast, during the dry season, the water flow reduces dramatically.

Location:

The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary and are located 6 km (3.7 mi) away from the local railway station at Ella.red, providing factual evidence.

The Legend

The falls are named after the legendary king Ravana, connected to the famous Indian epic, the *Ramayana*.

The Story:

According to legend, Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka, kidnapped Princess Sita and hid her in the caves behind this waterfall, now known as the Ravana Ella Cave. The kidnapping was said to be revenge for Rama (Sita’s husband) and his brother Laxmana slicing off the nose of Ravana’s sister. At the time, the cave was surrounded by dense wilderness.

Additional Details:

It is believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool formed by the waterfall. Ravana was also said to have played the Ravanahatha instrument here.

The Historical Connotations

While the story of the Ramayana seems like fiction, archaeological findings and locations referred to in the epic have been discove

Key Facts:

- Ravana was a real Sri Lankan king who lived over 5000 years ago.

- He used advanced technology unparalleled in the modern world.

- He was powerful and feared by his people.

- He kidnapped a princess and kept her in a cave in Sri Lanka.

- The nearby waterfall was used as her bathing place.

- Ravana created a garden filled with flowers and fruit trees for her.

- Modern findings have located the cave, garden, and even the launch pad for his flying vehicle in Sri Lanka.

The Cave and Archaeological Evidence

The Ravana Ella Cave is located 1,370 m (4,490 ft) above sea level on a cliff foundation.

Tourist Attraction:

The cave is a popular tourist site, situated 11 km (7 mi) away from Bandarawela.

Archaeological Findings:

Excavations have uncovered evidence of human habitation dating back 25,000 years.

About Badulla District

Badulla is the capital of Uva Province in Sri Lanka. It is located southeast of Kandy, encircled by the Badulu Oya River, at an elevation of about 680 meters (2,200 ft) above sea level, and surrounded by tea plantations.

Geography:

The town lies beneath the shadow of the Namunukula mountain range and is about 230 km from Colombo, on the eastern slopes of Sri Lanka's central hills.

Eco-tourism:

Badulla and its surroundings are ideal for eco-tourists, with attractions such as Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles mountains a few hours away.

About Uva Province

The Uva Province, created in 1896, is Sri Lanka's second least populated province, with a population of 1,187,335 people. It consists of two districts: Badulla and Moneragala. The provincial capital is Badulla.

Geography:

Uva is bordered by the Eastern, Southern, and Central provinces. Its major attractions include Dunhinda Falls, Diyaluma Falls, Ravana Falls, Yala National Park (partly in the Southern and Eastern provinces), and Gal Oya National Park (partly in the Eastern Province).

Natural Features:

The Gal Oya hills and the Central Mountains dominate the uplands, while the Mahaweli and Menik rivers and the large Senanayake Samudraya and Maduru Oya Reservoirs are the main waterways in Uva Province.