Rawan Ella - typical horsetail waterfall in Sri Lanka

Rawan Ella, not to be confused with Ravana Falls in the Ella Gap, is a waterfall in the village of Uduhawara in Badulla District, but very close to Nuwara Eliya District. Together with the nearby Bomburu Ella and other attractions (such as Hakgala Botanical Garden Sita Amman Temple and Moon Plains), Ravana Ella can be visited on a day excursion from Nuwara Eliya or on a detour from the classic touristic route from Nuwara Eliya to Haputale or Ella.

The distance to the much larger waterfalls of Bomburu Ella is 3 km (2 miles), as the crow flies, and 4 km by road and footpath. The last few hundred meters to the falls have to be walked. There are two access ways, one across a hill from the west and the other one on flat fround along the stream from the east. Walking distance from 3km Uduhawara junction would be 3 km, but there are gravel roads that come much closer to the waterfalls. In between the waterfalls of Bomburu Ella and Rawan Ella are two noteworthy hills, that are also hiking destinations, namely Rahugala and Wilibissa.    

The falls are located approximately 14 km (9 miles) from Welimada and 13 km from Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Road Distance to Nuwara Eliya is 22 km (14 miles).

Like in the case of several other waterfalls in Sri Lanka, there is a local belief that there is a treasure hidden in the pool at the bottom of the falls. A copper pot filled with gold is said to be buried here and sometimes this pot surfaces. But even in the lucky event that you can spot the pot, don't rejoice impetuously. People know, the pot cannot be touched by anyone.

Presumably, it is this folk believe that caused the waterfall to be named "Rawan", because "ranvan" means "golden". However, others say, it is named after the legendary demon known from the Ramayana rpic, King Ravana of Lanka.