A low, wide waterfall and popular bathing spot in the Sri Pada forest just outside Ratnapura town.

Overview

Katugas Ella is a small, broad waterfall on a stream fed by springs in the Sri Pada forest, only a few kilometres from Ratnapura town. Though modest in height, its cool, clear pools make it a favourite bathing and picnic spot for locals, reached by a short walk through rubber and forest. Its closeness to town makes it an easy half-day escape from the heat and bustle of the gem markets.

History

The falls lie in the Kospelawinna area on the fringe of the Sri Pada (Peak Wilderness) forest and have long been a local recreation spot rather than a formal pilgrimage or heritage site, valued for the clean spring-fed water that flows down from the sacred mountain's catchment.