Olu Ella waterfall in Yatiyantota

Travel Guide Contents

Olu Ella is a Sri Lankan Nayagara

Olu Ella is tallest waterfall in the Kegalle District and the 6th in Sri Lanka. This is the main water source for Kelani River. Which is situated at Pelempitiya in Yatiyanthota area.

Olu ella Falls also mentioned as Sri Lankan Nayagara. Its 17 kms faraway from Yatiyanthota. But Easily you and reached to the location by car. when your going there, you can see other seasonal waterfalls and many bathing places. most importantly its not good for bathing in raining season. its an amazing place for photography and nature trails.

There is a wooden bridge which makes fabulous place. It is said be the oldest wooden bridge using Sri Lanka today.

It stands at a height of 127 meters and 18 meters wide. Containing total of four Segments. Therefore it looks like petals of the Olu flower.

  • Olu Ella waterfall cascading down large moss-covered boulders surrounded by forest
  • Olu Ella,waterfall, Yatiyantota
  • Olu Ella waterfall flowing over rocky terrain in a lush green forest setting

Travel at glance – Olu Ella

  • Direction :  Colombo –> Avissawella –> Karawanella –Yatiyantota – Pelempitiya Road (65.2 km)
  • Transport : Public Transport / Taxi / Tuk Tuk
  • Travel Time: (form Colombo 3.5 hrs)
  • Accommodation: Hotel at Avissawella / Thalduwa
  • Activities: Photography / Nature Trails / Cycling & Mountain Biking / Filming

Tips, Notes and Special Remark

  • Leech protection is good in this area
  • Beware about the road condition
  • Ask directions from locals
  • Do not visit during rainy season
  • Do not carry Plastic items, Make sure you bring back everything you took.

Image Gallery

  • Wooden information signboard with Sinhala text describing Olu Ella waterfall
  • Red bus crossing a narrow bridge over a river near Yatiyantota on the way to Olu Ella
  • Olu Ella waterfall in Yatiyantota
  • Olu Ella waterfall cascading over rocks into a shallow pool
  • Olu Ella waterfall flowing through moss-covered rocks surrounded by dense greenery
  • Person sitting on a wooden bridge railing overlooking the Olu Ella waterfall area

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Olu Ella Falls?

Olu Ella stands about 127 meters high and 18 meters wide, in four distinct segments, making it the tallest waterfall in the Kegalle District and the 6th tallest in Sri Lanka.

How do I get to Olu Ella from Colombo?

The drive is roughly 65.2 km via Avissawella, Karawanella, and Yatiyantota to Pelempitiya, taking about 3.5 hours by car, taxi, or tuk-tuk.

Is it safe to bathe at Olu Ella?

It’s best avoided during the rainy season, when the water can rise quickly, and leech protection is recommended on the trail year-round.

Nearby Waterfalls in the Kegalle & Dedugala Area