Kumari Falls (Kumari Ella)

Being one of the very few waterfalls situated within the Colombo Disctrict, Kumari Ella has been a very popular destination due to its easy accessibility. Although, quite small in size compared to other famous waterfalls found in the country, still this waterfall is no less in beauty and grandeur. In the past, this waterfall has also been known as Lelwala Ella. Located, just a couple of kilometers south of the town of Puwakpitiya, the closest village to the Kumari Ella is called Sirisanda.

"Kumari Wala".

In Sinhalese, “Kumari” means princess and “Ella” means waterfall. According to the folklore, a daughter of the King Rajasinghe II (1608-1687) (reign 1635-1687) also known as King Seethawaka Rajasinghe, had drowned near the falls. Hence this waterfall said to have received the name “Kumari Ella”. In addition, there is a belief of the existence of a tunnel belonging to the Rajasinghe reign.

Today, the natural pool beneath the waterfall, known as “Kumari Wala” has become quite popular as a safe bathing spot among the villagers as well as the travelers.

Quick Facts

	Total height	4 m (13 ft.)
	Watercourse	Ambangama Oya (Kelani Ganga)
	Altitude	About 90 m above m.s.l.

Getting There…

If you are coming from Puwakpitiya (situated along the Colombo - Avissawella High Level Road, 6km from Kosgama and 4.5 km from Avissawella):

1. At the Puwakpitiya Junction, turn to the Puwakpitiya - Thummodara Road.
2. Continue 2.8 km towards Thummodara until you meet Hewainna Road to your left. It is a gravel road sloping down from the main road. (If your vehicle does not have enough ground-clearance, it is advisable to park it here.)
3. Continue, another 350 m along Hewainna Road, and you will see the waterfall to your left beyond the outcrop.



Start of the Hewainna Road as seen when coming
from Puwakpitiya side.

4. By continuing a few meters down the slope along the footpath through the vegetation, you can reach the waterfall and the bathing spot.

If you are coming from Labugama:

1. At the Thummodara Junction, turn to the Puwakpitiya - Thummodara Road. (This is quite close to the Thummodara Old Bridge.)
2. Continue 6.6 km towards Puwakpitiya until you meet Hewainna Road to your right. (Then follow the directions given above.)

Right before the plunge...

Places to Stay

• Rest House, Avissawella. (7.1 km)
• Purple Sun Holiday Resort, Avissawella. (8.2 km)
• Ayr Bangalow, Dambora. (12.0 km)
• Ambalama Leisure Lounge, Hanwella. (15.8 km)
• Village End Holiday Resort, Bope. (17.2 km)
• Serenity Village, Kalatuwawa. (18.3 km)

Attractions Nearby

• Ella Uda Ella (4.0 km)
• Thummodara Ranmudu Ella (6.7 km)
• Dambora Ella (8.5 km)

References

1. Wickremaratne, Dharman. Sep. 2005. Sri Lankan Waterfalls. 3rd print (Dec. 2006). Colombo : s.n., Sep. 2005. p. 560. ISBN 955-9161-31-8.

Bathing upriver...

Travel Notes

Following are based on the observations on 2011-12-26.

• It is not so difficult even for a vehicle with low ground-clearance, to go along the Hewainna Road. However, bad weather could make the road conditions worse.
• Just like many other popular natural attractions, Kumari Ella has also suffered heavily from irresponsible tourists. Garbage (specially polythene) can be seen around a lot, making it a very unpleasant scene. Also, be aware of any broken glass fragments as this is a very popular destination among the travelers who consume alcohol on the spot.
• Always, remember to check with locals about the weather patterns and the water level before getting into the water, since raining upriver can result flash-floods.