Habaraththawa Ella Falls
Uva Province, Monaragala
About Habaraththawa Ella Falls
Hidden within the eastern foothills of the central highlands, where the lush Uva Province transitions into the dry lowlands — a landscape of rocky hills, ancient reservoirs, and scattered forest patches, Habaraththawa Ella Falls drops 12 metres amid dry evergreen forest with characteristic rock outcrops and savanna-like grasslands, lusher vegetation along stream corridors.
Sri Lanka, despite its compact size, harbours over 500 waterfalls — more per square kilometre than almost any country on Earth. The Monaragala District alone contains dozens of cascades, ranging from thundering plunges visible from main roads to hidden gems deep in roadless jungle. Habaraththawa Ella Falls, at 12 metres, represents the kind of intimate, undiscovered cascade that makes waterfall hunting in Sri Lanka endlessly rewarding.
What to Expect
Tucked away from the main paths, this small waterfall is a local secret. The surrounding vegetation closes in overhead, creating a green grotto effect. Small fish dart in the clear pool below, and dragonflies hover in the spray.
Flora and Fauna
The forest surrounding Habaraththawa Ella Falls is characteristic of the eastern foothills of the central highlands, where the lush Uva Province transitions into the dry lowlands — a landscape of rocky hills, ancient reservoirs, and scattered forest patches. dry evergreen forest with characteristic rock outcrops and savanna-like grasslands, lusher vegetation along stream corridors create a rich habitat for wildlife. Birdwatchers may spot elephants from nearby Gal Oya and Yala regions, sambar deer, and the endangered sloth bear in remoter areas. Near the waterfall itself, the constant spray supports a micro-habitat of moisture-loving plants — look for tree ferns unfurling new fronds, cushions of bright green moss on rocks, and perhaps a flash of iridescent blue as a kingfisher darts along the stream.
Best Time to Visit
The waterfall is at its most impressive during the northeast monsoon (October to January), when heavy rainfall swells the streams feeding the cascade. However, trails can be slippery and leeches more active during peak rains. The inter-monsoon months of March-April and September-October often provide the best balance — decent water flow with more manageable trail conditions and clearer skies for photography. Early morning visits reward with the best light and the dawn chorus of the surrounding forest.
How to Get There
Monaragala is about 5 hours from Colombo via Ratnapura or Wellawaya. Public transport is limited — a vehicle is recommended for exploring waterfall sites. As a lesser-visited waterfall, finding Habaraththawa Ella Falls may require local knowledge. The nearest settlement can usually provide directions. Carry sufficient water and supplies as there are no facilities near the falls. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential as rocks near waterfalls are often covered in algae and can be treacherous when wet.
Visitor Tips
- Bring a waterproof bag for electronics — spray from the falls can travel surprisingly far
- Swimming is possible at many falls, but check water depth and current first, especially after rain
- Leeches are common near waterfalls during wet months — wearing long socks tucked into trousers helps
- Leave no trace — carry out all rubbish and respect the natural environment
