Alakola Ella is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka in a village named Madulkelle. The name Alakola Ella has been a derivation from its older name Allen Collen Watte Ella. Allen Collen was a planter during the British regime, and this surrounding waterfall area was under him and referred to as Allen Collen Watte. When the locals pronounce this name, there was a difference in the sound, and finally, it has become Alakola Watte. The Alakola Ella lies in this Alakola Watte (estate) in the Knuckles mountain range. Therefore it derived its name. Sometimes, it is also referred to as Thaliya Wetuna Ella. It is formed from a tributary of the Hulu Ganga originating in the Knuckles mountain range.
How to reach the Alakola Ella:
From Kandy
Alakola Ella is situated about 34 km from Kandy, which takes about 1 ½ hour to travel. From Kandy you should take the Katugastota – Madawala – Bambarella Road and go past Polgolla, Madawala and Panwila until Huluganga. The road towards Alakola Estate is located right in front of the Hulu Ganga Bridge. Then you need to travel about 3 km along this route to reach a footpath leading towards the Alakola Ella Falls base pool.
The traveller needs to take a small hike to reach the waterfall. The trail to the waterfall takes you through splendid tea hills, and as you move further, you will also cross a vegetated wilderness. You will start hearing the sound of the water flowing slowly while you walk through this wide area, and there you reach the waterfall.
