Gotuwala Ella

Gotuwala Ella

Gotuwala Ella is situated in the beautiful town of Ella, Sri Lanka. Though it is a small waterfall, it has an alluring view. This beauty has been named after the village that she is in, which is “Gotuwala”. This is the village where the famous ‘Nine Arch Bridge’ is situated.

About the destination

Gotuwala Ella can only be observed from the railway line.  Though this is a very beautiful waterfall, this is not famous among the regular travelers, due to the fact that you need to take a hike to meet this beauty and most people not knowing information about this waterfall.

This small beauty is in her full flow in the rainy season. If you are planning to visit her, always inquire about the rainfall in the area before you go.

Hiking in Gotuwala Ella

If you start your hike from the Nine Arch Bridge, you need to travel further for another 1 kilometer to meet the bridge from which the water of Gotuwala Ella flows right beneath the rail track. You may need to get permission from the station to walk along the rail track since t is considered illegal to walk along the rail track. Another thing to remember is that this part of the rail track consists of narrow and unprotected rail bridges and also with narrow tunnels. A better precaution is to get the train schedule from the railway station before you start your hike.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Take the Southern Expressway and take turn left turn onto Colombo- Hambantota Highway and then reach the Wellawaya By-Pass. Travel along Ella-Passara road and turn right onto Daluggalapathana road to reach your destination.

From Ella

Turn left onto Wellawaya-Ella Highway. Travel along Ella-Passara road and turn right onto Daluggalapathana road to reach your destination.

Images courtesy of : Onal Karunaratne