Distance from Kandy – 82.7 km (2 hours 40 minutes)

Olu Ella is situated in Yatiyantota town of Kegalle district. It stands at a height of 127 meters and is the 6th tallest waterfall of Sri Lanka and the tallest waterfall in the Kegalle district. It is also the highest waterfall connected with the Kelani River. Nicknamed as “Sri Lankan Niagara” this waterfall has never run dry even during the worst of droughts.

Olu Ella gets its name due to its resemblance to the white “olu flower”. The multiple falls of Olu Ella look like the petals of the olu flower.

The source of the Olu Ella waterfall is Wee Oya originating from the 1200 meters Baranawa mountain which later connects to Welihel Oya in the Parusella area and then on to the Kelani River at Yatiyanthota. Olu Ella waterfall is 18 meters wide, 127 meters tall and falls in a total of four segments. An ancient wooden bridge lies across the Wee Oya which is made of wood during the colonial era to transport tea leaves. This bridge is said be the oldest wooden bridge in use in Sri Lanka up to date.

Getting to Olu Ella

From Kandy take the Colombo – Kandy Road up to Yatiyanthota, passing Kadugannawa, Ussapitiya, Hettimulla, Bulathkohupitiya and Karawanella. Turn left at Pelampitiya Road and go down to find Olu Ella. There is a wooden bridge in the road from which point the Olu Ella waterfall is clearly visible.

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