Kurundu Oya Ella Falls (Maturata Ella)

Kurundu Oya Ella, also known as Maturata Ella, is a giant waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is very tall, standing at about 189 meters (620 feet). This makes it one of the highest waterfalls in the country (often ranked 2nd or 3rd highest). It starts from the Kurundu River and flows down into a deep valley before joining the Mahaweli River. The waterfall is hidden in the Nuwara Eliya district, near a town called Walapane. It falls over black rocks and is surrounded by green tea gardens and forests.

📌 Why You Should Visit

This waterfall is a hidden gem. Unlike other famous waterfalls that are crowded, this one is quiet and peaceful.

✅ Big Height: Seeing water fall from such a great height is amazing.

✅ Nature: It is surrounded by beautiful nature, tea plants, and hills.

✅ Peaceful: It is not very busy, so you can enjoy the sound of water and nature without noise.

📌 Other Important Details

↔️ Location: Walapane, Nuwara Eliya District.

↔️ Water Source: Kurundu Oya (River).

↔️ Nearby Landmark: There is a Japanese Peace Pagoda nearby where you can get a good view of the top part of the falls.

↔️ Power: There is a small hydro-power station in the area.

📌 Things to Do

🌟 Photography: Take beautiful photos of the waterfall and the tea estates.

🌟 Hiking: Walk through the tea plantations to get closer to the falls.

🌟 Viewpoints: Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda for a distant but clear view.

🌟 Bird Watching: Look for colorful birds in the surrounding trees.

📌 How to Get There

Getting there is a bit of an adventure!

📍 From Nuwara Eliya: Drive towards Kandapola.

📍 To Walapane: Continue on the road to Walapane (about 30 km total).

📍 The Turn: Look for the turn-off near the 29th-mile post or ask locals for the road to the waterfall.

🚗 The Last Part: The final road is rough. You might need a 4×4 vehicle or you can park and walk about 2km through the tea estate to see it.

📌 Visitor Experience

Visitors often feel small standing next to such a huge waterfall. The walk to the falls is very scenic, passing through green tea bushes. You will feel the cool mist on your face. It is a bit tiring to walk, but the view is worth it. It feels like a real adventure because it is wild and natural.

📌 Important Tips & Safety

⚠️ Leeches: There are many leeches, especially if it rained. Wear long socks or use leech protection.

⚠️ No Swimming: It is dangerous to bathe or swim here. The water falls hard and the rocks are slippery.

⚠️ Wear Shoes: Wear good sports shoes or hiking boots. The path can be muddy.

⚠️ Keep Clean: Do not throw plastic or trash. Keep the forest clean.

⚠️ Go Early: It is best to go in the morning to avoid afternoon mist or rain.

Kurundu Oya Ella is a magnificent gift of nature. It is tall, beautiful, and quiet. Although the road is a bit tough, the view of the water crashing down into the valley is a memory you will keep forever. It is a perfect spot for nature lovers who want to explore something special.