Nanu Oya Ella Falls

Nanu Oya Ella Falls (also known as Nanuoya Waterfall) is a beautiful waterfall located in the small, misty town of Nanu Oya, Sri Lanka. It stands about 60 meters (197 feet) tall. The water does not fall in one straight line; instead, it flows down a series of 25 rocky steps, creating a lovely cascading effect.

The waterfall starts from the Nanu Oya river, which flows through the green tea estates of Udaradella and Bambarakelle. After tumbling down the rocks, the water eventually joins the larger Kotmale and Mahaweli rivers. One of the most special features of this waterfall is that it is located right near the famous Nanu Oya Railway Station. There is even a railway bridge that goes over the falls, making it a very unique scene where you might see a train passing right above the cascading water!

📌 Why Should You Visit

 This waterfall is a perfect stop for nature lovers and train fans. Here is why it is important:

✅ Scenic Beauty: The waterfall is surrounded by lush green plants and tea plantations. The white water against the green hills looks amazing.

✅ Train Views: It is one of the few places where you can take a photo of a waterfall and a train in the same frame. The railway bridge adds a special charm.

✅ Easy Access: It is very close to the main road and the railway station, so you don’t need to do a hard hike to see it.

📌 Other Important Details

↔️ Location: Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province.

↔️ Height: ~60 meters.

↔️ Water Source: Nanu Oya River (originating from Pidurutalagala Mountain).

↔️ Nearby Waterfall: There is another smaller fall nearby called Glassaugh Falls if you want to see more water!

📌 Things to Do

🌟 Photography: Take pictures of the waterfall steps. Try to catch the blue train passing over the bridge for a “perfect shot.”

🌟 Bathing: There are natural pools at the bottom where you can take a bath. The water is usually very clean and cool.

🌟 Walking: Enjoy a short, peaceful walk from the railway station to the falls.

🌟 Sightseeing: Enjoy the view of the surrounding tea estates.

📌 How to Get There

🚗 From Nuwara Eliya: It is only about 6 km away. You can take a Tuk-tuk or a bus heading towards Nanu Oya.

🚂 By Train: Get off at the Nanu Oya Railway Station. From the station, you can walk or take a short ride along the by-road next to the station. You will travel about 1.5 km on this route to reach the best viewing spot.

🚗 By Road: You can see a glimpse of it from the main Avissawella-Nuwara Eliya road, but taking the side road gives you a much better view.

📌 What Experience Visitors Can Get

 Visiting this place feels very refreshing.

➕ Atmosphere: The air is usually cool and misty because of the high altitude.

➕ Sound: The sound of the water flowing down the steps is very relaxing.

➕ Feeling: If you touch the water, you will feel it is ice-cold! It wakes you up instantly. It is a quiet place compared to the busy city center.

📌 Important Tips and Guides (Safety & Warnings)

⚠️ Slippery Rocks: The rocks near the waterfall can be very slippery. Be careful if you are walking on them.

⚠️ Water Levels: If it is raining heavily, the water level can rise suddenly. Do not enter the water during heavy rains.

⚠️ Cold Water: The water is very cold. If you plan to bathe, be ready for a chilly experience!

⚠️ Leeches: Like many wet areas in Sri Lanka, there might be leeches in the grass, especially after rain. Wear good shoes or check your feet.

Nanu Oya Ella Falls is a wonderful, easy-to-visit spot in the hill country. Whether you are waiting for a train or staying in Nuwara Eliya, it is worth a quick visit. The mix of the beautiful tiered waterfall, the green tea fields, and the passing trains makes it a memory you will not forget.