Ramboda Falls form a Y-shaped waterfall 109 metres high, located in Pusselawa in the Nuwara Eliya district, in the heart of Sri Lanka's central highlands. Also known as Puna Ella, it is generally considered the country's eleventh highest waterfall, at an altitude of 945 metres.

Why visit Ramboda Falls

The site combines three rarely unified assets on a single Sri Lankan cascade. First, its structure: two distinct waterfalls that converge at the base to form a characteristic Y-shape, visible from the main road. Second, its accessibility: the cascade sits directly on the Kandy–Nuwara Eliya (A5) axis, making it a logical stop between the royal city and the highland tea plantations. Third, swimming: a natural pool forms at the foot of the upper waterfall during the dry season, which remains rare for a fall of this scale.

Visitor numbers remain moderate during weekdays, allowing you to enjoy the site without the crowds found at more publicised falls such as Bambarakanda or Diyaluma.

Origin and hydrography

The waterfall originates in the Panna Oya river, a tributary of the Kothmale Oya, itself part of the Mahaweli basin. Its Y-shaped morphology results from the confluence of two distinct waterfalls that originally had independent courses before converging at the base.

The name Puna Ella circulates in local place names and the cascade feeds various oral traditions particular to the villages of Pusselawa, though no precise historical sources document these accounts. The surrounding highlands were largely transformed in the nineteenth century by the establishment of British tea plantations, still visible near the site (notably the Blue Field factory, which now serves as a landmark for the junction).

What to see on site

Ramboda Falls are discovered in three distinct sections, distributed around the main road.

The upper section

It hides in the jungle above the A5. This is where you'll find the natural bathing pool accessible during the dry season, when water flow decreases. Access requires a short uphill walk through the vegetation.

The middle section

Visible from the road, this is the most photographed portion. Several viewpoints allow you to appreciate the Y-structure, especially after the monsoon when water flow is at its peak.

The lower section

Located below the road, it can be reached via a short trail. The sound of water and ambient humidity are more pronounced here, as the site is nestled within highland tropical vegetation.

Practical information

• Entrance fee: access to the main viewpoint from the road is free. A modest contribution may be requested to reach certain improved access points.
• Duration of visit: allow 1 to 2 hours to see all three sections without rushing.
• Swimming: possible only in the dry season, in the pool of the upper section. Rocks become slippery after rain; caution is advised.
• Equipment: closed-toe shoes with good grip, wind-resistant clothing (gusts are frequent), swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim.
• Wildlife: the wooded surroundings are conducive to observing endemic highland birds.

When to visit

The Pusselawa region enjoys a temperate highland climate, ventilated and cooler than the coastal plains. Three periods structure the year:

• October to January: humid and rainy period. Water flow is spectacular but rocks are slippery and swimming is inadvisable.
• February to March: cooler and more stable conditions, a good balance between water flow and safety.
• April to June: warmer temperatures, reduced water flow, swimming practicable in the upper pool.

Choose a weekday visit to avoid local weekend crowds. Morning light particularly highlights the Y-structure.

How to get there

Ramboda Falls lie on the A5 highway connecting Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. From Kandy, allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road depending on traffic, on a winding but well-maintained mountain road. The landmark is the Blue Field tea factory: take the left junction just before the factory to reach the direct access points to the various sections.

Three options are available to visitors:

• Car with driver: the most flexible option, allows you to combine the waterfall with a tea plantation visit.
• Taxi or tuk-tuk: possible from Nuwara Eliya (closer, approximately 30 to 45 minutes).
• Public bus: Kandy–Nuwara Eliya services pass by the waterfall; ask for the stop at Ramboda.

Nearby

The waterfall sits naturally within a highland route. About an hour away is Nuwara Eliya, a former British colonial hill station known for its Victorian architecture and plantations. The neighbouring Blue Field factory offers tours of tea processing stages. Further north, the Kandy region allows you to continue with cultural sites such as Kandyan dance, Embekke Devalaya or Gadaladeniya Vihara. To further explore natural and archaeological sites, Ritigala and Buduruwagala are worth a detour.

Frequently asked questions

Including Ramboda Falls in your itinerary

Ramboda Falls fit naturally between Kandy and the highland plantations, on the route to Nuwara Eliya or Ella. To build a coherent circuit combining waterfalls, plantations and cultural sites in the country's centre, consult our itinerary suggestions on the Sri Lanka travel page.