Road To Rathna Ella
On the western slope of the central mountain range, at the bottom of the magnificent 18 bends you wil
l find the town of Hasalaka, the birthplace of a hero. Traveling towards Hettipola from the statue of the hero, Gamini Kularathne, you can reach Mahaessuma(Mahaaswadduma)
village and then Rathna Ella village. You have to park the vehicles in the parking lot and go on foot to see the Rathna Ella falls and Kaluwawatunu falls.In the village you can see a number of industries which are inherited to the area. There are about 284 families living in Ratna Ella with a social background based on Dumbara handicrafts, pottery, mining and agriculture. You can take the canal in the Knuckles Reserve Zone which starts at the end of the village passing the picturesque paddy field, cultivated in “helamalu”(terrace) method... The Ging River, which starts from the Knuckles peaks, which covering about 343 hectares like the Meemure rock, forming several waterfalls, feeding several villages and joins the Mahaweli River at Hasalaka Oya.
Kaluwawatunu Ella is about 600 m below the Rathna Ella can be seen giving a paneromic view. The waterfall is about 15m
high and 25m wide and has a breathtaking
view to the eye. It is also said that princes Sitha came to this place for bathing from the hidden palace across the Hasalaka stream through a tunnel. Then walking about 200m on the same road again, you will come across the anicut built by Mr. H.M Navarathne around 1978 to carry water for all the needs of the village of Ratna Ella. Even today, one can see the homage paid for the god “Kele Bandara” before getting water for farming. A few meters away from here, one can see the Ratna Ella waterfall. It is about 113m in height, 78m in width and withal it is the sixth tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Bird species endemic to Sri Lanka can be seen in the vicinity of this reserve such as vultures,
hawksbills as well as lizards and snakes. Endemic Plants such as ebony, the cork-leaved bayur
and agarwood are also found. It is the responsibility of all of us to protect this valuable resource,
which is of great value and consistent with biodiversity.
Coming here and leaving only footprints and carrying only memories is a great service to our future
as well as to the commitment of the villagers who are striving to preserve this resource
