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Ravana's Cave near Ella is linked in legend to Ravana of the Ramayana; excavations found signs of human habitation going back around 25,000 years.
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Ravana's Cave
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One of 4 Things to Do in Ella
In short
About 2 km from Ella town, Ravana's Cave is tied in legend to Ravana of the Ramayana, and excavations found signs of human life going back some 25,000 years. Entry is paid. Allow about an hour for the visit, and it suits travellers interested in both the legend and the archaeology of the Ella hills.
Ravana's Cave is a small cave near Ella in Uva Province, Sri Lanka, about 11 km from Bandarawela, that local legend links to Ravana of the Ramayana, who is said to have hidden Sita here. A long, steep staircase climbs from the road to the cave mouth, with valley views on the way. It suits fit visitors with an interest in myth or archaeology.
Signs of people living here 25,000 years ago
The cave lies about 1,370 m above sea level at the foot of a cliff. Excavations found signs of human habitation going back around 25,000 years, so the site matters to archaeologists as well as pilgrims. Several metres of floor sediment were removed during the digs, which is why the floor inside is uneven.
Sita, Ravana Ella and the tunnel legend
The legend places Sita in a cave behind Ravana Ella, the waterfall below, and a tunnel is said to run from the area towards the Dowa temple near Bandarawela. These stories are folklore, and none has been confirmed by archaeology.
Ravana Ella, 6 km from Ella station
Ravana Ella, also called Bambaragala Falls, is about 6 km from Ella railway station. It drops about 25 m from an oval rock outcrop on a tributary of the Kirindi Oya and is one of the widest falls in the country. The flow drops sharply in the dry season. Both sites lie within the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Key information
📍Distance: About 2 km from Ella
⛰️Altitude: About 1,370 m
🦴Archaeology: Habitation about 25,000 years ago
🪜Effort: Steep steps
🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
✦
Plan your visit to Ravana's Cave
Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
Experiences
- Ramayana legend
- Steep staircase with valley views
- Archaeological cave
What They Offer
Visit duration
1 hour
Timed entry required No
Tours & experiences
Guided tours and experiences that include Ravana's Cave. See tours
Accessibility
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Age limits
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What to pack
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What to wear
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Not allowed
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Amenities
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Tips for visiting Ravana's Cave
- Pair with Ravana Falls and Nine Arches Bridge.
- Go in the morning before the heat.
Driving
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Public transportation
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Address
Near Ella; most combine it with Ravana Falls and Nine Arches Bridge in a half-day loop.
Opening Hours
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Special events
No special events on record for Ravana's Cave.
Best times to visit
Morning.
Best days to visit
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Best months to visit
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Visitor policy
Cancellation and prepayment
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Children and admission
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Groups
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Pets
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Photography
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Bags
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Smoking
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Accepted payment
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Stay in Ella
Where to stay near Ravana's Cave
Hotels closest to Ravana's Cave, nearest first, so you spend less time on the road and more time there.
Ella
98 Acres Resort & Spa5-star hotel
No reviews yet0.6 km from Ravana's Cave
from$200.00/ night
- Free WiFi
- Swimming pool
- Parking
4 Rooms available
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
About 2 km from Ella town in the hill country.
Local legend says Ravana of the Ramayana hid Sita here.
About 1,370 m above sea level, at the foot of a cliff.
Excavations found signs of habitation going back around 25,000 years.
A long, steep staircase climbs from the road to the cave mouth.
No, the cave itself is small.
Ravana Falls and Nine Arches Bridge for a half-day loop.
Yes, valley views from the staircase.
The closest hotel listed on bookingMentor is 98 Acres Resort & Spa, 600 m away.
Cafe Chill is the closest restaurant listed on bookingMentor, 1.5 km away.
Prices & payment
A small fee is charged.
Timing & weather
In the morning.
Most visitors spend 1 hour at Ravana's Cave.
Getting there
Both lie along the same stretch south of Ella; the falls are about 6 km from Ella railway station.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the airport for Ravana's Cave, about 134 km away in a straight line.