King Ravana’s Connection with Ella – By Dr harold Gunatillake
Sri Lanka is reaching its target tourist mark for 2023; it is hoped travellers will turn their sights in 2024 to visit the splendid island called Sri Lanka. So, let’s check this connection with Ella, now famous as a nest for foreign tourists and spoken about worldwide.
Nestled in a verdant valley, surrounded by stunning vistas, the tranquil town of Ella is like a slice of paradise. Ella has gained worldwide fame and is now a popular destination in Sri Lanka, surpassing Hikkaduwe, once the most visited tourist site. But what makes this little village such a hot spot for tourists?
Ella is renowned for its hilly terrain in Sri Lanka, surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. Due to its higher elevation, the town has a cooler climate than the surrounding lowlands. The days can be warm, and the nights can be freezing, so it’s recommended to bring warm clothing.
Now, let’s talk about the Ella Gap and its panoramic view. The Ella Gap offers stunning views across the southern plains of Sri Lanka. On a sunny morning, visitors can see the glow from the lighthouses along the south coast. The Ella Gap https://youtu.be/3SRfJ3x_qto Website: www.Doctorharold.com panorama is a must-see for those who love nature and are surrounded by natural beauty.
The Ella Gap Panorama is situated 1km from Ella town on the Kitalella road, where visitors can witness the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain ranges. This is an ideal location to view the sunrise.
Now, let’s talk about Ravana Ella’s cave.
Let’s visit the unveiling of a historic wonder – the Ravana Ella Cave. Ravana Cave, linked to King Ravana, the king of Lanka at the time of the classic Indian epic Ramayana, is a noteworthy sight in Ella and a must-visit when in Ella. Ravana’s massive creation- the Ravana Cave and tunnel located in Ella- is connected with cities, dairy farms, and airports. It proved beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana.
According to the legend, Ravana imprisoned Sita after stealing her in this cave. Formerly hidden by dense forest, the cave is now covered by the 82-foot Ravana waterfalls, with a lake at the base where Sita is said to have bathed. An old temple, waterfalls, and a cave can be found at this location. This location is approximately 6 km from Ella railway station and 11 km from Bandarwela. The cave is positioned 1370 meters above sea level on a rock. Surprisingly, a tunnel leads to Ravana Eliya in the cave’s rear.
Archaeological research has also proven human occupancy, dating back 25,000 years. In the classic epic story of Ramayana, King Rama of India, she had a beautiful wife named Queen Sita. King Ravana abducted Queen Sita and brought her to Sri Lanka, where she was imprisoned in these caverns. These tunnels provided abundant access for swift and uninterrupted passage, making them the ideal entryway for King Ravana. Ella was significant to the myth and the reality of this epic narrative. It is also claimed that Ravana and Ella had close relationships.
Ravana did not hide Sita only in this cave; he moved her to many other caves so that Rama, the King, would never find her. This is why there are so many Ravanacaves on the island. So, here I am at the site where the beautiful Sita was kept. This Ravana Ella Cavelies at 1,370 m (4,490 ft) above sea level on the foundation of a cliff. The cave is a popular local tourist attraction 11 km (7 mi) from Bandarawela. Let’s talk about the Ravana waterfalls, which have been named after the legendary king Ravana, a character from the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to the legend, Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka at the time, kidnapped Princess Sita and hid her in the caves behind this waterfall, now known as the Ravana Ella Cave. The cave was surrounded by thick forests amid wilderness. It is also believed that
Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water from this waterfall. Ella has become a popular tourist destination due to its historic events and manyexciting places to visit, such as the Nine Arches Bridge, Ravana Falls, and Ella Rock.
Ella Rock is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the area, and a threehour easy trek will take you further into the luxuriantly dense forested countryside of Ella attractions. Little Adam’s Peak is another popular hiking trail that should not be missed. Due to its natural landscape, Ella has many quaint and rustic hiking trails. Additionally, the Dhowa Rock Temple is another attraction in Ella. The temple, which is around 2,000 years old, is famous for its huge 39ft. unfinished statue of Buddha, while the rock murals in this temple are amazing sights.
A day at the Ravana pool and the swing is a must. Most of all, the people in Ella are friendly and always willing to assist you. So, make it your next holiday destination.
Goodbye until we meet again.
