Gotuwala Ella is a cool waterfall that is hidden away in the highlands of Ella. It is next to the famous railway track in Sri Lanka. This waterfall is 15 meters high and it drops down through the lush green terrain of the Badulla District in the Uva Province. It is a place to visit if you want to get away from the crowds and see something really natural and beautiful. Gotuwala Ella is named after a village that is near the famous Nine Arch Bridge. The waterfall actually flows under the railway track, which’s really pretty and interesting.
The Adventure of Getting
To get to this waterfall you have to go on a bit of an adventure. You have to walk along the railway tracks, which’s really scenic and nice. Most people start at the Ella Train Station. Walk about two and a half kilometers to the Nine Arch Bridge. After you see the bridge you have to keep walking along the tracks for another kilometer to get to the Demodara Station. Then you will come to a bridge where you can see the waterfall rushing under the rails, which’s really amazing.
The Hidden Landscape and Wildlife
Gotuwala Ella is still really wild and untouched which is great. The waterfall drops down a face and is surrounded by dense forest, big ferns and wild orchids. There are also tea plantations around. The spray from the waterfall keeps the area green and vibrant. If you go there early in the morning you can hear the birds singing and see them flying around which is really nice. It is a place for people who like taking pictures of nature.
Essential Safety and Planning Advice
You have to be really careful when you are walking along the railway tracks to get to Gotuwala Ella. There are bridges and dark tunnels and you have to make sure you know when the trains are coming so you can get out of the way. You are not supposed to walk on the tracks. Lots of locals and hikers do it anyway. You just have to be really careful and make sure you can hear the trains coming.
Best Times to Visit
The time to see Gotuwala Ella is during the northeast monsoon season, which is from October to January. The waterfall is really full and powerful then. It is also an idea to go early in the morning so you can avoid the heat and the rain that comes in the afternoon. The light is also really nice in the morning which’s great for taking pictures.
If you want to add Gotuwala Ella to your trip let me know how days you are going to spend in Ella, how fit you are for hiking and if you want some recommendations, for nice places to stay near the waterfall.
