Duwili Falls, Ella Overview

Duwili Ella Falls or Walawe Ganga East Falls is a milky flow of water that is suspended from a height of 40 metres. Nestled in Thanjantenna village, of Rathnapura district Duwili in Sinhalese translates to ‘dust’. The velocity at which the water pours makes the flow of water look like dust falling from the sky. Hence the name “Duwili”.

Thanjantenna is an archaeological village that is deep-rooted in history dating back to many centuries. Its historical significance adds to the cultural importance that the Duwili falls holds. The local community around the falls play a great role in adding to its warm and friendly ambience. The falls is enclosed by a shrubs and shielded with a pack of trees, that reflect the rich vegetation of these lands. The cold waters befit tourists to take a swim in the gushing pours. The rocks lined along serve as a protection for the swimmers and provides a stronghold for the novice to stay afloat as well.

The birds, animals and insects in the thick forests that surround Duwili play a pivotal role in the ecosystem. Their constant chants and noises make Duwili a perfect exposure of the woods. The environment is tranquil and provides moments of absolute privacy with nature, as Duwili falls is positioned in such a way! Sunlight shines in the morning leaving a golden hue on the waters and the beam trickles during the early evening. The nights are colder and is perfect to set up camp around a bonfire overlooking the falls and its rich pools of water.

Fauna and Flora at Duwili Falls

Scenic attractions are aplenty in Rathnapura. It is home to Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Udawalawe National Park. Sinharaja covering an area of 8700 hectares is one of the few virgin forests left in the world. Streams, springs, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, rare deciduous trees, valuable shrubs and medicinal herbs are found in abundance in these fertile lands. Elephants, rhinos and diverse varieties of birds soar in the city of gems.

Best Time to Visit Duwili Falls

The weather in Duwili and its surrounding regions is colder in comparison the coastal beach towns like Hikkaduwa or Mirissa. Summers, monsoons and winters have a bearable climate topped with a mild breeze in the evenings. On an average day, temperature ranges between 24 °C and 31 °C. October to November has a wet climate propped with precipitation and chances of rain. The rocks may be slippery making it difficult to cruise through to the falls. Tourists flock down between November to March as the climate is pleasant and Christmas and New Year’s eve have their own Sri Lankan twist to it. April and May sees the sun shining with full energy to boost your trek to Duwili.